Breast Augmentation in Lebanon

A Breast Augmentation is performed by inserting implants behind your breast tissue or below your chest muscles, both of these surgical techniques will position the implants behind your milk ducts to prevent any complications in the future, especially when breastfeeding. Your breasts may continue to develop as you reach your late teens and right up to your early twenties, which is why the FDA requires women to be at least eighteen years of age and older to undergo this type of surgery.

Prior to the breast enhancement procedure, you would have had to undergo a consultation and medical evaluation with your surgeon. During this time, your surgeon will help you decide what type of implants and what size best suits your breast condition. This is also the time to discuss incision options. The incision will depend on the type of implants, size and of course, the surgeon-patient preference. There are 3 types of incision that each patient must be aware of:

• Transaxillary incision - in the armpit
• Periareolar incision - around the nipple
• Inframammary incision - in the crease under the breast

There are two basic types of breast implants with both being performed under general anesthetic:

Saline implants composed of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Saline-filled implants can be pre-filled or filled during the placement procedure. This type of implant will give your breasts an even shape and more of a natural feel and firmness. Saline implants have been known to rupture over time, they may also wrinkle at an early stage as compared to other types of implants. However, if this type of implant leaks, its shell will collapse and eventually, the saline will be absorbed and expelled naturally by your body.

Silicone Implants, on the other hand, are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone). It is the preferred implant type since the result is considered to feel and look more like a real breast than compared to Saline Implants. Silicone implants can also be pre-filled or filled during the placement procedure. Furthermore, it is FDA approved for augmentation in women aged 22 and above. On the flip side, if this type of implants leak, its gel will either stay inside the shell or leak into the breast implant pocket. Compared to Saline-filled implants, a leaking silicone-filled implant may or may not collapse and revision surgery will be required.

In most cases, breast augmentation is performed as an inpatient procedure, meaning you have to stay in the hospital for at least one night. The typical surgery time is between 1-1.5 hours. It is important to have regular check-ups with your surgeon during your immediate recovery time. This is especially important to patients who have undergone silicone breast implants; you have to make sure that your implants are properly functioning. An MRI screening or ultrasound may be required to assess its condition.

Removal of the stitches will be decided upon during your one-week checkup. Be aware that you will need to stay in Lebanon until you get the go-ahead from your surgeon that you can travel back home, but it's safe to say 7-10 days post-op is sufficient enough time when booking a round trip.

Every woman’s body is unique, so it is important to know that there is no exact timeline for recovery. Usually, the first 3-5 days are the most uncomfortable; your Doctor will prescribe pain medications to ease your discomfort. It is most likely advisable that you take 2 weeks off work after the operation to fully help the recovery.

Keeping in mind that breast implants are not designed to last for a lifetime, it is important that you maintain a regular check-up with your local Doctor. Most patients are usually fully cleared to resume all their normal activities after two months. In terms of exercise, you will be able to return back to your full routine in about 6-8 weeks.

But it is vital that you strictly follow your Doctor’s aftercare instructions so that you will not have any complications and your implants will be able to heal properly.

• Fat Transfer or autologous breast augmentation involves harvesting fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or the thighs, and then injecting it into the breasts to add volume.
• Breast Lift can be a better solution for women who experience sagging but doesn't want to add volum to their breast. During this procedure, the position of your breast tissues will be adjusted and redistributed. The procedure will result in a rounder, firmer, and perkier appearance.