Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a procedure that uses implants to increase the fullness and shape of the breasts. It is currently the most popular type of cosmetic surgery performed.
Breast augmentation is a very personal procedure, but the widespread popularity shows that breast size is important to many women. For the women who are dissatisfied with their breast size, breast augmentation surgery is an option to consider.
Women choose to get breast implants for a wide variety of reasons:fulfill a desire for bigger breastsimprove the balance of the figurecorrect size and shape difference between uneven breastsrestore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancyreconstruct a breast after a mastectomy or injuryenhance self-image and self-confidenceBreast Augmentation SurgeryBefore surgery is scheduled, you will need to set up a consultation appointment.
You should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that performs the surgery in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient ambulatory surgical center, or hospital. At the consultation, the surgeon will ask you many questions about your health, medical history, expectations and desired outcome.
The surgeon will also discuss your options, risks, and what to expect. As your safety and success of the surgery depends on your answers, it is important to talk honestly with the surgeon.
On the day of surgery, anesthesia will be administered for comfort and pain control, either through intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, based on the doctor’s recommendation. Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will cut the incisions necessary to insert the breast implants into the body.
Incisions are made in an inconspicuous area in order to minimize visible scarring; common options are in the breast crease, in the armpit, through the belly button, or around the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple).
The incision location varies among patients based on type and size of implant, anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will insert the implants into the body.
The breast implants, which may be pre-filled or filled during surgery, are placed either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue (over the pectoral muscle). The position depends on type and size of implant, body type, and surgeon recommendation.
After the surgeon is satisfied with the placement, the incisions are closed. The breast tissue is closed with layered sutures and the skin incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. Recovery After getting breast implants, the patient will need time to recover before returning to normal activity.
It is important that the surgical incisions have time to completely heal before the breasts are subjected to excessive motion or abrasion. Post-surgery recovery usually takes about 24 to 48 hours, followed by a few days of low-activity. It is normal for a patient to experience swelling and soreness for a few weeks. The incision lines will continue to flatten and fade over time, often taking up to a year for complete healing.
The surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-surgery care, including: how to care for the incisions, which medications to take orally to reduce the risk of infection or apply topically to aid healing, when to schedule a follow-up appointment, and when to resume exercise and normal activity.
It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-surgery instructions to prevent problems and help ensure a successful outcome. The breast implants are long-lasting, but they are not designed to last a lifetime. Breast implants may need to be replaced or revised over time, and patient’s should plan on future visits to the plastic surgeon for periodic check-ups.
Types of Breast Implants Women have a choice of breast implants – either saline implants (filled with sterile salt water) or silicone implants (filled with elastic gel). The choice of implant will be determined by patient’s acceptance of associated benefits and risks as well as desired size, breast anatomy, and body type.
In the Pakistan, saline implants are more widely used than silicone implants, even though silicone implants are more likely to feel and move like natural breast tissue. The questionable safety of silicone implants led to FDA regulations and restrictions being imposed in 1992, even without direct evidence that silicone caused illness. In countries without restrictions, women primarily choose silicone implants.
Saline Implants FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older Filled with sterile salt water (saline) Can be filled with varying amounts of saline to affect the fullness, shape, firmness, and feel of the breast Most women say they have a balloon-like feel that does not feel realistic Usually quite firm and prone to wrinkling and rippling Often filled after they are placed into the body, so they can be inserted through smaller incisions made in the breast crease, armpit, belly button, or areolaIf a saline implant breaks or leaks, it is noticed right away – the breast quickly deflates and the salt water is naturally absorbed by the body Silicone Implants FDA-approved for augmentation.
in women 22 years of age and older Filled with an elastic gel More closely resembles the feel and movement of natural breast tissue Usually placed pre-filled, so requires larger incisions under the breast to insert them into the body A leak may not be noticed right away – if gel leaks, a scar capsule may form around the implant at the leak and the breast may not collapse – surgery will be needed to remove escaped gel and implant Periodic check-ups with plastic surgeon necessary to assess condition of breast implants, may include ultrasound or MRI screening When considering which type of implant to use, it is important for a patient to consider the benefits and risks of both saline and silicone implants, including safety concerns.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options and provide you with the necessary information so you can make an informed decision. Cost of Breast Augmentation On average, the total cost of breast augmentation surgery will vary from $4,000 up to $10,000 or more. What you pay will vary based on the surgeon’s experience, type of breast implant, and geographic location. The surgeon’s fee is one of the primary expenses, while the implants usually cost only $1,000 to $1,500.
Other factors include hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, pre-op tests, medications, post-surgery garments, follow-up appointments, and revisions or replacements. Results It will take time for swelling to go down and incisions to heal, but the results are immediate.
Breast augmentation surgery can instill more self-confidence in one’s body and make it easier to wear certain types of clothing and swim wear. Breast implants can improve body image and bring an overall sense of happiness and satisfaction in one’s figure.