Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation (alternatively, augmentation mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed for enhancing women’s bust, usually in order to render a fuller and rounder look, with the use of breast implants. Those implants are, commonly, of two kinds, silicone or saline, with the former being softer and more natural and the latter being considered as safer – although FDA finally approved silicone implants in 2006, having ascertained that there was no correlation between those implants and health disorders. Over the years, breast augmentation has become one of the most widely used ways for improving female appearance, restoring various imperfections of the chest area, which can be either hereditary or acquirable (for example, after a mastectomy performed to remove breast tissue due to cancer).
How Does Breast Augmentation Work?
A typical breast augmentation is carried out after the patient has undergone the effect or either general anesthesia (more common choice) or local anesthesia – obviously, it depends on the plastic surgeon to determine which type would be the most applicable for the case. During the operation, the surgeon performs a small cut (usually, either under the breast or under the arm or, in some cases, around the nipple) so as to generate the adequate space for the incoming implant. Subsequently, the breast tissue is separated from the muscles and the connective tissue before ultimately placing the implants into the created space, ensuring that they have been positioned properly and symmetrically. Finally, the surgeon sutures the incisions, wraps the breasts using gauzes and the patient is ready to begin resting. The whole procedure can last approximately 1-2 hours.
Typically, staying in the clinic overnight, where the sufferer is closely supervised, is necessary. Garments are usually removed within 2-3 days following the procedure whereas the stitches are taken out a few more days after and thus the patient can return to his / her work or daily activities.
Benefits
The advantages of a breast augmentation can be multiple:
- Restoration of small or under-developed breasts
- Ability to wear more flattering outfits
- Fullness of the bust area
- Elimination of asymmetries
- Establishment of a well-proportioned and alluring overall figure
Results
To avoid misunderstandings, it should be mentioned from the very beginning that the exact outcome of a breast augmentation is reliant on the different features of each case, thus varying considerably from one woman to another. Thus, detailed consultation and evaluation of the patient’s medical history is vital so as to come up with the preferred results, which are:
- Enhancing of the body figure by increasing the breast size, a point of major importance particularly after sudden weight loss
- Adding to the firmness of the breasts, which become gradually diminished due to aging or pregnancy (although the optimum solution for droopy or sagging breasts is usually a breast lift operation)
- Restoring of the size and shape of the bust after a mastectomy
- Fixing of obvious differentiations in sizes and shape, thus rendering symmetry
With that in mind, a potential breast augmentation user should not expect to get significant raise in case of drooping breasts; also, since breast implants are not lifetime units, the outcome is not permanent, while it is subjected to the ongoing maturing process.
Breast Augmentation Reviews
The majority of users’ opinions are highly favorable. Most women are totally satisfied with the delivered outcome, comment on their boosted self-confidence and praise the smooth feeling of the breast implants. The positive feedback for breast augmentation in Realself is really impressive, at 88{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f}. Yet, a certain amount of discomfort is anticipated and is a common issue among sufferers, with a sense of swelling, tightness, fatigue and soreness for some days after the surgery, while post-operative bras and compression garments are also a source of constant irritation.
Breast Augmentation Side Effects
Potential complications of the procedure can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leakage or cracking of the implants
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling and redness
- Scarring
- Creasing of the skin over the implants
- Additional surgery to replace implants
To limit the risk of encountering the aforementioned side effects, or to cut down on their intensity, the sufferer should refrain from smoking and avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs 1-2 weeks before the operation. In addition, abstaining from strenuous activities for several weeks after the operation is also essential to prevent bleeding and drainage.
Fortunately, and apart from the above mentioned adverse reactions, scientific research has found no solid evidence that connects breast implants to serious health ailments (mainly cancer) though many studies focus on exploring this possibility!
Breast Augmentation Cost
On account of the procedure’s characteristics as well as the specific objectives of each case, the exact price tag of a breast augmentation is difficult to be calculated in advance. Additional factors determining the final expenditures are evidently the surgeon’s fee, the clinic costs, the type of anesthesia, the kind of the breast implants, post-surgery medication and garments etc. With that taken into consideration, the average cost displayed on Realself.com is $5,975.
Before and After Photos
Our Advice
Breast augmentation, aiming either at cosmetic or reconstructive results, can change a woman’s life with a reasonable cost and with limited risks. If you want to undergo a surgery of this kind, you should generally be a healthful woman of over 18 years of age (or over 22, in case you decide on silicone implants) but preferably under 50, and obviously not pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, the major concern is to opt for a certified and seasoned plastic surgeon to ensure the safety and the effectiveness of the operation!
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