All you need to know about breast augmentation

Due to the influence of media nowadays, having breast implants to make them look big and fuller is a popular surgery many women have or think of having. Small breast size, oversized breasts, and sagginess after pregnancy can harm a women’s self-esteem and promotes loss of confidence. The most popular type of cosmetic surgery in the US is Breast augmentation. More than 280.000 breast augmentation surgeries have been performed in the year 2014 alone, and that number is on the rise every passing day. MyBreast is a great place for women who want to get this type of surgery done. However, there are certain factors you need to take into consideration to decide whether this type of cosmetic surgery is right for or not. The more knowledge you have about what this surgery is, what steps are performed during the procedure and are there any harmful side effects after getting it done, the more easier it will be for you when you undergo such a big change to your body. Today, we are going to look at some things that give you information about breast augmentation and what to expect when you get it done on your breasts, be it, enlargement or reduction. The information is as follows;

What Is Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic surgery that women usually get done to improve the shape and size of their breasts, to make them look either bigger or smaller. This is done by making small incisions under the breasts, armpit or nipple and implants are carried out through them. There are a lot of reasons why women undergo this type of surgery. It is done to improve symmetry, improve the size of their breasts that may be lost during breastfeeding their child, or to generally improve their aesthetic appeal to create a perfectly balanced overall body.

Types Of Implants

Generally, there are two types of implants that you can choose from, saline or silicone implants. What you choose depends on your preferences. Usually, good surgeons explain the differences, which make it easier for you to decide which one you prefer. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution. The solution is pumped inside an elastomer shell, which is made up of silicone. The amount of saline solution that these shells contain will ultimately decide the feel, firmness, what type of shape your breasts will have. If a saline implant leaks, the body usually absorbs it, and it is not harmful. Silicone implants usually consist of a silicone shell that is filled with a solution of silicone gel inside it. If a silicone implants leaks, the gel may get trapped inside your breasts. If you decide to get silicone implants, you will want to get an MRI or ultrasound done regularly to check what condition the implants are in.

Before The Surgery

Usually, before surgery, the surgeon will ask you to choose the size of implants you want, this is done by placing the implants inside the bra to get a better idea of how your breasts will look like. Before the surgery is performed. A local or general anesthetic will be used.

Types Of Incisions

There are three types of incisions that might be used during the augmentation surgery, but that depends on the type and size of implants that you want. An inframammary incision is done by placing an incision under the crease of the breasts. A transaxillary incision is done by cutting into the armpit. A periareolar incision is done by cutting around the nipple area. That type of incision required depends on several things like the size of the enlargement, the type of implants you want and what your preferences are. Usually, the surgeon will tell you all the things above before you go through the surgery.

Inserting Implants And Closing Incision

There are two main types of placements, a submuscular placement or a submammary placement. During a submuscular placement, the implants are inserted below the pectoral muscle. You may experience more pain after the surgery if you decide to go for a submuscular placement and recovery usually takes a longer period of time. During a submammary placement, the implants are placed on top of the pectoral muscle, before the breast tissue. To close the incision, the surgeon will discuss either sitch it up, use skin adhesive or use surgical tape to keep them closed for good.

Results To Expect

You should have some realistic expectations before you decide to get breast augmentation done. Breast augmentation will improve the fullness, symmetry, increase the size, or create a proper hip to breast ratio. However, results usually vary from patient to patient, and no doctor can know beforehand what to expect after the surgery has been done. You have to keep in mind that you will not get a 100% change in your breasts. In the case of severe sagging of the breasts, women will need a breast lift surgery as well, and this can be done alongside the augmentation procedure.

The Recovery Process

Patients are given painkillers for the pain when the anesthesia wears off. When you are given a general anesthetic, the patient is in no condition to drive on their own. The stitches or sutures will usually dissolve and disappear after five weeks. The surgeon gives you information about how to take care of your breasts after getting the procedure done, prescribes the right type of medicine and usually gives you a follow-up session to gauge the condition of your breasts. The patient is also told not to do any type of strenuous activity for at least six weeks. If you experience things like fever, redness of the breast area, fever or chest pain, you must get the proper medical attention from your surgeon.

Complications And Risks

Breast augmentation surgery is not without risks and complications. Women who have augmentation done to their breasts, 41% of those who have silicone implants placed and 21% with saline implants have gotten another surgery done within the next two years of the surgery. Around 8% with silicone implants and 24% with saline implants got them removed. All these removals and follow up surgeries were done due to some form of complication like pain, infection or hardening of the breasts. Some of the risks and complications that are usually seen after augmentation may include; pain in the breast area, infection, temporary loss of sensation in nipples, leakage of implants, bleeding, and permanent scarring.

Breastfeeding With Implants

There is a huge concern when it comes to women with implants breastfeeding their infants. There have been some cases in which breast implants have affected the ability of women to breastfeed their infants. Getting implants inside your breast may lead to less supply of milk in your breasts. It has not been proven, but many doctors believe that it may, or it may not affect the ability to breastfeed, but that depends on patient to patient. Some women have no problem while other women do. However, it has been seen that children born to women with implants have a higher level of toxins in their blood, compared to children born to women with no implants.

Cost Of The Surgery

Getting abreast augmentation done is not a cheap thing. The cost of the surgery depends on the type and size of breasts you want to have. Typically, it is a very expensive type of cosmetic surgery. In 2015, it was noted by the ASPS, that a typical augmentation surgery cost was 3,822 dollars, and the cost of implant removal surgery was 2,380 dollars. Due to the passage of time, the implants may degrade, and you will have to get them replaced, which will be expensive.

The Final Words

Getting breast augmentation surgery may be a great way to boost a women’s confidence and shape their breasts the way they like, but it comes at a cost both financially and physically. Sure, it makes your breasts look fuller and beautiful, but do not think that the cons outweigh the pros? Before you even get the procedure done, it is crucial to ask questions from your surgeon and consider every aspect of the surgery. Today we have made you aware of everything you need to know about breast augmentation, so it is a good idea to consider these things before you decide to get one.