What Is an Endoscopic Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is performed to increase breast size and structure by inserting implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles.

Breast augmentation is performed to increase breast size and structure by inserting implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Silicone bags filled with silicone gel are most often used as implants. Endoscopy has significantly advanced breast augmentation techniques. High-definition cameras and endoscopes can help improve visualization.

Endoscopic breast augmentation is classified based on the incision employed:

• Transaxillary: This procedure utilizes local incision in the armpit (axilla)
• Transumbilical: This procedure employs an incision in the navel area

• Patients with breast malformation or deformities
• Patients with sagging breasts
• Patients with cylindrical-shaped breast

Before the surgery

• Your surgeon may discuss the procedure, risks and benefits.
• Your surgeon may discuss four possible access incisions.
• Your surgeon might also discuss the potential complications involved in this procedure.
• Your surgeon will assess your health status and any underlying condition.
• The surgeon might perform a physical examination and also describe the location of the incision.
• Patients should stop smoking tobacco and using cocaine before the surgery.
• Avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs.

During the procedure

• Your surgeon might position you in either of two positions:
  • Transaxillary position: You lie in a straight position with arms extended at 80 degrees
  • Transumbilical position: You lie in a straight position with arms extended at 90 degrees
• The surgeon draws markings before the surgery.
• After making an incision, the surgeon will separate your breast tissue from the muscles of your chest.
• This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall (pectoral muscle).
• The surgeon will insert the implant into this pocket and center it behind your nipple.
• Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with sterile salt water once they're in place.
• Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel.
• When the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incision — typically with stitches — and bandage it with skin adhesive and surgical tape.

After the procedure

• Sutures removal may take up to 10 days to two weeks. You will notice some soreness and swelling for a few weeks.
• Wear a compression bandage or sports bra that will help during the healing process.
• Pain medications can control postoperative pain.
• Avoid any strenuous activities that may cause an increase in blood pressure or pulse. You can resume your normal activities within a week.
• If you notice warmth and redness in your breast, or you have a fever, you might have an infection. Contact your surgeon as soon as possible.
• Contact your surgeon if you have shortness of breath or chest pain

• Asymmetry: The implant might be placed at an undesired site, either too high or too low, which results in asymmetry and requires surgical repair.
• Infection: Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, and discomfort.
• Bleeding: Signs of bleeding include marked swelling, increased pain and bruising.

Breast augmentation yields immediate results. Breast augmentation may not last for a lifetime. Factors such as aging, injury, weight gain, or weight loss might disrupt the implants. Scars may take longer to fade than expected.