The History and Development of Breast Augmentation

In this video, Dr. Effie Politis of Politis Plastic Surgery discusses the history and development of breast augmentation. She notes that the procedure has come a long way from the painful and invasive methods used in the past. Nowadays, there are more advanced techniques that result in minimal pain and quicker recovery times.

One of the biggest differences between past breast augmentation procedures and the ones used today is the level of pain experienced by patients. In the past, patients had to take a lot of narcotics to manage the excruciating pain that came with the procedure. They also experienced a lot of nausea and vomiting and needed several weeks to get back to their normal activities.

Dr. Politis explains that these negative side effects can be mitigated by not oversizing the implants and respecting the patient’s anatomy. Using the right pocket and plane during the procedure is also crucial. Additionally, multimodal anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort during and after the surgery. If all of these factors are executed appropriately, patients can expect to return to regular activities in 24 hours, with little to no pain and just some soreness that can be managed with Advil.

Dr. Politis emphasizes that this dry approach to breast augmentation involves minimal bleeding and no drains. She notes that the success of this method depends on the acumen of the surgeon. If the surgeon has the necessary skill and expertise, patients can expect a comfortable and quick recovery.

Overall, Dr. Politis believes that breast augmentation can be a fantastic option for the right candidate. She encourages patients to do their research and choose a reputable and experienced surgeon who can offer the latest techniques and technologies.

Breast augmentation has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more women opting for the procedure to enhance their appearance or boost their self-confidence. However, as with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications that patients should be aware of.

One of the most significant risks of breast augmentation is capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to become hard and misshapen. Other risks include infection, bleeding, and implant rupture or leakage.

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon who uses advanced techniques can help minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome. Patients should also be prepared for a period of recovery and follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

In conclusion, breast augmentation has come a long way since its inception, with more advanced techniques and technologies resulting in minimal pain and quicker recovery times. However, patients should still be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure and choose a reputable and experienced surgeon to ensure a successful outcome.

TRANSCRIPTION:

The biggest contrast with the breast augmentation that was practiced years ago and in my fellow colleagues and friends that have had a breast augmentation, most of them say it’s excruciatingly painful.

They have to take a lot of narcotics.

There’s a lot of nausea, vomiting.

It takes several weeks to get back to their normal activities.

And again, how do we mitigate all this?

It has to do with not oversizing the implants, respecting the patient’s anatomy, using the

right pocket, the right plane, using multimodal anesthesia, and then getting them back to

their…

It’s a very dry approach.

There’s not a lot of bleeding.

There’s no drains involved.

That all depends on the acumen of the surgeon.

So if that is executed appropriately, they should be able to get back to regular activities

in 24 hours.

They should be able to go out to dinner that night.

They should feel well.

They should not be in tremendous amount of pain.

They should be able to just take Advil for some soreness.

It should feel like a really hard workout in their chest.

And I think it’s been fantastic for the right candidate.

References:

• “Capsular Contracture – Surgery – Breastcancer.org.” 29 Jun. 2022, https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/corrective-reconstruction/capsular-contracture.
• “Risks and Complications of Breast Implants – FDA.” 13 Jun. 2022, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants.
• “Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation? | ASPS.” 16 Apr. 2019, https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/are-you-a-good-candidate-for-breast-augmentation.