Getting surgery to make your breasts bigger is called breast augmentation. It is a process where implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase breast size. It can help women improve their figure or rebuild their breasts. However, deciding to get breast implants is a big choice. It’s a major surgery with possible risks, and you can’t be sure how your breasts will turn out. This article explains the procedure to help you understand it better.
Why do people get breast augmentations?
Increase breast size and enhance cleavage
Many women who feel their breasts are too small or have lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss get implants to enlarge their cup size and have more cleavage. Augmentation is an option for those wanting fuller, rounder breasts.
Improve breast shape and symmetry
Some women have naturally asymmetrical breasts, where one breast is smaller or a different shape than the other. Breast augmentation can help address size and shape differences between the breasts.
Restore breast contour after Mastectomy
After a mastectomy (breast removal) due to breast cancer, implants can be used to reconstruct the breast mound and regain the breast silhouette. This helps restore a natural, balanced look.
Feel more comfortable in clothes
Choosing certain outfits, like swimmers, formalwear, or tops, can be frustrating for women unhappy with their breast size or shape. Breast augmentation provides more options for clothing shopping and dressing.
What are the different types of breast implants?
When considering breast augmentation, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the right type of implant. Here are a few options that will help you make informed decisions.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are the go-to option for breast enlargement procedures nowadays. They are filled with a thick, gel-like silicone that has a very natural look and feels similar to real breast tissue. These implants come in both classic round shapes and curved “teardrop” shapes to suit different goals and body frames. The gel inside is cohesive, retaining its shape even if the implant shell ruptures.
Silicone provides a very natural shape and movement. The gel feels soft and smooth, like breast tissue. Silicone implants also tend to maintain a consistent shape over time. However, silicone implants do carry a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture. Silicone also costs more than saline implants.
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline, a saltwater solution. Many patients prefer saline because it poses minimal health risks if the implant leaks or ruptures. The saline is simply absorbed into the body. Saline implants can also be adjusted during surgery to achieve optimal filling.
However, saline implants tend to feel less natural than silicone, with more rippling and wrinkling. They might not maintain their shape over time compared to silicone gel. Saline implants are also only available in round shapes. Overall, saline provides a very safe implant option at an affordable price point.
Discussing your unique needs with an experienced surgeon is key to picking the right implants for beautiful, natural results.
What’s the Recovery Time?
Recovery is an important process when planning this breast surgery. While you’ll start feeling better in the initial days, it may take a few weeks for the swelling to subside completely.
The First 24 Hours
You’ll stay at the surgical facility for a couple of hours after surgery before being discharged home. Have someone available to drive you home. The anesthetic medications will make you drowsy. You’ll need assistance with daily activities for at least 24 hours. Your chest will be wrapped in gauze dressings and a surgical bra or compression garment.
Expect some pain and discomfort like soreness, tightness, swelling, and bruising around the breasts and incision sites. Your doctor will prescribe medication to manage pain. Get lots of rest and avoid movements that strain your incisions. Sleeping on your back with a few pillows allows for more comfort.
First Week of Recovery
After 2-3 days, the pain should start getting better. But you’ll still need help doing things like reaching, bending down, or lifting. Avoid any strenuous activity. Your doctor will likely recommend taking a full week off from work or school.
2-4 Weeks After Surgery
You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Stitches will be removed, and you’ll be cleared for normal showering. Any lingering bruises will continue to fade. Swelling should go down progressively each week. You can gradually resume light activities after 2 weeks.
4-6 Weeks After Surgery
After 4-6 weeks, you can typically resume cardiovascular exercise. By this point, recovery is mostly complete, aside from residual swelling. Full recovery takes up to 6 months for the swelling to completely go away and for your implant results to fully settle.
How do you choose the right surgeon for your breast needs?
They should have years of focused experience performing various breast enhancement techniques using different implant types and sizes. Ask how many augmentation procedures they have completed.
Reputable surgeons will provide before and after photos of past patients. Assess if their aesthetic style aligns with your goals. Photos should showcase beautiful, natural-looking results. Beware of surgeons who won’t share photos of their work.
You will be discussing intimate aesthetic concerns, so it’s vital you feel at ease with your surgeon’s bedside manner. Schedule a consultation to meet and make sure you are comfortable communicating with them. A surgeon who makes you feel rushed or reluctant to ask questions is not a good fit.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can increase breast size and improve breast contour and symmetry. Do your homework well so you fully understand the procedure, recovery time, and costs. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is vital. Be prepared for the process before undergoing surgery to help ensure you get the outcome and experience you desire.
