Spring is on its way and women everywhere are starting to think about their summer bodies. Aside from eating healthier and exercising regularly, many women also consider having a breast augmentation to fill out their figure. It’s a great procedure that often receives a bad rap, but there are many good things about it.
The media often portarys that the only people who receive breast augmentations are those with money. In reality, people from all walks of life undergo the procedure. This is because it can significantly raise self-esteem and improve self-image.
Additionally, breast augmentation is often done for reconstructive purposes. Those who have had breast cancer often need reconstructive surgery to cosmetically reverse a mastectomy. It can also be useful for victims of abuse or other destructive circumstances.
There are plenty of good reasons to undergo a breast augmentation – however, you should know what you’re getting into.
If you’re considering this procedure, here are some things you should understand beforehand.
- You’ll need time to both prepare and recover.
Recovery time can be extensive depending on the type of augmentation and your personal risk factors. In general, women can expect to take about a week to recover lying down, and several weeks to resume normal activity.
Due to lengthy recovery time, it’s strongly suggested that you prepare beforehand. You’ll need about a week off work and childcare if you have kids.
Wash your laundry, have your house cleaned, make the bed with clean sheets, and buy a bigger bra before you leave. It’s also a good idea to prepare meals ahead of time so that you have minimal movement. The more still you remain during recovery, the better the result will be, and it’ll be wonderful to have everything ready when you get home.
- Listen to the doctor if you want a speedy recovery time.
Ignoring your doctor’s orders is the fastest way to double your recovery time. Your surgeon will give you a strict routine to follow, including taking prescribed medication, avoiding driving, being very still, and limiting exercise.
- Slow walking can help the swelling go down and decrease recovery time.
Though you shouldn’t attempt exercise of any kind for the first two weeks of recovery, you can begin slow walking for 30 minutes or less a couple weeks after surgery. The exercise will strengthen your body and the movement will decrease swelling so you can quickly return to normal.
- Some people need more than one augmentation.
About 25 percent of women will need another augmentation after 10 years. Implants don’t last forever. They can leak or develop a scar shell. Weight loss, weight gain, or pregnancy can also alter your implants. Any of these factors causes warping and distortion, which must be professionally corrected.
- The surgery is more affordable than you might think.
The media portrays only women of affluence receiving breast augmentation because it costs tens of thousands of dollars. However, the average cost, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is less than $3,700. The price will, of course, depend on your location, surgeon, and specific situation, but it’s not as unattainable as you might think.
- Your breasts will feel a lot different after the procedure.
The silicone material is made to mimic breast tissue as closely as possible, but the difference is still tangible to the touch. They’re more noticeable in larger implants, since smaller implants are placed below the muscle and don’t make a huge difference in size or composition of the breast.
- It’s not safe for everyone to get a breast augmentation.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are in good overall health. They won’t have serious medical conditions or a strong family history of breast cancer. If you’re obese or you smoke, you’re automatically a poor candidate for the job, and surgeons won’t recommend the procedure.
- Vet your surgeon carefully before going under the knife.
Unfortunately, not all plastic surgeons are board certified, but they may claim to be. Research prospective surgeons before meeting them. If they’re not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, look the other way.
You’ll also want to make sure your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This shows they’re not only board certified but also that they meet a higher standard.
Schedule a consultation to understand the doctor’s approach and style. Ask specific questions about their experience. Request before and after photos and to get references from previous patients. Having a great surgeon is one of the most important steps, and the questions you ask beforehand can make a world of difference.