What You Need To Know About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that seeks to enhance the size and symmetry of a woman’s breasts and make them look perkier and fuller. In effect, this procedure will give a patient a more youthful appearance. However, like any other surgical procedure, breast augmentation can have some health and emotional implications.

Therefore, before deciding to go for breast augmentation, you need to understand what the procedure entails and what you can expect to ensure that your expectations are aligned with reality.

Here are some important things you need to know about breast augmentation.

What Does Breast Augmentation Involve?

Breast augmentation is usually performed in hospital outpatient facilities or plastic surgery centers. In most cases, patients go home the same day, and it is unlikely that you will need a hospital stay.

During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will make an incision under your breast, around your nipple, or under your arm. They will then separate your breast tissue from the muscles and the connective tissues of the chest to create a pocket in which an implant is inserted.

Once the implant has been inserted, the surgeon will close the incision and bandage it using surgical tape and skin adhesive. It is worth noting the procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, but it can also be done under local anesthesia.

What Are Some Breast Augmentation Options?

There are several breast augmentation surgery options, depending on the type of implant to be inserted. Some common types of breast implants include:

• Saline breast implants
• Silicone breast implants
• Structured saline breast implants
• Gummy breast implants
• Round breast implants
• Smooth breast implants
• Textured breast implants

Who Qualifies for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is not for everyone. Some important conditions that you need to meet to qualify as a candidate for breast augmentation include:

• You must be at least 18 or 22 years old, depending on the type of implant you want (18 for saline; 22 for silicone)
• You must be in good physical health
• You should not be a smoker or a heavy drinker
• You should be in a healthy frame of mind since the procedure will have long-lasting physical implications
• You should have realistic expectations
• You should have the time you need to rest after the procedure

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Augmentation?

Like any other surgical procedure, breast augmentation is not without risks. Some of the risks that are associated with the procedure include:

• The incision area might get infected
• You might experience breast pain
• You can lose breast and nipple sensation
• The implant can rupture and leak
• Implant complications, such as capsular contracture
• You can suffer from a blood clot
• You might not get the desired results
• You might need a repeat surgery

The Bottom Line

As you can see, breast augmentation can go a long way in improving your overall appearance. However, it is not without risk. The good news is that you can minimize the possible risks by choosing a plastic surgeon with vast experience and a solid track record. With this, most women remain pleased with their breast implant choice for years or decades to come.