Breast Augmentation

Last updated date: 14-Jun-2023

Originally Written in English

Breast Augmentation

What can you do if you are not happy with your breast structure, shape, and size? The truth is that most women are not contented with the overall appearance of their breasts. As a result, some are seeking medical remedies to adjust or increase the breasts size. Based on what you intend to achieve, there are various available plastic surgery alternatives. 

Plastic surgeries have been on the rise for the last ten years, and one of the top cosmetic surgeries is breast augmentation. Today, it’s one of the most sought options among women with small or unbalanced breasts. In addition, medical providers will recommend this surgical approach for individuals who wish to modify their breasts. 

 

Breast Augmentation Meaning 

What is breast augmentation meaning? It’s a major surgery that is done to increase breast size or reconstruct it following breast surgery. It can be done on one or both breasts. Breast augmentation is also known as "augmentation mammoplasty".

For some women, this procedure is crucial, like those who have significant self-confidence issues for having small breasts.

For women who had an operation that involved removing some of the breast tissues as in cancer patients, the augmentation procedure can be done in the same surgery session after cancer excision.

Women with breasts that are unequal in size may ask for this operation for a better cosmetic appearance.

Some women do breast augmentation operations just for the sake of having fuller breasts even if the size of their breasts is ample, though this is not why it is usually done.

 

Why Breast Augmentation is performed?

Breast augmentation can be helpful in the following ways: 

  • Improving your overall physical look. If you believe your breasts are too small or one is slightly bigger than the other, which affects your dressing code or the bra type, you need to deal with the asymmetry; then, breast augmentation is suitable for you.  
  • Making adjustments for a decrease in the size of the breasts following pregnancy or substantial weight loss.
  • Correcting uneven looking breasts following breast surgeries for cancer treatment or other conditions 
  • Enhancing your self-esteem

Ensure that you discuss your objectives of the procedure with the cosmetic surgeon, including the suitable breast augmentation options. This will help you be reasonable about what the course can do and have a proper breast augmentation financing plan. 

 

Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation 

The initial decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is highly personal. Hence, it’s essential to do it basically for you and not anyone else. There are high chances of patient satisfaction, especially if one opts for the procedure just by themselves. 

Whereas breast augmentation is currently a common cosmetic procedure, not everyone is eligible to undergo the process. However, you might be a suitable candidate if you; 

  • Are in good health condition and neither pregnant nor breastfeeding
  • Have realistic objectives and expectations from the procedure 
  • Have breasts that have formed or developed fully
  • Have the uneasy feeling that your breasts are extremely small 
  • Are not content with the general loss of breast form and volume as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.
  • Are dissatisfied with the empty appearance of the upper section of the breast 
  • Have asymmetrical breasts
  • Either one or the two breasts did not grow naturally or developed in an elongated form

In case you are considering breast enlargement surgery, then it first important to understandwhat’s breast augmentation and what it entails. Reviewing some photos of the procedure and taking the time to learn what to expect is also essential. Early preparation will enable you to have practical expectations and a smooth healing process. 

 

Types of Breast Implants

Types of Breast Implants

Different types of implants are used according to the patient's condition. However, the most used implants are made of silicone gels which are enclosed within a shell; it has a similar texture to the natural breast, which makes it favorable to women. It was found that these implants may leak either into the shell or out in the breast tissue, and that’s why regular visits to the physician are required to assess the implants.

Gummy bear breast implants are also very common; they are also known as "form-stable implants". These are also made of silicone gel, but it’s thicker than that in the more common silicone implants making the texture firmer. Breast augmentation gummy bears have an advantage over the normal silicone implants in that even when they break, they maintain their shape, which requires fewer visits to the physician. But they have a specific form requiring them to be implanted in a certain direction, so if they are rotated for any reason, a disturbance in breast shape can result.

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saline water, and the FDA has approved them for 18 years and older women. If the implant rupture and saline leaks, it is absorbed by the body.

Round breast implants make the breasts appear fuller, and they have the same shape all around. So, even if they are rotated, the change in the breast shape is avoided.

Smooth breast implants have an even and soft sensation and can move together with the breast implant pocket. This gives your breasts a better natural movement. However, these implants might have some noticeable or palpable rippling beneath the skin. 

Textured breast implants tend to form scar tissue that firmly attaches to the breast and the implant. Hence, this reduces the possibility of moving around within the breast and repositioning in a different structure. 

 

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Procedure 

After deciding to undergo a breast augmentation procedure, the surgeon will give you detailed preoperative guidelines. This is also the right time to ask any question regarding the operation and any other relevant concern. 

The surgeon will also assess your medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine if you are for surgery. They may advise you to undergo the following to help diagnose and monitor any changes in the breast tissue: 

  • A baseline mammogram prior to surgery 
  • An additional mammogram after several months of surgery

 

The surgeon will as well ask you to do the following before the procedure: 

  • To quit smoking for at least six weeks before the surgical operation so as to improve recovery. 
  • Refrain from using aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications that may cause severe bleeding
  • Keep your body dehydrated before and after the procedure to ensure a successful recovery. This is irrespective of the type of surgery you are undergoing. 

If you are undergoing autologous fat transfer breast augmentation, the surgeon will advise you to put on a special bra. This is to enlarge the skin and the tissue surrounding the breasts in preparation for fat injection. 

Generally, breast augmentation is done on an outpatient basis. Therefore, you should make plans for someone to bring you home following surgery and to watch over you during the first night.

 

How Breast Augmentation is done?

In breast augmentation, implants are placed either under the breast tissue itself or under the chest muscles. Implants can be made of different materials, but silicone gel or saline are the most common.

Since it is major surgery, it is usually done under general anesthesia, where the patient is put into sleep before starting the operation. In some cases, regional anesthesia is used, in which the patient is awake, but the breast is numb. 

During the procedure, an incision is made in the breast either under the breast crease, on the upper part of the armpit, or around the nipple. The incision should be large enough to insert the implant but as small as possible to minimize the resulting scar.

After the incision is made, the surgeon creates a space either above or below the outermost muscle of the chest, and the implant is inserted in that space where the implant must be centralized just below the nipple. The incision is closed, making sure that it leaves a very minimal scar that can be hidden easily.

Autologous fat transfer is another method for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation fat transfer is a technique in which the surgeon uses liposuction to extract some of your fat from a fat-producing body part. This includes the thighs, belly, or flanks. After removal, the surgeon will process it and inject it into the breasts.

 

Breast Augmentation Recovery and Aftercare 

Usually, before surgery, the surgeon will inform you of the duration it might take before resuming your usual work and activities. In addition, you and the caregiver will receive comprehensive guidance concerning post-operative treatment. It will include breast augmentation recovery tipsand information on the following; 

  • Drains, in case you have them 
  • The common symptoms you are likely to notice 
  • The possible warning or complication signs 

The surgeon might put you in a surgical dressing following your breast augmentation operation. This can include a garment or a support bra. 

Normally, breast augmentation surgery enlarges the breast tissue. This can cause pain, particularly if the implants are inserted underneath the chest muscle. The greatest discomfort is usually felt during the first 48 hours following the operation. The level of pain will gradually reduce per day. At times, the doctor can recommend a variety of pain killers to manage pain effectively. 

The breasts might feel slightly rigid and sensitive to touch, while the surrounding skin can be warm or itchy during breast augmentation recovery. In most cases, it will be a bit difficult to raise or lift your arms. 

Also, swelling and some discoloration are likely to occur at first, but this will diminish within a short period. Most of the remaining swelling will slowly subside in a month.

You may experience some discomfort and pain after the anesthesia effect wears off. Consult the doctor in case the pain becomes too serious or persistent. It’s also common to experience some swelling and redness around the surgical site after surgery. However, you should contact the physician to determine if such symptoms are normal or indicate a certain problem. 

 

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift 

There’s quite a controversy when it comes to breast augmentation vs breast lift. Both procedures carry varying sets of unique benefits and shortcomings. However, you should understand that breast augmentation primarily involves breast shape and size. Besides, it doesn’t address drooping or sagging breasts. On the other hand, breast lifts mainly focus on the position of the breast but don’t enhance the size. 

In most cases, plastic surgeons perform breast lift alongside breast augmentation. This gives the breast a youthful appearance and restores them in a suitable position. Furthermore, the breast will have an increased volume due to the implants placed. 

Breast augmentation and breast lift are sensitive and personal procedures. Therefore, it’s crucial to find the best plastic surgeon to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. You should also consider the average costs of the surgeries, including breast augmentation with fat transfer cost. This will help you plan accordingly and make viable decisions. 

 

Choosing Breast Augmentation Breast Surgeons 

The breast augmentation procedure comprises a vast array of choices. The initial and most essential factor is to find a certified, reliable plastic or cosmetic surgeon. While there are various breast augmentation best surgeons, thorough research on every prospect is vital. You can consider reading the patient reviews and checking the pictures of patients before and after surgery. 

Apart from the qualifications and patient reviews, make sure you feel at ease with the surgeon and have confidence in their skills. You can schedule an appointment to learn more about that particular surgeon before deciding to work with him or her. During the appointment, be sure to inquire about the breast augmentation surgery price.

Breast augmentation is generally a fragile and personal treatment. Hence, you should carefully choose a doctor that is a good fit for you. He or she should also be capable of performing fat transfer to breast augmentation procedures. 

To ensure the best surgery and satisfactory outcome, you can consider; 

  • Breast augmentation NYC 
  • Breast augmentation Los Angeles 
  • Breast augmentation Boston 
  • Breast augmentation New Jersey

 

Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost

Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost

According to recent statistics by plastic surgeons, the minimum average breast augmentation surgery costs about $3,718.00. This can, however, vary based on the healthcare facility or hospital, the experience of the surgeon, and the type of procedure and implants. 

This breast augmentation pricing can include the following; 

  • Medical facility and surgery costs 
  • Anesthesia expense 
  • Medical tests and examination 
  • Post-operative garments 
  • The surgeon charges 
  • Medical drugs prescription 

When it comes to breast augmentation surgery near me, you should always consider the skills, training, and experience of the surgeon. Your certainty and comfort with the surgeon are as essential as the ultimate cost of the procedure. 

 

Limitations of Breast Augmentation Surgery 

Any operation that involves anesthesia can be risky, and this is not an exception. The common breast augmentation risks include bleeding, aspiration, infection, and all other complications of anesthesia can occur. Also, there are risks that are specific to the procedure itself - the scar that is made from the incision may heal in a bad way resulting in an awful scar that may be bothersome to the patient. 

This operation makes the breasts fuller, but it does not elevate them, so sagging of the breasts is not treated unless the elevation of the breast is done during the augmentation.

The silicone implant may leak and change its shape. The gummy bear implant may rotate, which can result in a change of its form.

Mammography becomes harder and specialized mammography or breast augmentation types are needed if there is a suspicion of cancer or any other breast-related disease.

In women who are still in their childbearing age, it was noticed that the implants could make breastfeeding harder, but it is still achievable.

Breast implants do not last forever; the life span of the implant is usually ten years. Sometimes, removal or rotation procedures are needed when the implant leaks or changes their position.

Weight gain and weight loss affect the shape of the breasts, and this may require additional surgeries to restore the shape of the breasts.

Breast implants illness is a condition in which a group of symptoms appear after implant and disappear after its removal. These symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, skin rash, and joint pain. While the exact cause is unknown, some believe it is an inflammatory reaction.

Knowing all the risk factors, the complications, and how the procedure is done is a must before going through any operation. Discussing with your surgeon what you want and what your options are, makes you feel safer and more in control so that you will get the results you want.

 

Conclusion 

Breast augmentation is an advanced plastic surgery designed to increase the size of the breast among women. It’s also a suitable method for correcting breast structure or shape following breast cancer surgery or other conditions. Also, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if you feel less confident with your breast appearance and have realistic expectations. 

The first essential factor you should always consider when opting for a breast augmentation operation is finding a certified surgeon. Generally, this is a personal treatment; hence you should think of nothing but achieving the best results.