Breast Implants: A Guide to Breast Plastic Surgery

What is Breast Implants Surgery?

Breast implants surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure where implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size or restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. The procedure aims to enhance the fullness and projection of the breasts, improve the balance of the figure, and boost self-confidence.

What Can't Breast Implants Surgery Do?

While breast implants can significantly improve the size and shape of breasts, they have limitations:

• They cannot correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required in conjunction with implants.

• They may require implant replacement or implant removal in the future.

• They cannot rectify underlying psychological conditions related to body image.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?

Ideal candidates for breast implants include people who are:

• Physically healthy with realistic expectations.

• Non-smokers or willing to quit smoking.

• Women bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too small or have lost shape and volume.

• People with fully developed breasts - it is best to wait until your breasts have formed completely before undertaking any breast procedures

• Assigned-male-at-birth (AMAB) looking to access gender-affirming care.

How Much Does Breast Implants Cost in Vietnam?

The cost of breast implants in Vietnam is influenced by factors such as the clinic, surgeon's experience, and type of implants used, anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses.

Average: USD 2775
Range: USD 2000 - USD 3550

How Should I Prepare for Breast Implants?

Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring successful breast implant surgery and smooth recovery. Some general guidelines include:

• Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, options for implant type (saline or silicone), size, shape, and surgical technique. The surgeon will take measurements, evaluate your health, and may take preoperative photos.

• Provide a detailed medical history, including current medications, any previous surgeries or medical conditions.

• Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications (especially blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, and certain supplements), and fasting before the procedure.

• Stop smoking & alcohol consumption at least 2 weeks before your surgery. Smoking can impair blood flow and delay healing, and alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with anesthesia.

• Arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of the procedure. If you are coming to Vietnam, you can organise transport and other services with us: Hotels|Transport|Visas.

• Prepare surgery recovery kits and other resources and assistance during the initial recovery period including food, water, comfortable clothing, compression bandages, wound dressings, saline washes. Some of these things may be provided by the clinic or hospital - be sure to ask your surgeon.

• Plan time off from any work, commitments or other activities that should be avoided during the initial recovery period.

It is important to rest and allow your body to recover - closely follow these guidelines and instructions from your surgeon to minimize any potential risks or complications.

Here at Vietnam Surgeons we also offer further information on how to prepare for any surgery in Vietnam, and how to ensure your have the most comfortable recovery.

What are the Steps of a Breast Implants Procedure?

When undergoing a breast implant procedure, the following steps are usually involved:

1. Anesthesia: You will be given either general anesthesia for comfort during the surgical procedure.

2. Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in either the inframammary (under the breast fold), periareolar (around the nipple), transaxillary (in the armpit) or transumbilical (around the belly button, less common) area.

3. Implant placement: The surgeon will create a pocket to place the implant in either the submuscular (under the pectoral muscle) or subglandular (behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle) part of your chest.

4. Closing the incisions: Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the skin.

5. Bandaging and Support: The surgeon will apply dressings or bandages and may place a support bra or surgical garment over your breasts to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.

6. Recovery & Results: Immediate results, although swelling will need to subside over time.

What Should I Expect During My Breast Implants Recovery?

Recovering from breast implant surgery involves several stages, and understanding what to expect can help you prepare both mentally and physically. Here is a general overview of what you might experience during your recovery:

• Swelling and discomfort or pain for a few weeks. If the pain becomes extremely severe or you have difficulty breathing - contact your surgeon immediately.

• Wearing a support bra or compression garment to minimize swelling and support the breasts.

• Follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor healing.

• Avoiding strenuous activities for at least six weeks.

Immediate Post-Surgery (First Few Days)

• Hospital Stay: You may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight, depending on your specific case.

• Pain and Discomfort: It's common to experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the chest area. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage this.

• Bandages and Dressings: Your breasts will be covered with gauze dressings and possibly a surgical bra to support the implants and reduce swelling.

• Limited Activity: You should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Rest as much as possible and follow your surgeon's instructions on movement restrictions.

First Week

• Follow-Up Appointment: You will have a follow-up visit with your surgeon to check on your healing progress, remove or change dressings, and address any concerns.

• Swelling and Bruising: These symptoms will peak during this time but should gradually improve. Wearing a supportive bra as recommended can help with swelling.

• Pain Management: Continue taking prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your surgeon.

Weeks 2 to 6

• Improvement in Symptoms: Swelling and bruising should continue to decrease. Some discomfort may persist, but it will be less intense.

• Increased Activity: You can gradually resume normal daily activities. However, avoid high-impact activities, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise until your surgeon gives you the green light.

• Scar Care: Start caring for your incisions as instructed by your surgeon to minimize scarring. This may include using scar creams or silicone sheets.

Months 2 to 6

• Final Results: By this time, most of the swelling should have subsided, and you will start seeing the final shape and position of your implants.

• Regular Activity: You can typically return to all normal activities, including exercise, unless otherwise advised by your surgeon.

• Scar Maturation: Scars will continue to fade and flatten out over time. Follow your surgeon's advice on ongoing scar management.

What Results Can I Expect After Breast Implants?

Your results will depend on the goals and expectations that you set with your surgeon, as well as the procedure style and recovery. Typically, you can expect:

• Enhanced breast size and shape.

• Improved body proportion and self-confidence.

• Long-term results, although implants may need to be replaced eventually.

Risks & Side Effects of Breast Implants Surgery

As with any type of surgery, breast implant surgery carries some risks and potential side effects, including:

• Infection

• Bruising

• Scarring, including capsular contracture (scar tissue that may distort the implant shape)

• Implant leakage or rupture

• Changes in skin sensation around the nipples and breast

• Allergic reactions to anesthesia or materials used

• Uneven or asymmetrical results, or need for revision surgery

• Temporary or permanent numbness or nerve damage

• Discomfort or pain

• Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome

It is important to discuss these risks and side effects with your surgeon to set realistic expectations for the surgical outcome and help make an informed decision.

Breast Implants Surgery Combinations

Breast implants can be combined with other procedures, such as:

1. Breast lift (mastopexy): To enhance breast size while also lifting sagging breasts. Suitable for people who have lost volume, and/or experience breast sagging due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
2. Fat transfer to the breast: Use fat harvested from other parts of the body to enhance the shape and contour of the breast around the implants. This is an ideal combination for those desiring a more natural look and feel, or to correct minor asymmetries.
3. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): To achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen along with enhanced breast size. Women post-pregnancy (commonly part of a "mommy makeover") or those who have experienced significant weight loss are most suited to this type of procedure in combination with breast implants.
4. Liposuction: Liposuction contours the body by removing excess fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, which allows patients to improve their overall body shape and proportion to their new breasts.
5. Facial Procedures: Combining breast augmentation with facial rejuvenation procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery can further contribute to a more comprehensive approach to anti-aging and beautification.

Your plastic surgeon will assess your individual needs and goals to determine if combining lip surgery with other procedures is appropriate for you. Remember, some clinics and surgeons offer discounts and package deals for multiple procedures.

So, Should You Get Breast Implants?

Deciding to get breast implants is a personal choice that should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Consider your motivations, expectations, and the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.