Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that can improve a woman’s confidence, body image, and quality of life. For these reasons, it’s consistently ranked as one of the top plastic surgery treatments.
Patients that are considering breast augmentation should identify their cosmetic and personal goals for treatment and seek a skilled and experienced surgeon who is board-certified. It’s also important for women to understand the benefits of surgery and expected recovery period.
So, is breast augmentation right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Patients Seek Breast Augmentation?
Undergoing breast augmentation should be a personal decision for every patient, and women often share common objectives for this type of procedure.
More specifically, many patients seek breast augmentation to:
Increase breast size; Enhance the overall body contour, balance and proportions; Achieve an improved breast aesthetic, size, projection, etc., following pregnancy and/or weight loss; Restore appearance through reconstruction following breast surgery (i.e., mastectomy).
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Healthy women that want to make cosmetic changes to their breasts and boost confidence are often good candidates for breast augmentation. These patients should be well aware of surgery benefits, risks, costs, and recovery and have realistic expectations about their results.
A physical exam, blood work, or other testing/imaging may also be requested prior to surgery for some patients.
Those that are significantly overweight may be asked to lose a certain number of pounds before undergoing breast augmentation, and smokers will be required to stop smoking several weeks before and after their procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
One of the key advantages of breast augmentation is that it can improve a woman’s body image and help her feel better about the look of her breasts. This surgery can also make breasts more symmetrical in size and shape, add volume to naturally smaller or deflated breasts, and repair breasts that have been damaged due to an accident, injury, or disease.
What to Expect From Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Recovery will vary from patient to patient, and those with sub-muscular implants may experience increased discomfort due to stretching of the muscle. Other possible side effects following a breast augmentation may include fatigue, tightness, soreness, pain, numbness, swelling, and bruising.
Patients will also be advised to wear a surgical bra post-operatively and avoid strenuous exercise that involves the use of arms and chest muscles until the breasts have properly healed.