silicone breast implants , with or without mastopexy ( breast uplift ) in the second stage . The second stage timing can be between 6-12 months following the first operation , however , it is variable between patients .
Fat transfer ( Lipo-filling , Lipo-modelling ), is another technique offered to correct breast asymmetry . The benefit of this technique is the use of your own fat , if available , in building the smaller breast , and refining the larger breast contour .
The stages to achieve the desired outcome could vary between1 to 3 . The fat donor sites include tummy , flanks (“ love handles ”), and thighs . The more desirable donor sites are the tummy and flanks .
Lipo-filling can also be used as an adjunctive procedure to supplement breast implants surgery to add more volume and also to refine the upper poles of both breasts . In some patients , and in order to create more space for the fat to be transferred an external suction device is used for 3 weeks ; however , the compliance with this tends to be poor . When combining options of treatment e . g . fat transfer and implants with or without mastopexies , this is called a hybrid approach .
Following many years of experience in performing balancing surgery for breast asymmetry , I find that it is rewarding both to me as a Plastic surgeon and most importantly also the patient . It gives , in the majority of patients the confidence they may have lost ; which is apparent from their first post-operative visit . In the case of the tissue expansion building the breasts over a period of time also allows for the psychological adjustment the patient goes through whilst experiencing body form changes .
The philosophy presented in this short article is based on my own experience and can vary between patients and also between consultant colleagues , which is part of the beauty of our specialty .
What To Expect After The Surgery :
The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic ; the hospital stay is one night . I personally use drains ( tubes used to drain excess fluid following surgery ), and have done so for many years . The scars vary on the surgery performed and could be under the breast , a “ lolly pop ” pattern or anchor-shaped . The dressings are removed and the dissolvable stitches are trimmed after 10-12 days . I do not advocate the patient wearing a bra until the dressings are removed . The bra will have no underwire fro a period of 4-6 weeks .
The anticipated recovery time following surgery in most patients is 3-4 weeks . In the case of tissue expansion , an injection of normal saline ( sterile salt and water ) is performed in outpatients ’ clinic in order to inflate the breast / s to the desired volume prior to the next stage . Numbing cream is used to numb the skin prior to injecting the fluid into the expandable device . In the case of fat transfer , a liposuction garment is worn for a period of 4-6 weeks .
Pain relief requirements vary between individuals ; hence we tailor the individual patient ’ s pain relief requirements in order to make their post surgery journey as pain free as possible .
In most patients they find the pain is limited as we use pain controlling local anaesthetic injections during surgery to minimise the pain . As a team we work together and aspire to achieve excellent and pain free outcomes following surgery .
To contact Ali Juma , call 0151 230 1648 .
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