What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts using implants or, in some cases, fat transfer. This procedure is ideal for individuals seeking to improve breast volume lost due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, or those desiring a more proportionate figure. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki specializes in personalized breast augmentation, offering tailored solutions to achieve natural-looking, balanced results that align with each patient’s aesthetic goals.

Dr. Mukami’s expertise ensures meticulous planning and execution, prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction with outcomes that enhance both appearance and confidence.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced Breast Volume: Increases breast size and fullness for a more proportionate figure.
• Improved Symmetry: Corrects asymmetry or uneven breast sizes for a balanced appearance.
• Restored Shape: Rejuvenates breast shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.
• Customized Results: Offers options for implant type, size, and placement to match individual goals.
• Boosted Confidence: Enhances self-esteem and body image with natural-looking results.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no active infections or serious medical conditions.
• Desire larger, fuller, or more symmetrical breasts for cosmetic reasons.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcomes, understanding that results vary based on body type and implant choice.
• Are at least 18 years old for saline implants or 22 for silicone implants (per general guidelines, subject to consultation).
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding and have fully developed breasts.
• Are committed to following pre- and post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal recovery.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will assess your anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the best implant type, size, and surgical approach to achieve your desired results.

Types of Breast Augmentation Options

Dr. Mukami offers customized breast augmentation options, including:

• Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater, offering adjustable volume during surgery and a firmer feel.
• Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, providing a softer, more natural feel and shape, popular for their realistic texture.
• Gummy Bear Implants: Cohesive silicone gel implants that maintain shape, ideal for patients seeking a teardrop contour.
• Fat Transfer Augmentation: Uses liposuction to harvest fat from other body areas (e.g., abdomen, thighs) and inject it into the breasts for subtle enhancement without implants.
• Implant Placement Options:
  • Submuscular: Under the pectoral muscle, for a more natural look and reduced risk of rippling.
  • Subglandular: Above the muscle, for faster recovery and more pronounced projection.
• Incision Types:
  • Inframammary: In the breast fold, offering good access and minimal visible scarring.
  • Periareolar: Around the areola, blending with natural pigmentation.
  • Transaxillary: In the armpit, leaving no visible scars on the breast.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

The breast augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically follows these steps:

1. Consultation and Planning: Dr. Mukami discusses your goals, evaluates your anatomy, and selects the implant type, size, placement, and incision location. A personalized surgical plan is created.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure.
3. Procedure Execution:
   • Incision: The chosen incision (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary) is made with precision to minimize scarring.
   • Implant Placement: The implant is inserted into a pocket created either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or above it (subglandular), adjusted for symmetry and balance.
   • Fat Transfer (if applicable): Fat is harvested via liposuction, purified, and injected into the breasts for natural augmentation.
   • Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, and the breasts are dressed with surgical tape or bandages.
4. Completion: The procedure is completed, and patients are moved to recovery. Drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup.
5. Duration: The surgery takes 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether fat transfer is included.

Dr. Mukami’s precision and attention to detail ensure natural-looking results with minimal scarring, tailored to each patient’s body and preferences.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from breast augmentation varies by patient and surgical approach, with the following timeline:

• First Week: Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort, managed with prescribed pain medications. A surgical bra or compression garment is worn to support healing. Most patients can return to light activities within 3–5 days but should avoid strenuous exercise.
• Two Weeks: Swelling and bruising subside significantly. Sutures (if non-dissolvable) are removed, and patients can resume non-strenuous work, avoiding heavy lifting or chest-focused activities.
• One Month: Initial results become visible as swelling continues to decrease. Light exercise may resume, but high-impact activities are restricted.
• Three to Six Months: Full results emerge as implants settle into their final position, and scars begin to fade. Patients can resume all activities, including vigorous exercise, with clearance from Dr. Mukami.
• Long-Term: Regular follow-ups ensure implant integrity and overall satisfaction. Scars continue to soften and fade over 12–18 months.

Dr. Mukami provides detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Wearing a supportive surgical bra 24/7 for 4–6 weeks to minimize swelling and support the breasts.
• Keeping incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Avoiding heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling for 6–8 weeks to protect the surgical site.
• Monitoring for signs of complications (e.g., unusual swelling, redness, or pain) and reporting them promptly.
• Attending follow-up appointments to assess healing and address any concerns.

Combining Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures

Breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures to enhance overall body contour and aesthetic goals, such as:

• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts while adding volume with implants for a youthful, perky appearance.
• Mommy Makeover: Combines breast augmentation with tummy tuck and/or liposuction to address post-pregnancy body changes.
• Liposuction: Contours areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, complementing the enhanced breast profile.
• Fat Transfer to Other Areas: Uses harvested fat to enhance areas like the buttocks or face alongside breast fat transfer.
• Scar Revision: Improves the appearance of previous surgical scars if augmentation is a revision procedure.

Dr. Mukami will discuss combination options during your consultation to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do breast implants last? Implants typically last 10–20 years, but regular monitoring is recommended. Replacement may be needed if complications arise or aesthetic preferences change.
• Will breast augmentation affect breastfeeding? Most patients can breastfeed after augmentation, especially with inframammary or transaxillary incisions. Discuss your plans with Dr. Mukami during the consultation.
• Is breast augmentation painful? Mild to moderate discomfort is common post-surgery, managed with pain medications. Most patients report manageable pain that subsides within a week.
• What are the risks of breast augmentation? Risks include infection, capsular contracture, implant rupture, or asymmetry, but these are minimized with Dr. Mukami’s expertise and proper aftercare.
• When will I see the final results? Initial results are visible within 1–2 months, but final results, including implant settling and scar fading, are apparent after 3–6 months.