Top Things To Know If You’re Getting A Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. It is used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts so that patients can enjoy a more voluptuous appearance. When it comes to choosing breast augmentation surgery, there are plenty of different options and a range of factors to take into consideration. 

Here are the top things that you should know if you are planning on getting a breast augmentation.

YOU’LL NEED TO STOP SMOKING BEFORE YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION AND AT LEAST WHILE YOU RECOVER

Many cosmetic surgeons will refuse to perform any sort of surgical procedure on patients who smoke. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, smoking increases your risk of complications during the surgery itself, including from the general anesthetic. And secondly, smoking inhibits the natural healing process, slowing it and making it harder for your body to recover. 

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE THE TYPE OF IMPLANTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE

There are several different types of implants to select between, and you will be able to choose which variety you have. These are saline and silicone. 

Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with saline solution to create their size. Your surgeon will need to use their skill and judgment to make sure that your new breasts are symmetrical. However, because you can fill them with different amounts, it makes saline implants ideal for people who already have different-sized breasts. They can also be inserted through a smaller hole than silicone implants. 

Silicone implants are pre-filled and available in a variety of cup sizes. Many people say that silicone implants feel more natural than saline varieties. However, they are more serious if they rupture and leak. 

YOU COULD CHOOSE TO HAVE BREAST AUGMENTATION USING FAT TRANSFER

If you don’t like the idea of implants, you could choose to have fat transfer breast augmentation surgery instead. This is where fat is taken from another part of your body, usually somewhere like the stomach, buttocks, or hips, and then purified and reinserted into the breasts in order to make them larger. Since your own body fat is used, there’s no risk of rejection, but this type of augmentation is usually much subtler than using implants. 

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE WHAT SIZE BREASTS YOU WANT – WITHIN REASON

How large do you want to go? Your surgeon will work with you to help you achieve the size breasts that you desire but don’t expect to be able to go from an A cup to a DD overnight. The skin on your breasts will need time to adjust to your newer breasts and going too large may be too much for your body to cope with. Your surgeon will suggest that you ‘try on’ different breast sizes to see how they feel and how they affect your appearance. If you want to drastically increase your breast size, you may need to slowly increase your implant size over several surgeries spaced a few years apart. 

BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY WON’T DEAL WITH SAGGING BREASTS

Age and gravity can play havoc on the position of breasts, causing the tissues to stretch and the breasts to sag downwards. In some cases, sagging is significant enough to cause the nipples to hang almost under the breasts. Unfortunately, augmentation surgery alone won’t fix this problem and, in some cases, adding volume to the breasts can even exacerbate the sagging. Instead, patients should consider a breast lift procedure that focuses on lifting and repositioning the breasts higher on the chest wall. A lift may be combined with augmentation surgery. 

YOU’LL NEED FURTHER SURGERY IN THE FUTURE

Unfortunately, breast implants don’t last forever. The average life of a breast implant is usually between 10 and 15 years before the implant will need to be removed and, if desired, replaced again. You’ll be advised to keep a close eye on your breasts for any signs of leaks and to have MRI scans every few years which will determine if your implants are still in good condition. 

YOU’LL NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF TO RECOVER

Taking time to rest and recuperate after your breast augmentation is important if you are to heal quickly and with minimal risk of complications. Most patients are recommended to take at least a week off work following their breast augmentation surgery. 

IT WILL TAKE A FEW WEEKS OR MORE TO SEE THE RESULTS OF YOUR SURGERY

While you’ll be able to see an increase in your chest size immediately following your surgery, your new breasts will be very swollen for a number of weeks or more. You’ll need to wait for the swelling to go down before you can see exactly how your body looks post-breast augmentation. 

Learn more about what you should know before getting a breast augmentation, contact Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center in Houston, TX at (281) 502-5100.