9 Questions To Ask Yourself Before A Breast Augmentation

Expert Author
Smita Ramanadham Plastic Surgeon East Brunswick, NJ

Led by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham, our New Jersey practice provides quality aesthetic procedures to create desirable results for our patients in the New York City metro and Tri-state areas. Dr. Ramanadham works with each patient to understand their needs and cosmetic goals before creating a... more

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to enlarge your breasts and involves putting silicone or saline implants under the breast tissue or muscles. Many women undergo breast augmentation to improve their appearance and boost their self-confidence. Others opt for the procedure to rebuild their breasts after a health problem.

Before you have breast augmentation, it’s essential to know that it is a serious medical procedure. Always talk to your plastic surgeon if you think you want breast augmentation. Also, you can ask yourself the 9 questions below to find out if it’s a good choice for you.

#1: How Do You Perform A Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation usually involves inserting saline or silicone breast implants in the breasts, but it also can use fat transfer for women who want a smaller enhancement.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The details of the procedure vary by patient, but usually, the surgeon makes incisions under the breasts where he inserts the implants. Once he’s pleased with the implant’s positions and symmetry, he sews up the incisions.

#2: What Type Of Breast Implants Are Best?

There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Some women obtain better results with one implant or another. Your plastic surgeon is highly experienced working with silicone and saline implants and will decide which will achieve your desired results. Critical factors to think over when comparing the implants are:

  • Saline implants may show rippling more than the silicone variety. A thinner woman or who has less breast tissue may like the look of silicone better. But if a saline implant ruptures, which is rare, the saline can be harmlessly absorbed into the body.
  • Silicone implants have a more natural feel than saline but are only approved by FDA for women who are 22 or older. Younger women may have to get saline implants. If a silicone implant ruptures, some are concerned with how silicone can affect the body.

#3: Do I Need To Have Implants For Breast Augmentation?

If you want a more authentic approach to enhancing the size of the breasts, fat transfer is an option. Fat is taken from one body part with liposuction and is inserted into the breasts.

Women thinking about fat transfer for their breast augmentation need to have enough extra fat elsewhere in the body for the procedure to work. If you desire a large increase in cup size, you probably will need traditional implants.

#4: How Safe Are Breast Implants?

Saline and silicone breast implants are FDA approved for breast augmentations. As with all cosmetic surgeries, there are risks involved. Some of these risks are:

  • Asymmetry
  • Infection
  • Unhappy with the results
  • Implant rupture
  • Breast implant-associated illness (BIA-ALCL)

If a saline implant ruptures, the fluid will quickly absorb into the body and is readily visible. This is entirely safe, but it’s annoying because the chest will look unbalanced until a revision surgery is set up.

If a silicone implant ruptures, you probably won’t know it unless you have an MRI performed. The silicone is a gel, not a liquid, so it shouldn’t leak into your body. But you still need replacement surgery.

#5: How Long Will Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are not intended to last for life. Most patients can have their implants for 10 or 15 years before they need to be replaced.

#6: Can You Get A Breast Lift And Breast Augmentation?

Usually, you can. Breast augmentation will only increase the size of the breasts. It won’t improve the position of the breasts if they have drooped because of age, childbirth, or weight loss. Talk to your plastic surgeon to find out if you need a breast lift, too.

#7: What’s The Recovery Time For A Breast Augmentation?

Most women recover well from breast augmentation. After the operation, you should expect some swelling and discomfort. These symptoms can be treated with prescription pain medication offered by your plastic surgeon.

You also will wear a unique, heavy-duty bra to wear for a few weeks after the procedure. This will ensure proper healing and keep everything supported and comfortable.

Most breast augmentation patients are fit to go back to work in 7 to 14 days. But you may have swelling and pain for a few more weeks. These symptoms should fade after about 30 days. Final results are visible within 6 to 12 weeks.

#8: Which Size Implant Should I Get?

This depends on several things, such as your body size and the breast size you want. Before your surgery, talk to your surgeon about your goals and desires. Your surgeon may have you try on several ‘sizers’ that will give you a feel for how various sizes feel.

#9: How To Find The Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon?

It’s critical to choose a certified, experienced, and qualified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. Check the surgeon’s before-and-after picture galleries on their website. Make sure you ask plenty of questions about their training, education, and experience with breast augmentations.

Also, ask if the surgeon is board-certified, which indicates a higher level of training and responsibility in breast augmentations. A board-certified surgeon is better qualified to handle complex procedures or if a complication arises.

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