Answered- Your Most Burning Questions About Breast Augmentation
Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, informally known as a boob job, to enlarge breasts is the second most popular cosmetic procedure after liposuction. While there are women who request a breast reduction procedure each year, far more women request a breast enlargement.
Breast augmentation is a very complex and difficult surgery with long healing times and many people consider Breast augmentation surgery every year and have a lot of questions about it. It is a singular procedure involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size.
Breast augmentation or Augmentation Mammoplasty aims to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breast. It also restores breast volume lost after the weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
Another part of the patient’s body is used to create the improved breast volume and this procedure is referred to as a fat transfer breast augmentation. However, for some women, Breast Augmentation is a way to feel more confident than before and for others, it’s a part of rebuilding the breast for various conditions.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Invisible scar breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure and very popular procedure that can improve the way you feel about your body and appearance and focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of the breasts. The additional goal of this procedure is to make sure that the scars are invisible or well hidden from the bare eye.
No woman in her right mind would ever want her surgical procedures to be known purposely or unintentionally to the world and typically the scars after Breast Augmentation heal well and are nicely hidden away beneath the breast so that they will be invisible.
Most of the women revert to Breast Augmentation where they have two options to improve their breast size, either natural or artificial way. Natural Breast Augmentation includes taking certain foods to improve hormone releases within the body and this process varies from one individual to another individual.
In this Natural Breast Augmentation result cannot be seen within a short duration because the body has to adapt to the food taken. This longer duration of result can influence the decision made by women whether to choose natural or artificial breast augmentation.
Because in Artificial Breast Augmentation the result can be seen not long after the surgery done as it possesses an ability to give fast result compared to natural breast enhancement.
Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation
Women choose to have breast augmentation done for various reasons where some feel that their breasts are simply too small or perhaps even nonexistent and others feel self-conscious about their body during the summer months because then the swimsuits will be the common outfit for outdoor water activities. Woman undergoing the surgery has an option to choose her desired implants from a wide variety of implants that are available in different types, shapes and sizes. Many reasons contribute to the decision for this type of surgery. However the below listed are just a few reasons:
- Woman feels her breasts are too small and she’d like to have them enlarged
- Pregnancy – Mommy Makeovers
- Self esteem
- Correction purposes
- Reconstruction after Breast Cancer
- Shaping Issues – Asymmetry or Shape
- Significant weight loss that is Adding the Size Back
Who can undergo Breast Augmentation or enhancement Procedure?
- If you are above 22 years of age
- If you have small and asymmetrical breasts either naturally or due to breastfeeding, increasing age, or sudden weight loss
- If you have sagging breasts
- If you have undergone any breast surgery such mammectomy
- If you are not prone to allergies or infections
- If you are not pregnant and breast feeding
- If you have not undergone any radiation therapy earlier
What breast augmentation surgery can do?
Breast Augmentation Surgery can help you
- Enhance your appearance if you think your breasts are too small or that one is smaller than the other
- Adjust for a reduction in the size of your breasts after pregnancy or weight loss
- Correct uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions
- Improve your self-confidence
Post Operative Scaring a Concern for Women
Post scarring from breast augmentation is a major concern for most women who consider going under the knife for their breast enhancement. Fortunately, one can take several precautions, after and prior to the procedure to minimize the implant scar and ensure they appear invisible to patients.
The Common Types of Breast Augmentation Scars
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most scars that remain on the skin surface are the flat types, and they fade away with time in the patient’s natural skin tone. When you consult board certified surgeons like those at Crispin Plastic Surgery, you will learn that there are two types of scars that form but only in rare cases. These include the keloid and hypertonic scars.
Usually, the hypertrophic scars are the thick scars that appear raised and often occur at the site of the incisions. On the other hand, Keloid scars have irregular shapes and they are hard when the excess tissue grows on the incision site. Although it is quite rare, so many patients are prone to these types of scarring.
How You Can Avoid Scars
When it comes to scarring, it is unavoidable but as a patient always remember that the scars are often minor and they fade inevitably over time. You and your surgeon can take many steps in order to minimize the scarring. As mentioned above, from your part you have to choose your surgeon wisely.
Once you research well and choose a board-certified surgeon who has a good reputation, you can increase your odds greatly and get the chance to reduce the chances of scars or even boost healing.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
It is necessary that your surgeon should have prior experience when they perform the breast augmentation surgery. They should also be able to give you positive communication and response regarding the procedure.
Another step you may take to ensure proper healing of the scar and a positive result is to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding pre and post surgery. To avoid scarring, it is advisable that your surgeon places the incisions in locations that are not under any type of tension during the recovery phase.
If the scars remain under any form of excessive pressure or tension during the healing process, this would delay the healing process. Swelling can also add pressure or tension on implants, but rest assured this is only temporary. A good and experienced surgeon will make smaller incisions to diminish the tension on the incisions and prevent stretching; this will reduce the chances of bad scarring.
Keep in mind that your surgeon will be able to reduce any visible scarring by planning the incision placement properly. They can insert the implants through different locations. Usually, there are three types of incision placements including around the areola, through the armpit and along the breast fold or under the breast.
How you prepare for Breast Augmentation?
Consult a plastic surgeon and let him know your preferences for size, feel and appearance of your breasts. The surgeon will describe you the specific types of implants which include smooth or textured, round or shaped like a teardrop, saline or silicone along with the options for surgical techniques. Carefully review the written information such as the patient information from the manufacturer of the implant that you will get and keep copies for your records. However, before you decide to have Breast Augmentation Surgery, consider the following things:
- Breast implants won’t prevent your breasts from sagging because to correct sagging breasts, you might need a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation.
- Breast implants aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime because the average life span of an implant is 10 years
- If you have breast implants, in addition to routine mammograms prefer additional, specialized views
- Breast implants might hamper breast-feeding however some women are able to successfully breast-feed after breast augmentation
- Breast augmentation isn’t covered by insurance so be prepared to handle the expenses, including related surgeries or future imaging tests
- You might need additional surgery after breast implant removal if you decide to have your implants removed
Post Operative Tips
- When it comes to postoperative tips, here are some other things you need to consider
- Avoid showering only until your surgeon advises you to do so otherwise, and you should avoid taking a full bath for some weeks
- For the first 24 hours, you should ask your family and friends to support you. The person will be able to ensure they take your medications and avoid subjecting you to any sort of pressure on the incisions
- You should also avoid any form of vigorous activity for at least one-month post the operation.
- To reduce the swelling you should keep your torso well elevated while you sleep
- For some days, make sure you avoid vigorous activity
- You should try to consume enough fluids and eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. To reduce swelling, your surgeons may ask you to limit your amount of salt intake
Postoperative care after your Breast augmentation is important, and it is necessary that you consult your surgeons and follow all the precautionary tips they have to offer you. This should help to minimize scarring.
Risk involved in Breast Augmentation
Every Surgical procedure involves risk and nearly 50 percent of those who having cosmetic breast augmentation experience some kind of complication that includes pain, hardening, infection, or the need for additional surgery. Below mentioned are some of the risks and complications that are associated with breast augmentation surgery.
- Painful breasts
- Infection
- Sensation in the breast, the nipples, or both, may change temporarily
- Rupturing or leaking of the implant
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Requirement of additional surgery
- Hardening of the area around the implant
- Distortion of the shape of the implant
- Scars may become red and thick
- Affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed
- Toxics may lead to neurological symptoms which results in problems with thinking and memory
- If women opt for removal surgery it means a loss of breast tissue
Can Breast Augmentation cause cancer?
Food and Drug Administration revealed that Breast implants can cause a rare form of cancer that may have killed at least nine people. The cancer is called Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and the women with breast implants have a very low but an increased risk of developing ALCL compared to women who do not have breast implants. Most cases of breast implant-associated ALCL are treated by treated by chemotherapy and radiation and some are cured only after the removal of the implant and the capsule surrounding the implant.
Although it is rare, breast-implant-associated ALCL appears to occur frequently in women with textured implants rather than in women with smooth-surfaced implants and no Breast implants. Breast implants are getting safer by the day, but continued vigilance is the key. If you have implants, or in plan on getting them, educate yourself on the risks, perform regular self-exams, and see your surgeon at the first sign of pain or swelling.
Is Breast Augmentation Safe?
Like any other surgery, this breast enhancement procedure carries some risks which includes
- Bleeding in the breast which requires the temporary removal of the breast implant
- Rupturing of the breast implant
- Hardening of the breast tissue surrounding the implant
- Interference with mammography in the detection of breast cancer
- Displacement of the implant
- Rippling or wrinkling in the case of saline implants
- Infection
- Loss of sensation of the nipple
- Scarring
What do I need to do before surgery?
- Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
- Reach your optimal weight
- Check with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped
- Stop smoking
Final Thought on Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation changes the size and shape of your breasts and the surgery might improve your body appearance, image and self-esteem. But to keep your expectations realistic don’t expect perfection. However your breasts will continue to age even after augmentation and weight gain or weight loss might change the way your breasts look like. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, be prepared for additional surgery to correct these issues.
FAQs
What is scarless breast augmentation?
Scarless breast augmentation also known as TUBA is an endoscopic procedure of breast implants being inserted through the belly button. This incision option eliminates all the potentials for scarring because the navel is a scar from birth.
How is the breast implants inserted?
Saline breast implants are deflated and are inserted above the pectoral muscles by way of a tunnel. These implants are then inflated, checked for symmetry and the incision is then closed.
What are the advantages of scarless breast augmentation?
- Absolutely no scarring
- Reduced bruising
- High satisfaction rate
- Less risk of nerve damage
- Procedure can be completed in approximately an hour
- Decreased recovery time
- Not as invasive
What are the disadvantages of TUBA?
- If not done properly, the procedure can have painful complications as well as cause infections
- Recovery time could take anywhere from one to three weeks, and simple activities like taking a shower can be tedious
- Breast reduction has risks like possibility of scars and reduction in nipple sensitivity
- More rarely, these scars may take time to fade away
- If women intend to nurse current or future babies, breast reductions are usually not advised as they lead to numbness of the nipple and sever some of the breast tissue, required for breast milk production.
Does Breast Augmentation affect Breast Feeding?
Breast augmentation does not affect the breastfeeding, and the mother will be able to breastfeed her baby normally. However Breast Augmentation can be done during or right after a pregnancy and after the Post-operation, there will be swelling of the breast for a maximum of three to four weeks.
Do all breast surgeons perform scarless breast augmentations?
No, because American Society for Plastic Surgeons stopped recommending Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentations. Due to which many plastic surgeons have abandoned this procedure.
Do other incision options exist that will not scar the breast?
The best incision option that will not scar the breast is through a crease in the armpit. This procedure is for the women who insistent upon receiving breast implants without visible breast scarring.
What is the most common kind of incision?
Inframammary fold incision is the most common kind of incision which is made under the breast, where it meets the chest wall, and is usually only 4.5 centimeters long. The major advantage of this incision is that it gives the most direct access to the space behind the breast. The visual effect of the implant is immediately obvious even during the operation.
Are implants safe?
Implants are extremely safe and are not as risky as other any type of surgical procedure. The number of women getting breast augmentations has steadily increased over the years with very relatively few complications because today’s breast augmentations are done with safe, natural looking saline implants that cause very few complications.
Will I lose sensation in my breasts after Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Yes, loss of sensation may be expected because the placement of the implants beneath the breast and muscle tissue involves division of some of the sensory nerves to the breast.
Will the Breast Augmentation scars heal?
There’s no way to dodge the scars and you will have them, whether it is around the areola, under the arm, or under the breast. However, you should be aware that if you go for the TUBA or the navel incision, the scars would be the least noticeable. However, the drawback is that not all surgeons perform this procedure.
However, like any other scar or injury, the good news is that breast augmentation scars also heal over time with proper care. They blend well and diminish gradually. There are some factors that affect the appearance of scars, including age, genetics, skin elasticity, sun exposure, as well as skin tone. When it comes to these scars, there are many tips you can follow to minimize the scars, and your surgeon could perform it well in the best ways to minimize the scar as well.
How the type of implant and implant surgery can affect?
- How much pain you have after the procedure
- The appearance of your breast
- The risk for the implant breaking or leaking in the future
- Your future mammograms
What are the costs associated with this surgery?
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anaesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
- Medical tests