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Year-on-year, breast augmentation continues to be one of the top ten cosmetic surgeries in the world. From reconstructing breasts after surgery to correcting uneven breasts, augmentation surgery is versatile and worthwhile.
If you have been unhappy with the appearance of your breasts for some time now and want to consider this surgery for yourself, there is some key information you need first.
Breast augmentation surgery explained
The aim of breast augmentation surgery is to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using implants that are placed below or over the muscles in the chest.
Women make the decision to undergo breast augmentation for a number of different reasons. From wanting to regain their pre-pregnancy breasts to simply being fed up with having small breasts, implants can help you feel good about your appearance again.
During your surgery, a sac that is either filled with saline or silicone will be inserted into each breast. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and requires a general anesthetic. The only time that a hospital stay will be required after breast augmentation is if it was combined with other procedures.
To insert the implant, an incision is made along the natural crease of each breast. Another approach that can be used is to place the incision in the armpit or to cut around the edge of the areola. The approach that will be used depends on what you want to achieve as well as your surgeon’s preference.
These breast enlargement details will provide you with more information on your implant options.
Choosing a surgeon
The surgeon that you choose for your augmentation procedure will play a crucial role in the success of your surgery. It’s essential to make sure that your surgeon has the necessary training and qualifications to perform a procedure of this nature. Your surgeon should always be board-certified and actually specialize in breast augmentation.
During your consultation, ask about their qualifications, how many augmentation surgeries they perform every month and whether they have privileges at accredited surgical facilities. Finally, don’t forget to ask for before and after photos of past breast augmentation surgeries.
Breast enlargement recovery
Following your surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in dressing and a support bra will need to be worn. Wearing a compression garment will reduce any swelling and provide your breasts with additional support while they heal.
Patients are able to go home on the same day as their surgery but will require someone to drive them and assist them once they get there. You will also need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon before you leave and collect a prescription for your pain medication and antibiotics.
Your range of movement will be limited after your surgery, which means you will need to restrict your activity for several days. This will also prevent any complications such as bleeding. Patients can expect to experience some mild pain and swelling for a few weeks but will be able to return to work within 7 to 10 days.
Potential risks
As with any kind of surgery, there is always a degree of risk. In terms of breast augmentation, one of the risks is implant rupture. When a saline implant ruptures, the size and shape of the breast will change quite rapidly. Fortunately, saline isn’t as harmful to the body. When a silicone implant ruptures, it can go unnoticed for quite some time.
If you notice any changes in the shape or thickness of the breast or experience unusual pain, it’s best to schedule a check-up.
Other types of risks associated with breast augmentation include infection, scarring, loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture and wrinkling. Make sure that your surgeon discusses all potential risks with you during your consultation so that you are aware of what could potentially happen, even though many of the complications are rare. For more details, please check the next page.
Living with implants
Once you’ve healed, you can look forward to living with beautiful, full breasts for many years to come. However, it’s important to remember that breasts do change over time and just because you have implants doesn’t mean aging won’t affect you.
While there is no direct link between breast implants and cancer, regular check-ups are still essential. If you do go for a mammogram, be sure to mention that you do have implants so that the technician can make the necessary adjustments to the test.
Over and above regular cancer screening, patients should also keep a close eye on their breasts and watch out for dimpling, puckering or any other abnormalities that could indicate complications.
Breast implants are guaranteed to last for at least ten years but in most instances, they last much longer, so you don’t need to worry about replacing them any time soon.
Image credit: DepositPhotos.com
