Breast Augmentation

Before you make a firm decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Most women get breast implants simply because that’s what they want for themselves. However, a small percentage of women opt for implants for the wrong reasons, which include the following:

Your Significant Other: It is never wise to get any sort of plastic surgery simply because it’s what your significant other wants. Like most all major plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation changes your body permanently. Yes, you can have the breast implants removed, but your breasts will never be exactly the same as they were prior to surgery. Having a surgery you don’t want will only make you unhappy, and it will cause resentment towards your partner, in addition to the other problems the relationship already has.

To Save a Failing Relationship: Breast implants will not fix a relationship that’s failing. Breast implants increase breast size, help even out breast size, etc., but that’s the extent of what breast implants can do.

You’re Depressed: Breast implants won’t change the fact that you’re depressed. Breast implants don’t change anything other than breast size. If you are clinically depressed, breast augmentation surgery is not the cure.

Before the breast augmentation operation actually takes place, there are a few things you can or need to do to prepare.

First of all, it’s important to be as healthy as possible before going into surgery. In case you get sick, even if you’re able to suppress it with medicine, please advise your surgeon as soon as possible.

Also a couple of things you could arrange before the surgery:

• Arrange a ride to and from surgery and someone to care for you (at least 48 hrs).
• Fill prescriptions. Buy a prescibed antibiotic ointment, gauze for changes, vitamins and anything approved or requested by our plastic surgeon.
• Shop for / cook some foods in advance (like soup). Have simple foods ready to eat (crackers, soup, jelly, canned health drinks) in case you can’t eat.
• Buy 1 or 2 large jogging or sports bras that open in front (no wires) and stretchy comfortable pajamas.
• Set up a table close to you with things you’ll need when you get home: medications, T.V. remote control, phone, vitamins, tissue, books, magazines, water bottle, etc. Keep a plastic waste can nearby (anesthesia and medications can make you nauseous).

The breast augmentation is performed at our state-of-the-art centre in Ta’ Xbiex using general anaesthetic. The surgery involves the placement of an implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle, which is called the pectoral muscle. Once inserted, the breast implants will push or help lift the breast tissue forward, making the breasts appear larger and fuller.

After your breast augmentation surgery you will be brought to the recovery room to be closely monitored for the first couple of hours. Your breast will be wrapped in gauze and supporting bandages or a supporting bra will offer your breasts support as they heal. After a couple of hours you will be allowed to go home. For the first 24 to 48 hours we advise you to rest as much as possible, you will need someone to take care of you since you won’t be able to perform any physical tasks. After a couple days you will be able to return to work and after 1-2 weeks you can resume most activities. The total recovery period is 4-6 weeks.

Mr Duncan Aquilina. MD.MRCS (Eng). EBOPRAS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr Simon De Gabriele. MD, MRCSEd , FEBOPRAS

Silicone implants are available in two different shapes, anatomical (teardrop) or round. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters or cc3—the higher the number, the larger the implant. Most implants can hold at least 400 ccs of filler (sometimes more), and about every 150 to 200 ccs equates to an increase of approximately one to one-and-a-half cup sizes. To determine the ideal implant size for you, the width of your breast needs to be taken into consideration.

Apart from the volume of the implants, also the projection (or Profile) plays a big factor in how the end-result will look. Projection is the term used for the forward projection of the implants. Two implants with the same volume can have a totally different look when the projection is different. Usually projection in breast implants range from Low-Profile to High-Profile. Which profile suits you best is determined by your personal physique and the width of your chest – and of course, your personal preference is taken into consideration.

At Persona we also offer Breast Fat Transfer; an alternative way to enlarge the breasts without implants or invasive surgery. Fat Transfer is essentially a 2-in-1 procedure, beginning with removal of fat from other body areas like the thighs, buttocks, abdomen or flanks via minimally-invasive micro-liposuction and then re-using the same, purified fat to enhance and reshape your breasts.

To be suitable for the treatment you will need to have sufficient fat on your body for transfer. However, for the right candidate, a Fat Transfer procedure can be the perfect solution – giving you the chance to reshape areas of your body whilst enlarging your breast size without the need of artificial implants.

Since a breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that takes place under general anesthesia, you need to be physically healthy. Furthermore, your breasts need to be fully developed. When choosing silicone implants you need to be 22 years or older, since silicone implants are medically approved from that age.

Your surgeon may recommend an uplift to achieve your desired result. This is often the case with breasts that droop and have lost a lot of volume. All women have different needs, and a discussion of your expectations during the consultation, will help you and your surgeon determine which approach will work best for you.