Everything You Wanted to Know About Breast Augmentation and Were Too Afraid Too Ask

When it comes to our bodies, few of us are completely happy with the way we look. Regardless, the medical field has evolved quite a lot, especially when it comes to plastic surgery, and can correct all the imperfections that we dread about ourselves. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular surgical procedures nowadays. The reasons behind this popularity spike are not truly known, but experts claim that an increased attention of the media made women that were less “gifted” than what it appears to be the beauty standard in the media. However, making women feel beautiful and secure in their own skin is a valuable gift. If you need a boost of confidence and consider that a breast augmentation would be the answer, you certainly have some questions in regards to this procedure. Below we have all the information needed.

 

What Are the Reasons Why I Might Want a Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The reasons vary from individual to individual, bet below are presented some of the most frequently invoked by patients.

  • Increase breast dimension of patients with naturally small cleavage.
  • Reshape the breast form and size of the patients that experienced weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Create a symmetric cleavage when breasts are asymmetric.
  • Restore the breast after a surgical intervention in the area.

This type of surgery can have both a cosmetic and reconstructive purpose. The reconstructive breast augmentation intervention can be performed as part of the breast cancer treatment therapy.

Breast Implants – What Are They?

From a medical standpoint, breast implants are prosthesis devices that are used to recreate, reconstruct, reshape or enlarge the breast of the patient. Three types are officially used for such interventions.

  • Saline implants. These implants are filled with saline solution (commonly known as salt water). The amazing part about these implants is that they can be filled with water at various levels, creating different sensations and firmness levels of the breast; they also come in various shapes, thus they can create a more naturally-appearing breast. Another advantage of this type of implant is that in case of leaks, the body will naturally absorb the water and excrete it, without any dangers to the patient’s life.
  • Silicone gel implants. These implants are filled with a silicone gel solution. In case of a leak, the silicone will either remain in the silicone pocket or leak into the breast implant location. In some rare cases, this will lead to a breast collapse, which usually requires another corrective intervention. Regardless, it’s worth mentioning the fact that such events occur extremely rarely, so experts in the field claim that the chances are quite low.
  • Alternative composite implants. Soy oil or other filling materials can be used in these implant’s case.

In all breast implant patients, there should be performed MRIs yearly, which should allow the medical practitioner to have a clear idea of each patient’s health situation and the implant’s state.

What to Expect from a Breast Augmentation Intervention

Before jumping to action and schedule for a breast augmentation intervention, you must fully realize that after all, this is a surgical intervention. There will be incisions, anaesthesia, blood and a recovery time. But more details, below.

  • The incision. The incision option should be carefully discussed with your surgeon, as there are more options, each with its own perks. You can choose between an inframammary incision, transaxillary incision and periareolar incision. Each of those is placed differently. The first one is placed in the fold under the breast, the second one in the armpit area, and the third one in the nipple area. Neither of those won’t leave visually unappealing marks if properly healed.
  • The implant insertion. The placement and insertion method can vary. In some cases, the pocket created for the implant can be a sub-muscular one, in other occasions, a sub-mammary one. In the case of sub-muscular implants, the recovery interval may be longer, while the pain experience, acuter. The sub-mammary implant goes between the mammary tissue and the muscle.
  • Closing the incisions. The procedure is the same in all cases, the surgeons using in all circumstances sutures to close your incisions, regardless of the type of incision and implant insertion and placement method used. Also, in some cases, there may be used surgical tape or glue to close the skin of the incision. The incisions will certainly be visible in a first instance, but in time, they will fade in appearance and look aesthetically appealing.
  • Assessing the surgery. After the swelling goes away, in approximately two weeks, your surgeon will assess your implants. They, together with the patient will assess if the implant meets the expectations form before the intervention.
  • The recovery. The patient should avoid physically demanding activities for approximately six months. Right after the surgery, as the anaesthetic wears off, the patient will be given painkillers. Also, if there was a total anaesthesia, the patient won’t be able to drive themselves from the clinic back home. Dissolvable sutures will disappear on their own after approximately six weeks. Ask your medical team regarding the following matters: how to care about your surgery site, how to use the treatment prescribed, when the follow-up visits are scheduled, and when would it be mandatory to call the doctor. Also, the patient should immediately call their surgeon if they notice any sign of an infection, unusual heartbeat or chest pain, but also if they encounter any sort of respiratory issues.

Risks and Complications

Just like any kind of surgical intervention, there are risks and complications that may appear in this surgery’s case. Painful breasts, breast tissue hardening, soreness and unusual sensations in the breast or nipple area, bleeding, fluid accumulation and leaking implant. However, if you collaborate with a professional surgeon and are properly cared for at a dedicated clinic, the chances for such complications are minimal. Make sure to collaborate with professional, certified plastic surgeons only.

These are some things everybody that is considering a breast augmentation intervention should know before scheduling an appointment with a surgeon.