Dr Chris Snijman Plastic Surgeon
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enlargement or enhancement

Breast Augmentation

    Breast Augmentation is the surgical enlargement or enhancement of the female breast by means of the insertion of a prosthetic device.

    The decision making process in Breast Augmentation Surgery

    Dr Snijman will guide you through the decision making process and tailor the operation
    to your specific desires and body habitus.

    Dr Snijman is skilled in all of the available breast augmentation surgical techniques.

    Whilst most surgeons have one particular technique that they use, Dr Snijman is skilled in all of the available techniques.

    Dr Snijman therefore tries to eliminate the guess work out of the operation and makes use of measurements as well as computed assisted imagery to aid in the decision making process.

    Crisalix 3D Breast Augmentation Simulator

    The Crisalix 3D breast augmentation simulator. Simulate different kind of breast implants before a plastic surgery operation. Plastic surgery simulation using the Crisalix 3D simulator

    WHAT INCISION IS BEST?

    INFRAMAMMARY

    transaxillary

    Results and outcomes of surgery do vary from person to person.
    Please consult my disclaimer.

    THE GOLD STANDARD BY WHICH ALL OTHER INCISIONS ARE JUDGED

    • 5Precise placement of the incision and control of the inframammary fold
    • 5Wide exposure to the surgical field
    • 5Precise pocket dissection under vision
    • 5Precise control of bleeding
    • 5Levity in adjusting the fold if required
    • 5Predictable scar results
    • 5Rapid access in the event that there is a complication

    PREPECTORAL

    transaxillary

    Results and outcomes of surgery do vary from person to person.
    Please consult my disclaimer.

    • 5Incision placed in the lower half of the nipple areolar complex
    • 5Limits the size of silicone implant that can be inserted
    • 5Unnecessary transgression of breast parenchyma (increased contracture rate)
    • 5Limited exposure to the planned pocket
    • 5Changes in sensation and shape of the nipple areola complex
    • 5Contour deformity of the lower pole of the breast
    • 5Inaccurate control of the inframammary fold
    • 5Scar on the most projecting part of the breast mound
    • 5No leeway for error in scar placement
    • 5Difficult secondary surgery necessitating addition of the inframammary scar

    TRANSAXILLARY

    transaxillary

    Results and outcomes of surgery do vary from person to person.
    Please consult my disclaimer.

    • 5Previously popular
    • 5Steep learning curve
    • 5Blunt dissection of the pocket
    • 5Poor access and visualization
    • 5Inadequate release of the pectoralis major muscle with frequent "animation deformity"
    • 5Creates a trail of devastation in the upper pole of the breast
    • 5Implants tend to ride upwards and outwards with time
    • 5Poor control of the inframammary fold
    • 5Difficult access should bleeding occur
    • 5Cannot be utilized for secondary surgery

    WHAT POCKET IS BEST?

    There is no real consensus and as such, Dr Snijman will advise which is the better pocket for you at the time of your consultation.

    SUBPECTORAL

    SUBPECTORAL BEFORESUBPECTORAL AFTER

    Results and outcomes of surgery do vary from person to person. Please consult my disclaimer.

    Under the muscle and under the breast gland

    • 5The most popular pocket worldwide
    • 5Easy to dissect
    • 5Mandates division of the pectoralis muscle from the breast bone
    • 5Painful
    • 5More bleeding postoperatively
    • 5Longer down time and recovery
    • 5Loss of strength in the pectoralis major muscle
    • 5Animation deformity
    • 5Tendency for the implants to migrate outwards with time
    • 5Widened cleavage
    • 5Less fullness in the upper pole of the breast
    • 5Better concealment of the implant
    • 5Thought to have lower capsular contracture rates

    PREPECTORAL

    PREPECTORAL BEFOREPREPECTORAL AFTER

    Results and outcomes of surgery do vary from person to person. Please consult my disclaimer.

    In front of the muscle but under the breast gland

    • 5Ideal for select patients with sufficient breast tissue to conceal the implant
    • 5Very quick
    • 5Less pain and bleeding
    • 5Quicker return to normal activities of daily living
    • 5No disruption of pectoralis muscle function
    • 5No loss of muscle strength
    • 5No animation deformity
    • 5Greater fullness in the upper pole if required
    • 5More precise creation of a cleavage
    • 5A disaster in the wrong patient (implant visibility and palpability)

    DUAL PLANE

    Dual Plane
    Dual Plane

    Half under and Half over the muscle

    • 5A specialized technique to be utilized only by experienced breast surgeons
    • 5Designed for very specific cases that require manipulation of the breast gland in relation to the pectoralis muscle
    • 5Reserved for tuberous breasts or the constricted lower pole

    The Procedure & Recovery

    FIRST POSTOPERATIVE VISIT AT 5 DAYS

    • General anaesthesia
    • 1 night in hospital
    • Routine use of drains
    • Routine use of a post-operative bra
    • Minimum of 5 days down time
    • FIRST POSTOPERATIVE VISIT AT 5 DAYS
    • Return to work in 1 week
    • Return to gym in 2 weeks depending on the placement of the implant
    • No upper limb exercises for 6 weeks

    Remote Consultations

    We are now offering secure and confidential 3D remote consultations.

    Risk & Complications

    • Post operative bleeding ( haematoma )
    • Prolonged swelling and discomfort
    • Changes in sensation to whole or part of the breast
    • Asymmetry
    • Implant displacement
    • Implant rippling
    • Implant rejection/ capsular contracture
    • Infection and sepsis
    • Wound healing complications
    • Poor scarring
    • Dissatisfied patient
    • Breast Implant Illness ( BII )
    • Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ( ALCL )

    These latter two topics will be discussed at length with you by Dr Snijman at the first consultation.

    * Results may vary from patient to patient. Please refer to my Disclaimer for more information.

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