What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase breast size.
It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles
Breast augmentation can be done for various reasons, such as to feel more confident or to rebuild the breast for various conditions
The procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape, or improve natural breast size asymmetry
There are different types of breast implants available, including saline breast implants, structured saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, and form-stable implants (also known as gummy bear breast implants)
The type of implant used will depend on the patient's preferences and the surgeon's recommendations. Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation
The procedure can be done in one of several ways, such as via the crease under the breast or around the areola
After the surgery, the implant lies either behind the glandular tissue in the breast (subglandular placement) or behind the chest wall muscle (submuscular placement)
It's important to consider all the risks and possible side effects of having breast augmentation surgery
Risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Recovery time varies, but most women can return to work within a week or two after surgery.
Compression garments are typically worn for six weeks, and strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided during this time.
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a deeply personal procedure, and it's important that the decision to get breast implants is made for oneself
Generally speaking, anyone who is in reasonably good mental and physical health can be candidates for breast implants
However, there are several criteria that patients should meet in order for a plastic surgeon to classify them as good candidates for breast augmentation.
· Good physical health: Patients should be in good physical health, which means that they have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
· Realistic expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and understand that breast augmentation can improve the appearance of their breasts, but it cannot solve all of their problems or guarantee a perfect result.
· Fully developed breasts: Patients should have fully developed breasts, which means that they are at least 18 years old.
· Stable weight: Patients should have a stable weight, which means that they are not planning to lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant in the near future.
· Good mental health: Patients should be in good mental health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
· Realistic goals: Patients should have realistic goals for the surgery and understand that breast augmentation can improve the appearance of their breasts, but it cannot solve all of their problems or guarantee a perfect result.
Patients who smoke or have underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery may not be good candidates for breast augmentation.
It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether breast augmentation is a good fit for one's individual needs and goals.
What are the different types of breast implants?
There are two main types of breast augmentation: breast implants and fat transfer augmentation.
Breast implants are the most common type of breast augmentation and come in different sizes and shapes .
There are several types of breast implants, including:
· Saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant were to break inside the breast, the body will absorb the saline and naturally get rid of it. Saline-filled implants come in different sizes and have either smooth or textured shells. The FDA approved saline-filled breast implants for breast augmentation in women age 18 or older and for breast reconstruction in women of any age.
· Structured saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water and have an inner structure that helps the implant feel more natural. They are also available in different sizes and have either smooth or textured shells.
· Silicone breast implants: These implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with silicone gel. They come in different sizes and have either smooth or textured shells. Silicone gel-filled breast implants are approved for breast augmentation in women age 22 or older and for breast reconstruction in women of any age.
Gummy bear breast implants: These implants are also filled with silicone gel, but the consistency of the gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. They are also firmer than traditional implants and maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. They are sometimes referred to as form-stable implants .
Breast implants can be round or teardrop-shaped, and they can be smooth or textured
The choice of implant type depends on the individual's preference and the surgeon's recommendation. It is important to fully research and know the pros and cons of each option and to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon before opting for breast augmentation
How do I choose the right size for my breast implants?
Choosing the right size for breast implants can be a daunting task, but there are several factors to consider to ensure that you make the best decision for your body. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size for your breast implants:
1. Consider your body type: Your chest, shoulder, and hip width, along with your natural breast size, will help you determine what width of breast implant will fit best.
A short, petite woman can achieve a full, natural look with a smaller implant size.
2. Don't think according to your bra cup size: Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and for every 150-200 ccs, you can expect to go up one or one and a half cup sizes. This varies based on your body’s measurements and the brand of bra that you wear.
3. Think about your lifestyle: Your current breasts are the reason that you are considering breast implant surgery, so they play a huge role in choosing what you want. If you are unhappy with your current cup size, you can use that as a starting point for choosing your implant size. However, you should also consider your lifestyle and whether larger implants will be comfortable and practical for you
4. Utilize sizer bras and photos: During your pre-operative consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will be able to see, feel, and try on different implant sizes and shapes to help you make your decision.
5. You can also use sizer bras and photos to visualize how different implant sizes will look on your body.
6. Consider your natural breast size: You will need enough breast tissue and skin to accommodate the implants. Choosing a breast implant that is too large for your natural breast size can lead to complications such as rippling, wrinkling, and sagging.
7. Use your breast augmentation consultation to your best advantage: With a 3D imaging system like The VECTRA® XT, your surgeon can show you how all of your options will change the appearance of your breast implants.
Remember that choosing the right size for your breast implants is a personal decision, and you should select a size that is right for you. While you should take your doctor's suggestions into consideration, you have the final say in what size you choose.
What is the cost of breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery costs vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic location of the surgeon's office.
The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
However, this average cost is only part of the total price, and it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
The total cost of breast augmentation can range from $6,000 to $12,000, including fees for the surgeon and the hospital or facility, plus anesthesia, medical tests, and prescription medications.
Some plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for breast augmentation, so it's important to ask about this option.
The following are some factors that can affect the cost of breast augmentation surgery:
· Surgeon's fee
· Anesthesia fees
· Hospital or surgical facility costs
· Medical tests
· Post-surgery garments
· Prescriptions for medication
It's important to carefully review your health insurance policy before having breast augmentation surgery, as health insurance plans generally don't cover this procedure for cosmetic purposes.
What are the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size. As with any surgery, there are risks involved. The following is a list of risks and complications associated with breast augmentation:
· Anesthesia risks: There is a small risk of allergic reaction to anesthesia.
· Bleeding: Some patients may experience bleeding into the space around the implant, which can occur immediately after the operation or up to two weeks later.
· Capsular contracture: This is the formation of tight scar tissue around the implant, which can cause the breast to feel hard and distorted. The risk of capsular contracture is up to 1 in 10 of all breast augmentations, but most of these patients will not need revision surgery.
· Changes in nipple and breast sensation: Most patients will experience some alteration in sensation in their breasts after breast augmentation surgery, with the most common symptoms being numbness and oversensitivity of the nipples. This oversensitivity gradually settles down, but usually takes several months to do so. Around 1 in 5 patients will have a reduction in sensation to their nipples.
· Fluid accumulation (seroma): This is the buildup of fluid around the implant, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
· Formation of noticeable scars: Some patients may develop thick, noticeable scarring that does not fade.
· Hematoma: This is the collection of blood around the implant, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
· Implant leakage or rupture: This can occur if the implant is damaged or ruptured, which can cause small lumps called silicone granulomas to form. If this happens, the implant will need to be removed or replaced.
· Infection: There is a risk of infection after any surgery, which can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the implant. If this happens, the implant may need to be removed.
· Persistent pain: Some patients may experience persistent pain after breast augmentation surgery.
· Poor scarring: Some patients may develop poor scarring, which can be thick, raised, or discolored.
· Possibility of revision surgery: Some patients may require revision surgery to correct complications or to achieve the desired results.
· Wrinkling of the skin over the implant: This can occur if the implant is not properly placed or if there is not enough tissue to cover the implant.
It is important to discuss these risks and complications with a plastic surgeon before undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Patients should also be aware that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be removed or replaced in the future.
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure that requires a significant amount of pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery.
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most surgeons agree that a full recovery can take on average four to six weeks.
During this time, it is important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects, and overworking yourself.
After the operation, you may experience soreness, fatigue, nausea, tightness in your chest, oversensitivity or a loss of sensitivity in the breasts, swelling, and bruising, which will fade over time.
Usually, at around two months post-surgery, most patients have fully recovered and can resume regular activity.
However, it is important to note that each person recovers at a different pace.
It is essential to follow your surgeon's post-op instructions to help you recover more quickly and avoid complications.
If you have a very active job, you may need more time off
Will breast augmentation affect my ability to breastfeed?
Breast augmentation, lift, and reduction procedures have the potential to affect the nerves and ducts within the breast, thus impacting lactation.
However, most women with breast implants can safely and successfully breastfeed, and the surgery itself shouldn't affect their ability to do so.
During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants are placed between the chest wall and the breast, avoiding interference with the breast ducts or mammary glands from which milk is excreted.
While some glandular tissue is removed during breast reduction, in most cases enough breast tissue is left to enable milk production after surgery.
The amount of milk produced will depend on the number of connected ducts and functionality of the nerves that enable lactation, as well as other factors apart from the surgery, such as hormones and milk removal.
Incisions made in the armpit and beneath the breast are less likely to impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed, while incisions made around the areola may reduce milk flow if nerves or milk ducts are severed.
Women with breast implants may not be able to produce a full milk supply, even if they’re able to breastfeed.
Overall, most women with breast implants can safely breastfeed, but it's important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not considered to be "lifetime devices" .
The average lifespan of saline or silicone implants can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years..
However, some implants can last longer than 20 years, while others may need to be removed sooner due to complications or cosmetic reasons.
The life of your implants will depend on several factors, including the type of implant, the experience of the surgeon, your overall health, and your health throughout the years.
The chance of rupture increases by one percent each year, so the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications.
Saline implants will typically last between 8-10 years without any issues.
It is important to attend necessary checkups to help your implants last longer .
If you are considering breast implants, your plastic surgeon will go over how to care for your implants and the necessary checkups you should attend
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