Breast Augmentation: What You Need To Know

Plastic surgery is getting more popular, and this is especially true with breast augmentation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that breast enhancement is the most popular plastic surgery in America, with 300,378 performed in 2017.

Many women have questions about this procedure before they decide to go through with their breast augmentation. Below are some of the most important things to know.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is done by board-certified plastic surgeons to enhance the shape and size of the patient’s breasts. This is usually done with silicone or saline breast implants.

However, the fat transfer procedure is becoming more popular. This procedure involves using liposuction to take fat from another body area, such as the abdomen, and carefully injecting the fat into the breasts. Fat transfer breast augmentation can be a good choice for a woman who wants a subtle increase in breast size.

Types Of Breast Implants Available

Modern breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with silicone gel or saline. The decision on which to use comes down to your anatomy, goals, and personal preference. Women who want a more natural feel to the implant may wish to opt for silicone.

But if you are concerned about the silicone implant rupturing - which rarely occurs today - you may want saline implants.

Today’s implants also are available in many sizes and shapes. Round implants are popular and are a good choice for women who want larger breasts. But newer, teardrop-shaped implants may give a more natural look and fullness to your breasts.

It’s important to remember that having breast implants will not result in the breasts being lifted. However, if you have a problem with drooping, you may want to have a breast lift along with breast augmentation.

How To Prepare For Breast Augmentation

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with extensive instructions to prepare you for your procedure. But you can expect the following:

• You should not smoke for several weeks before and after the surgery; this will delay the healing process.
• Do not eat or drink anything other than water 12 hours before the procedure.
• Have someone available to take you to and back from the procedure; you will be coming out of general anesthesia and unable to drive for the rest of the day.
• Have a friend or family member available to help you at home for a few days. This is especially important if you have small children.

How Long Does The Recovery Take?

Recovery varies after breast augmentation, but most people recover faster today because of improvements in the procedure. You can expect to take it easy for a week after surgery, and then you can probably go back to work.

But you should wait four to six weeks before you go back to strenuous activities, including vigorous exercise. It’s important not to overdo it in the first few weeks, as it can cause implant and incisions problems.

If your doctor gives you a compression garment to wear, make sure you wear it according to their instructions. Typically, this means you wear it all the time except for showering for a week or two.

What Are the Risks Of Breast Augmentation?

There are risks with any surgery. Most women have no severe issues after breast augmentation surgery, but the most common problems are:

• Infection at the incision site
• Breast implant leak
• Asymmetry
• Visible scarring after several months
• Long-term pain and tenderness in the breasts
• General dissatisfaction with the results

If you are initially unhappy with your implants, remember there will be considerable swelling for several weeks, and it can take months for it to resolve fully.

Also, the position of the implants will be high on the chest at first, but they will settle into their natural place after three or four weeks.

What About Scars?

All surgeries leave scars, but breast augmentation scars usually heal well and are hidden under the breast. The scars will be noticeable for several months but will lighten and fade with time.

Ensure that you keep your incisions out of direct sunlight for several months because this can make the incisions darken and thicken.

How Long Do Implants Last?

Most patients’ breast implants are long-lasting. Most breast implants last 10 to 20 years, but how long depends mainly on the patient and the type and size of implants.

You will probably need to have a revision procedure eventually to replace your implants. Some women choose to have larger implants removed as they age and replaced with smaller ones.

Outlook

Breast augmentation is a popular and safe cosmetic procedure that provides thousands of patients with excellent results every year. If you choose a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, you should be pleased with your new shape and contours for many years.

Learn more about Dr. Aric Aghayan Plastic Surgery Portland by visiting him online.

References

Dr. Aric Aghayan Breast Augmentation (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.apresplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation-portland-or/

What You Need To Know About Breast Augmentation. (2017). Accessed at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263567#1

Important Things To Know About Breast Augmentation. (2018). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/important-things-to-know-about-breast-augmentation