Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is performed in order to increase the size, shape or fullness of a woman’s breasts. During this surgery, a surgeon places saline or silicone breast implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue of a woman.
Why is breast augmentation done?
Breast augmentation is done for various reasons such as enlarging breasts that are small, restoring breast size and shape after pregnancy, weight loss or breastfeeding, restoring balance to a woman’s upper body when a woman’s breasts are unequal in size or restoring a woman’s breasts after surgery as treatment for breast cancer.
What are breast implants and what are the types of implants?
To be clear, breast implants are medical prosthesis that are placed inside the breast to reconstruct, augment or create the physical form of the breast. The outer layer of breast implants is made of silicone, while the inside of the implant contains either a saline solution, silicone gel or a combination of alternative substances. In most cases, breast implants last about 10 years. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution and can be filled with various amounts of saline solution. The different amount of saline solution may affect the firmness, feel and shape of the breast. It is important to note; that if a saline implant leaks, the solution will not affect a woman’s body; it will simply be absorbed and expelled by a woman’s body naturally.
What are silicone implants?
Silicone implants, on the other hand, are filled with a silicone gel which is held within a silicone shell. If a silicone-filled implant leaks, the gel with stay inside the shell or come through into the breast implant pocket. For those who choose a silicone gel implant, they should have their doctor check them regularly. An ultrasound or an MRI can show the condition of the implants.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
As with many surgical procedures, there are risks with breast augmentation. Some of the risks and complications are hardening of the area around the implant, which can change the shape of the implant and cause pain, painful breasts, a temporary change in sensation around the nipple, leakage or rupture to the implant, bleeding and fluid accumulation.
What is involved with the breast augmentation procedure?
The breast augmentation procedure begins with the patient choosing between a general or local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, the patient is awake and only the surgical area around the breast is numbed. However, in most cases, the breast surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon explains to the patient which incision options are available. In most cases, the surgeon explains which option is most suitable for the patient and her outcome. Incision options available are in the crease under the breast, in the armpit or around the nipple.
After the implant, what is the next step?
After the implant has been inserted into a pocket and incisions are closed, the surgery is completed and the results are viewed. Keep in mind; there will be some swelling caused by the surgery; however, the swelling often ends within a couple of weeks. Once the anesthetic wears off, the patient will be given painkillers to relieve the pain. It is important to note; women who undergo this surgery should not engage in strenuous physical activities for at least six weeks. Post-operative exercises such as flex and moving her arms to relieve discomfort, are encouraged by most doctors. In addition, it is important to follow your surgeon’s advice when it comes to what kind of bra to wear and when to wear it. Before she leaves the hospital, she will be given instructions on how to care for the breast implants.
Benefits of breast implants
Women have different reasons for choosing breast implants; however, the most common reason for choosing this surgical procedure is to increase one’s self-esteem and image. In addition, most women feel more comfortable in their clothing and some women say that they felt more inclined to have sex because of the surgery. Also, some women liked the fact that their overall body image looked better and felt their self-confidence in being a woman was much improved.
To conclude, breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is performed in order to increase the size, shape or fullness of a woman’s breasts. As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Before undergoing this breast augmentation surgery, it is advisable to talk with your doctor first to see if you are a good candidate for this surgery and to discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery. Find out from your doctor or surgeon if this kind of surgery would work for you. Keep in mind; most insurance policies do not cover breast augmentation. However, reconstructive breast surgery for breast cancer is often covered by insurance.