Breast augmentation is a common surgical procedure that is performed every day. Some women choose breast augmentation to reconstruct the breasts after a cancer diagnosis, while others choose breast augmentation to boost their self-esteem and feel better in their bodies. Breast augmentation is highly individualized and only performed after consulting with your surgeon to ensure you receive the desired results. Here is everything you need to know about breast augmentation surgery so that you can make the most informed decisions about your procedure.
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
A breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic surgery designed to change the size and shape of your breasts. Women can choose to undergo breast augmentation to reconstruct the breast after lumpectomy, mastectomy, or for cosmetic purposes. There are many different types of breast augmentation surgery available, and procedures can vary depending on your needs and desired results.
Consultation Process
Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, you will meet with your plastic surgeon for a comprehensive consultation to review your overall health, the goals of your procedure, and potential surgical options. Discussing your expectations and concerns with your doctor during this consultation is important to ensure you will receive your desired results after surgery.
Surgical Options
Surgical options for your breast augmentation will be discussed in detail during your consultation with your doctor. Some of the surgical options that you should discuss include:
- Implant Type: Most commonly, breast implants are filled with silicone or saline. Silicone implants have been created to look and feel like a natural breast and are typically softer to the touch than saline implants, which have been known to be more firm.
- Implant Shape: There are two different types of breast implants. Round implants are typically used to add fullness to the upper part of the breast, while anatomical or teardrop-shaped implants are used to more closely resemble the natural shape of the breast with more fullness at the bottom.
- Implant size: Implants are typically measured in milliliters or cubic centimeters. The implant size your doctor recommends will depend on your desired surgery results. The most common breast implant size ranges from 300cc to 500cc.
- Implant Placement: Implants can be placed either under or on top of the chest muscle. Implant placement will depend on your desired results.
- Fat Transfer: In some breast augmentation procedures, your doctor will remove fat cells from your abdomen or upper thighs and inject them into your breasts to help create fullness in certain areas.
Day of Surgery
Breast augmentation is usually performed at a surgical center or in a hospital operating room. Breast augmentation is generally done as a same-day surgery, meaning you will go home after you have recovered from anesthesia. You can expect to be followed closely by your doctor with an office visit a few days after your procedure to ensure you are healing well and do not have any concerns.
Recovery
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery can be influenced by your overall health, the type of procedures performed, and your adherence to postoperative instructions. Following all postoperative instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential to ensure a seamless recovery from your surgery.
After your surgery, you can expect some pain or discomfort and localized bruising or swelling, which will slowly resolve over a few weeks. Pain management is typically discussed before your procedure to prepare for your recovery. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity to avoid postoperative complications. Most people can anticipate returning to work within one week. Breast augmentation healing takes time, but most people fully recover within six weeks.
Schedule a Consultation with a Surgeon
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, schedule a free consultation appointment to talk to your doctor about your options so that you can get back to looking and feeling your best!