Every year over 400,000 women around the world undergo breast augmentation surgery every year to improve the size, volume and shape of their breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. year after year since 2006. While breast augmentation is a common and fairly straightforward procedure, and the benefits of breast augmentation are many, it is important to arm yourself with all the facts before undergoing surgery. It is critical to find a surgeon whose abilities you will have confidence in as well as understanding the different types of procedures and the associated risks and limitations of the surgery
Why Breast Augmentation Surgery is Performed
Many people think the sole motivation for undergoing breast augmentation surgery is to increase the size of the bust. However, there are a variety of reasons women want, and sometimes need, breast augmentation and these include:
• Increasing the size of naturally small breasts so clothes fit better.
• To create symmetry for irregular shaped breasts.
• Improve cleavage.
• Restore shape and fullness following pregnancy, breastfeeding and/or weight loss.
• To replace previous breast implants.
• Surgical restoration after the loss of one or both breasts from a mastectomy.
Types of Augmentation
One of the most important aspect of breast augmentation surgery is deciding which type of procedure to have and these come down to the two options of implants or natural augmentation.
Implants: Silicone vs Saline
Implants are sacks filled with silicone or saline. Silicone implants have a silicone shell with silicone filling. Saline implants are silicone shells that are inserted into the breast and then filled with sterile saline. Many women prefer silicone as it has a firmer feel then saline. However, because silicone gel is toxic in the event of a rupture, saline is considered a safer option. If saline implants leak, the solution is naturally absorbed into the body.
Shapes: Round vs Teardrop
Teardrop shaped implants, also called “pear shaped” “anatomic” or “gummy bear” implants are designed to provide a more natural tapered shape. However, this implant requires a firmer construction in order to retain its shape. While this makes teardrop implants less likely to rupture, they feel less natural to the touch. Round implants are perfectly circular and are the most commonly used implant.
Your surgeon will help you decide which type of implant will work best for you.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Also referred to as “The Natural Boob Job” fat transfer, or “grafting,” takes fat from one area of the body, such as the stomach, hips or thighs, and transplants it into the breasts. This type of breast augmentation takes advantage of the fact that breasts are composed mostly of adipose tissue, or fat, and because the tissues is transplanted from the patients own body there is no risk of the body rejecting the transplant. Because it is all natural, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports fat grafting is becoming a more and more popular augmentation option.
Pros and Cons
As with any surgical procedure, there are both risks and benefits of breast augmentation. As this is an elective procedure, the advantages of breast augmentation as well as the disadvantages must be carefully considered. The Mayo Clinic urges potential breast augmentation patients to thoroughly discuss their goals along with the risks and benefits with their doctor before making the decision to undergo surgery.
Breast Augmentation Pros
• According to WebMD, studies have shown that breast augmentation helps to boost self esteem from a better body image and increased sexual satisfaction.
• Restores breast fullness and firmness commonly lost from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• For reconstruction after mastectomy surgery.
• Due to their strength, teardrop implants are less likely to rupture and leak compared with other silicone gel and saline forms.
• Having to go shopping for new clothes!
Breast Augmentation Cons
• Breast augmentation surgery is expensive and health insurance will not cover the cost, including any needed follow up surgeries if complications should arise.
• Both silicone and saline implants will usually have to be replaced at some point due to leakage.
• Like all surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery carries risks such as infection, pain and implant rupture.
• Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia.
• Teardrop implants are the hardest type to detect leaks with.
• Possibility of teardrop implants rotating.
Recovery
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports the usual period for full recovery from breast augmentation surgery is usually about six weeks. The immediate recovery period typically sees swelling, bruising, feelings of tightness in the chest and a change in the sensation of the nipples. You will likely feel groggy and sore when waking up after surgery and will see an immediate difference in the shape and size of your breasts. You will feel the most discomfort in the first three to five days after surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication, but most women can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain meds. Most women can to return to their desk jobs withing a week of surgery. Patients are encouraged to ease back into their normal daily routine and begin engaging in light exercise after the first week. While any discomfort should be minimal at this point, women should still refrain from heavy lifting and rigorous workouts until fully recovered. Patients with manual labor jobs should not return to work for at least three weeks. Your surgeon will assess how far along you are in the recovery process at your follow up appointments.
Summary
There are many things to consider when deciding whether breast augmentation surgery would be a good choice for you. If you are unhappy with the size, shape or fullness of your breasts, you should speak with a competent board certified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your needs and weigh the benefits and risks. Only when armed with the facts about what you can realistically expect from breast augmentation surgery and the recovery process can you go forward with the assurance that the benefits of the procedure will outweigh the disadvantages and risks.