Preparing for breast augmentation surgery can be exciting. Most women are excited about how they will look and the clothes they will be able to wear. It is essential, though, to have all the information about the procedure beforehand. Be prepared to ask the surgeon questions, and think about a few issues before making a final decision.
1. Types of Implants
Breast augmentation is done by licensed surgeons, such as Donaldson Plastic Surgery’s breast augmentation surgeons. It usually increases the size of breasts by inserting silicone or saline implants. Surgeons put the patient under general anesthesia for approximately three hours, make a four to five centimeter cuts under the breasts, and insert the implants.
Saline implants are sometimes recommended for women younger than 22, while silicone implants are FDA approved for women over 22. Saline implants can show more rippling, so thinner women should consider silicone implants. Before choosing a size, many surgeons will provide sizers for patients to try for a while. These can help patients see how different sizes feel and wear.
2. Implant Safety
Saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved, but there are always risks. Some risks to breast augmentation include asymmetrical breasts, implant-associated illnesses, infection, and implant rupture. There is also the possibility that the patient may not like the results or that revision surgery may be necessary.
3. Recovery Time
The recovery from breast augmentation is not long or difficult, but it can be uncomfortable. Breasts will feel painful, tender, and swollen. They may also feel itchy, heavy, or hot. These symptoms are most common in the first few days after the surgery. Most patients return to work within one or two weeks.
Factors influencing the recovery process include the size of the implant relative to the natural breast tissue. The incision placement and the placement of the implants can also affect recovery. In addition, some people heal more quickly than others.
Patients must follow their recovery and aftercare instructions carefully. Of course, patients should ensure they can contact their doctor at any time if there is a problem or concern during the recovery period.
4. The Final Result
Sometimes, women must be patient. Although the initial healing process only takes a couple of weeks, it can take six months or more for the implants to fully settle and look natural. As the body adjusts to the surgery, the implants often soften and drop into the natural pocket of the breast tissue, looking and feeling seamless. After a full year, scars will fade and flatten, and the breasts will become much more comfortable.
5. Revision Surgery
While breast augmentation has a high rate of patient satisfaction, there are times when patients are not happy with their implants. Some women know right away that the results are not what they wanted, while others find that their bodies change over time and the implants do not fit their needs or desires. Breast augmentation revision surgery can change the implants for a different size, remove them, reposition them, or improve symmetry. Usually, implants last for ten to fifteen years before needing to be replaced
Women ready to get breast augmentation surgery are wise to ponder the above five things before going ahead with the surgery. It will ensure they know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
