Considering breast augmentation surgery? While popular, it remains a major procedure requiring careful thought and planning. There are a few common motivations that lead patients to seek breast augmentation:
- Increased Breast Size – Patients may desire larger breasts to be more proportional with their frame or feel more feminine. This is one of the most frequent reasons women have the surgery.
- Improved Breast Shape – Many opt for implants to create fuller, perkier breasts. As breasts lose volume and elasticity with age, implants can restore a youthful contour.
- Better Symmetry – Breast implants can correct asymmetry from natural developmental variations.
- Post-pregnancy Restoration – Breastfeeding and weight changes often leave breasts deflated. Implants can rejuvenate breast fullness.
- Reconstructive Surgery – Patients undergoing mastectomy for cancer treatment may implant reconstruction.
The decision for breast augmentation is highly personal. Improved appearance, balance, confidence, and restored femininity motivate many women. But robust health and realistic expectations are imperative. Gain an understanding of the factors involved so you can make an informed decision. Following is a comprehensive overview of the breast augmentation process.
Selecting a Doctor
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is key to safe, beautiful breast augmentation results. Look for:
- Board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires rigorous accredited training and testing. This ensures proper qualifications.
- Substantial experience performing breast augmentation specifically. Ask how many they have done and request photos of the outcomes. Look for many years of practice.
- An aesthetic eye that matches your goals. Evaluate before/after photos to see if you like their style.
- A surgical facility that is accredited and meticulously sterile. No unregulated offices.
- Strong reviews discussing professionalism, artistry, bedside manner, and satisfaction.
- A comforting, confident demeanor and attentive listening skills. You should feel heard and at ease asking questions.
- Patience to thoroughly explain the process, options, and pricing. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics.
Doing your due diligence to verify credentials, experience, hospital privileges, and positive patient feedback helps ensure you choose the best doctor for safe, fulfilling breast augmentation surgery.
Initial Consultation
Consultations allow prospective patients to discuss goals, medical history, options and pricing with a plastic surgeon. Come prepared with questions covering:
- Ideal cup size and look? More fullness, perkier profile?
- Saline or silicone implants? Pros and cons of each?
- Insertion location – under or over the muscle?
- Incision placement preference? Underarm, crease, areola?
- Implant shape and size recommendations for your body frame?
- Any limitations due to health issues, anatomy, aging?
Choose an experienced board-certified surgeon who listens attentively and explains thoroughly. Make sure you feel comfortable communicating with them.
Preparation
Once you schedule surgery, you’ll receive specific pre-op instructions. Typical guidelines include:
- Stop smoking several weeks before (and after) surgery for better healing.
- Discontinue supplements or medications that may increase bleeding risks.
- Arrange a ride home post-surgery; you cannot drive yourself.
- Stock up on soft, comfortable clothing that buttons or zips up the front.
- Complete lab work, medical exams or paperwork required by your surgeon.
The Procedure
Breast augmentation takes 1-2 hours in an outpatient surgical suite under general anesthesia. The basic steps include:
- Incision at the site planned, usually underneath the breast, near the armpit, around the lower edge of the areola, or through the belly button for trans umbilical placement.
- Formation of a pocket under the breast tissue/muscle for implant placement.
- Insertion and positioning of the implants.
- Closure of incisions with stitches, surgical tape or skin glue.
Initial Recovery
You will wake up in the recovery room wearing a surgical bra and/or compression bandaging. Initial recovery typically involves:
- Soreness is managed with prescribed oral pain medication.
- Swelling, bruising, tightness and tingling sensations around the breasts.
- Avoiding physical exertion and exercise for about 6 weeks.
- Wearing a surgical bra or compression wrap to control swelling.
- Keeping incisions clean while they close over several weeks.
- Returning for follow-up visits as directed.
Long-Term Results
Within 6-8 weeks, you should see your beautiful final results take shape, with lifted, fuller breasts in better proportion with your frame. Over time:
- Scars will continue maturing and fading.
- Sensation may take a few months to fully return.
- Some patients experience temporary changes in nipple response.
- Implants will “drop and fluff” into a natural position over 3-6 months.
Be sure to communicate all concerns to your surgeon during follow-ups. With proper planning and care, breast augmentation offers rewarding, transformative outcomes.
While many patients enjoy flawless results for years, breast implants do carry inherent risks that should factor into your decision. Weigh the benefits versus the possibility of revisions or removals down the line.
By selecting an outstanding surgeon, following all pre and post-operative instructions diligently, and caring for your implants properly long-term, you can maximize the chances of beautiful, lasting augmentation results. But be willing to discuss the possibility of additional surgeries or implant removal in the future if any complications do arise. If you maintain realistic expectations about the process, you can undergo breast augmentation surgery with confidence.
