Are you considering a breast augmentation procedure but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and for good reason – it can help boost confidence and give you a more balanced look.
But before committing to such an important decision, it’s essential that you understand what exactly breast augmentation involves. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this common procedure so that you can make an informed choice about whether or not it’s right for you.
Learn all about the different types of implants available, potential risks associated with breast augmentations, and post-operative recovery tips.
Defining Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical process that can be used to enhance the size and shape of breasts. It will not change the overall size of your chest, but it can help improve a woman’s self-esteem and body contour by restoring lost breast volume, balancing asymmetric breasts, or creating a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
The goal of breast augmentation is to look as natural as possible while still achieving desired fullness in the upper part of the breasts. The implant selection must be based on your preferences and individual anatomy.
There are also non-surgical breast augmentation options available, like fat transfer, which involves harvesting fat from another area of the body and injecting it into the breasts for an augmented look.
Ultimately, it is important to understand that any breast augmentation procedure should be done in order to achieve body satisfaction, not out of pressure from anyone else.
Reasons People Opt for Breast Augmentations
Many people choose breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. As a common type of cosmetic surgery that uses breast implants or fat transfer for breast enlargement or reshaping breasts, many women opt to enhance their natural body shape and feel more confident in clothes that they wouldn’t previously have worn.
For others, breast implant surgery can restore breasts to their pre-pregnancy shape or size after the strain and changes that come with having children.
While some women have breast implants as part of reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.
Regardless of the motivation for seeking out this procedure, breast augmentation can help many women achieve greater body confidence.
The Different Types of Breast Implants Available
When considering breast augmentation, patients have a variety of implant options to choose from. Breast implants can come in saline or silicone implants, both of which are designed to look and feel natural while lasting over many years. In addition, there are differences in size and shape that allow a better tailor-made fit for each patient.
Saline-filled implants
Saline-filled implants typically have an adjustable saltwater solution inside and can be filled with doctors during their office visits.
Silicone-filled implants
Silicone-filled implants contain a silicone gel material that tends to simulate the natural breast tissue more than saline.
Implants may also come in varieties, such as smooth or textured, which allow for different sensations depending on our patient’s goals. To understand more about your various options and make the best decision regarding a breast implant for you, please consult with your doctor about the best choice for you.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Surgery
It helps to know what to expect from the breast implant procedure if you’re considering going through this journey:
Preparation
Before the surgery, you will meet with your surgeon for an initial consultation to discuss the size and placement of implants. During these meetings, make sure to ask questions and voice any concerns you have about breast augmentation. In preparation for the procedure itself, patients should avoid smoking and taking certain medications prior to the operation.
During the Surgery
During breast augmentation, general anaesthesia is used while the surgeon makes an incision in either the breast tissue or armpit where the implants will be inserted.
After the Surgery
Afterwards, patients can expect swelling in their breast region as well as soreness that usually fades within a few weeks.
It is important for patients to take it easy afterwards and follow their doctor’s instructions for recovery, which likely includes wearing a compression bra and limiting any physical activity that may increase breast movement in order for scarring to heal properly.
Recovery Time and Possible Side Effects
Breast augmentation recovery time can vary from person to person and depends on a number of different factors. Some people take as little as one week to feel nearly back to normal, while for others, the recovery period can extend up to 6 weeks.
Knowing your own body is key to managing breast augmentation recovery time correctly. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommended instructions in order to maximise the healing process and avoid any potential side effects of breast augmentation surgery.
Always reach out to your cosmetic surgeon if you have any questions about breast augmentation recovery time or possible side effects along the way.
Risks and Complications
Breast augmentations are a popular way to alter the size and shape of one’s breasts. However, it is important to understand the possible risks and complications associated with the procedure.
Although rare, in some cases, breast augmentation can lead to infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death), or even implant rejection. In addition, complications such as asymmetry, reduced feeling, or loss of nerve function may occur, while scarring and potential changes in chest shape related to implant leakage can also be a factor.
If a sheet of scar tissue called a ‘capsule’ forms to encase the implant. In some cases, this fibrous material will tighten around the implant and cause it to become harder while altering its shape, leading to breast distortion months or even years after surgery.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider before making the choice to get breast implants, such as why you want them, what type of implants you want, and what the surgery will entail.
It is necessary to do your research and consult with a professional before making any decisions. At Refine Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients make the best choices for their bodies.
We offer consultations with our experienced surgeons, who can answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation. Contact us today on (02) 8599 7161 to learn more about this life-changing procedure.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Types of breast implant
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants
Saline-filled breast implants: a cosmetic Surgery Educational Foundation multicenter outcomes study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9290673/
Saline-filled breast implant safety and efficacy: a multicenter retrospective review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839417/
Breast augmentation surgery
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002984.htm#:~:text=Breast%20augmentation%20is%20done%20by,general%20anesthesia%20for%20this%20surgery.
Breast augmentation (Breast implant)
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-augmentation-breast-implants
Breast augmentation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
Breast implants: Saline vs. silicone
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/breast-implants/art-20045957
Risks and complications of Breast implants
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants
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