Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgeries in Hong Kong. It is suitable for women with breasts that are underdeveloped or decreased in size after childbirth. In recent years, various breast enlargement methods have appeared, but results are not guaranteed. Improper procedure methods may lead to serious complications. Methods that have been medically proven to be safe and effective are by breast implants or fat transfer.
Breast Implant
Patients can choose from saline or silicone implants, in round or teardrop shape and in a size that best fits their bodies. Breast implants currently use the 6th generation of silicone gel implant that is soft, durable and has a texture similar to breast tissue. The cohesiveness of the silicone gel also has very low leakage rate and will stick together in event of rupture; therefore, the use of silicone gel implant is very popular nowadays.
Breast augmentation with implant surgery usually lasts for two hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. Incision for the breast implant is usually made at the areola, under the armpit or at the inframammary fold. The scar is small and barely noticeable. The implant is placed under the chest muscles or directly under the breasts depending on breast volume. Bruising and swelling will gradually subside in one to two weeks and breasts will recover to look more natural in about three months.
Breast augmentation via implants is safe. Implants should not lead to any adverse reaction in the body, and will not affect results of mammogram or ultrasound checkup. Breast implants should not impede any sports activity or breast-feeding function. In most cases, breast augmentation results are long-lasting. Implant rupture rate is about 1% per year and 5% for capsular contracture. If such incidents occur, capsule removal or implant change is necessary. While complications are rare, haematoma or wound infection may happen. In extremely rare cases, anaplastic large cell lymphoma may occur with unknown reason.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer surgery is not only done for breast augmentation but also for improvement of body shape. The surgery lasts for two to three hours under general anaesthesia. Doctors will need to remove excess fat from donor sites such as the abdomen, upper arms or thighs. The fat is then purified and injected into the breasts to increase volume. Some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body and diminish the outcome. Some patients may need to repeat the procedure after four to six months to achieve a lasting result. Scars are minimal and bruising will generally subside within one to two weeks, with full recovery expected in three to four weeks. Side effects may include wound infection, oil cyst, lumpiness, asymmetry and microcalcification, but these complications are rare.