In the realm of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is gaining popularity for its safety and effectiveness. This elective procedure aims to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts through various surgical techniques, such as breast enlargement or breast lift. However, it’s essential to differentiate between elective procedures, like breast augmentation, and corrective surgeries, such as breast reduction or breast reconstruction, which may be covered by certain insurance plans.
Motivations behind breast augmentation vary, and some common reasons include:
- Balancing Body Structure: Enhancing and balancing the overall body structure by considering breast size. Women with smaller breasts often opt for breast enlargement.
- Post-Pregnancy Changes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding frequently lead to a general reduction in breast size. Breast lifts can reshape sagging breasts, while implants can restore breast size.
- Size Discrepancies: Addressing variations in breast size, ensuring symmetry through breast augmentation procedures.
Before embarking on breast augmentation, it is crucial to engage in a comprehensive discussion with a surgeon. Understanding the process, realistic benefits, potential side effects, and associated risks is imperative. Breast implants, placed behind or in front of the chest muscles, increase the bust-line. While breast augmentation may boost confidence and self-image, it’s essential to maintain a healthy self-image before seeking such procedures.
Two common types of implants include:
- Silicone Shell Implant filled with Silicone Gel
- Silicone Shell Implant filled with Saline (Saltwater)
Saline-filled implants generally have no restrictions, but FDA permission is necessary for gel-filled implants.
Despite its commonality, breast augmentation is a surgical procedure with potential unexpected outcomes and health risks. Capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant, is a common issue. It may lead to discomfort, requiring implant removal or replacement. Swelling, pain, and infection are possible complications during the surgery and healing process.
Breast reduction, breast lift, or breast implant surgeries can impact nipple sensitivity, causing hardness or numbness. Implant breakage or leakage, particularly with silicone implants, poses health and appearance complications.
It’s reassuring to note that breast augmentation doesn’t cause side effects during or after pregnancy. Breastfeeding remains possible within a week after the procedure, and there is no evidence linking breast augmentation to breast cancer.
Regular post-surgery consultations with a plastic surgeon are essential to detect and address complications early. Breast augmentation procedures are performed in various medical facilities, and the cost may vary based on facilities, surgeon expertise, and type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is typically administered, and complete healing may take a few weeks.
Before considering breast augmentation, thorough research, consultations, and a realistic understanding of the process are essential to ensure a positive and informed decision.