Recently, more and more women are opting for breast enhancement procedures like breast augmentation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has also observed this pattern. Traditionally, women think of getting breast implants as it was the only way to enhance the look of their breasts. But it is not true. Breast lift surgeries outnumber implant surgeries by the ratio of 2 to 1.
You may have commonly seen terms like breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, and breast implants used interchangeably. Actually breast augmentation and breast implant surgery are two names for essentially the same procedure.
These cosmetic surgeries involve placing silicone or saline implants into the breast to enhance size, shape, fullness, and volume. The implants last for more than ten years on average after the surgery.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS, more than 200k breast augmentation procedures have been carried out in a single year in the US. The figures are even higher all over the world.
In order to understand more about this procedure, this article will explain in detail breast augmentation surgery and how it can benefit most people.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. It is generally categorized as a cosmetic surgical procedure specially designed to enlarge or bring symmetry to the breasts.
During the procedure, your surgeon will perform the surgery by transferring fat from another area of your body. Else the second option is they will surgically insert breast implants.
Women only opt for this treatment – who want to enhance the size of the breasts or individuals who have lost volume in their breasts. This volume loss of their breast could be due to several different reasons, including:
- Weight loss, basically due to some surgical weight loss procedures.
- Pregnancy even when you have early signs of pregnancy.
- When you are breastfeeding.
Additionally, some women want to even out the balance of their physical bodies. Candidates who have smaller breasts and wider hips might also opt for this plastic surgery Dubai to enlarge their breasts. This surgery is quite similar to eyebrow lift and thread lift.
Moreover, women with asymmetrical breasts may also wish to even out the size through a breast augmentation. Other candidates might include people whose breasts did not develop as expected. You should note that your surgeon will only perform a breast augmentation when your breasts are fully grown.
How Does Breast Augmentation Work?
Your surgeon will use fat tissues from your body or an implant to surgically insert behind each of your breasts. Your surgeon will place the implants such that they sit either behind the tissue of your natural breasts or behind the muscles in your chest. This procedure will raise the size by a cup or even more.
You have the option to choose a contoured or round breast implant. The implant material would work to boost the size of your breasts after the treatment. The procedure will also provide shape in areas that may have previously been empty.
Remember that breast augmentation is very different from a breast lift. A lift will work to correct the sagging breasts. Quite similar to a thread lift procedure.
Your surgeon will use implants that are soft, flexible shells made of silicone. These shells are generally filled with either silicone or saline. Though there is some controversy regarding the use of silicone implants, they are still widely popular among women who opt for this cosmetic surgery.
How You Should Prepare for Breast Augmentation
First, you should consult with a plastic surgeon about your breasts’ appearance, feel, and size. Depending on the requirements, your surgeon might describe specific types of implants.
You can easily choose textured or smooth, round or shaped like saline, teardrop, or silicone. In addition, you could also select surgical techniques.
You should consider the following before you decide to opt for the plastic surgery:
- Breast implants will not prevent your breasts from sagging. Your surgeon may suggest a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation. It is done to correct your sagging issues.
- Breast implants, not guaranteed to last a lifetime. The average lifespan of an implant is about ten years. There are chances of implant rupture. As your breasts continue to age, factors like weight gain or weight loss may change the appearance of your breasts. To resolve these problems, you may need surgery.
- Breast implants could hamper breastfeeding. Many of you would be able to breastfeed after the procedure successfully. But for many others, breastfeeding can be a challenge.
- Mammograms might be more complicated. If you have implants and routine mammograms, you might need additional, specialized views to have a clear diagnosis image.
- Insurance does not cover breast implants. Note that breast augmentation is not covered by insurance. So you may need to bear the expenses. It could include all the costs related to the surgery.
Before your surgery, your doctor may suggest a baseline mammogram (getting a mammogram). Your doctor might also adjust certain medications before the surgery. For example, it is vital to avoid aspirin and other similar medicines to increase bleeding. If you are a smoker, your surgeon might surely ask you to stop smoking for a few weeks, especially before and after the surgery.
Procedure for a Breast Augmentation
In a scenario, when you choose to have breast augmentation surgery, your surgery will likely be carried out in an outpatient surgical center. In most cases, patients can go home the same day as the procedure.
The augmentation procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. So you will not feel any pain during the treatment. You should follow your surgeon’s instructions strictly to prepare one day before.
Your surgeon may place your breast implants using either one of the following types of incisions:
- An inframammary just beneath your breast.
- Periareolar, in the tissue surrounding your nipples.
- Axillary situated in the underarm.
Initially, your surgeon will create a pocket by separating the breast tissue from your chest muscles during the surgery. Then they will carefully place the implants inside these pockets and center them.
If you choose saline implants, your surgeon will first fill them with sterile saline solution. These shells are then placed successfully. On the contrary, if you choose silicone, these implants will already be filled.
Once your surgeon has placed the implants, they will close your incisions with stitches and then bandage the area securely. You will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours and then allowed to go home once the effect of the anesthesia wears off.
What to Expect After a Breast Augmentation
Your surgeon will advise you to wear a bandage to compress your breasts after the surgery. Even a sports bra might help – as it can provide the support you need during recovery. In addition, your doctor might prescribe medication for pain, too.
Your surgeon is the right person to advise you regarding when to return to work and regular activities. Many people go back to work in a few days, but you may need up to a week off for recovery and healing. If your job is more physical, you may require longer time off from work.
When it comes to exercise and physical activity, you might need to avoid anything strenuous. Following invasive surgery, you should also avoid raising your blood pressure by any means. Aside from that, too much activity or movement may cause pain in your breast area.
At a follow-up appointment, your surgeon might remove your stitches. Only in some cases, your surgeon may opt to put drainage tubes near your surgical sites. If you have those, they will need to be removed, too.
You will be able to see the results from your augmentation procedure immediately after the surgery. Tenderness and swelling might make it difficult to assess the final results, which you can only know after you have healed completely.
The treatment results should be long-lasting, but they are not guaranteed to last forever. You might require follow-up surgeries to replace the implants in the future. Some women also decide to reverse the surgery at a later time. You can also read about body sculpting to know more about similar procedures.
Generally, try maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke cigarettes, quit smoking – as smoking can delay the healing process.
Is Breast Augmentation Safe?
You need to keep in mind that breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You may require a replacement after a few years. After the breast implant surgery, you should visit your surgeon and have periodic examinations to monitor your implants.
Silicone gel−filled breast implants have been under scrutiny for several years. But after gathering data, the FDA has approved them for use in cosmetic breast enhancement surgery. They have probably found no link between silicone gel implants and problems such as breast cancer, connective tissue disease, or other reproductive issues.
Moreover, the FDA has approved three companies – to develop and market breast implants. For more details on the subject of silicone breast implants, you can refer to the FDA website.
In recent times, surgical techniques for breast augmentation are continually being refined in terms of reliability of the procedure and safety of the material. You can also ask your surgeon to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Results
Breast augmentation surgery can drastically change your breasts’ shape, size, and volume. The surgery can improve your body image and self-esteem. But remember to keep your expectations realistic and not expect perfection.
One should not forget that your breasts will continue to age even after augmentation. In addition, weight gain or loss may change the way your breasts look. Also, try some weight loss tips.
It is essential to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. Aside from qualifications and reviews, make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and confident in his abilities.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to know exactly which procedure or combination of treatment will help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Consult with your doctor to help you make that decision. You should get a realistic idea of what can be achieved and tailor a treatment plan specific to your unique body and goals.
