You’ve already taken the first step by doing your own research on breast augmentation. The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. A consultation will allow you to learn more about breast implants and let you determine if it’s right for you. It’s a non-pressured meeting in which you can discuss your expectations. If you are a good candidate, your physician will lay out the options available for the breast augmentation. He / she will set your expectations for the final results and explain the risks and complications involved, before recommending the best course of action. This consultation is also your chance to ask any questions you may have before moving forward.
Breast Augmentation – Evaluation
The final results of breast augmentation are contingent upon a candidate’s health and personal outlook. During the consultation, these factors will be evaluated as they play a great role in the results of your breast implants. To help your surgeon successfully satisfy your goals, it’s important that you be open and honest about what you want to achieve. Disclose all relevant medical information including health history, current vitamin, supplement, medication, tobacco, alcohol, and / or drug use. Make sure your doctor is aware of any history of breast cancer in your family and understands the health of your breasts. It’s also pertinent that you follow all instructions in order to achieve maximum results.
Breast Augmentation – Safety
Since breast augmentation is a surgical process, it’s important to do your homework to ensure your personal safety. Consult with a board certified surgeon. He / she should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Only these certified plastic surgeons are specifically trained to perform surgical procedures on the face and body.
My Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation involves implanting a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution in the breast, either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle on top of the chest wall. The saline is a non-hazardous liquid that is made to be absorbed by the body should there be a situation in which the implant my leak or burst. Implants can be prefilled prior to placing them in your breast, or they can be filled during the surgery through a self-sealing valve. New products are occasionally introduced so there may be other types of implants available to you. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with details on the options available. The actual size of the implant will vary for each person depending on personal goals, body type, breast anatomy, and your plastic surgeon’s experienced judgment.
Incisions for breast augmentation can be done in a couple different ways. With an inframammary incision, cuts are made near the crease under the breast. An axillary incision involves cuts under the armpit. A periareolar incision places cuts at the edge of the pigmented area surrounding the nipple.
With the many women that have received breast implants over the years, there’s been no indication that implants impair breast health. Scientific research by groups independent of the plastic surgery industry, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, has found no connection between breast implants and any universal diseases in women. However, one potential side effect of implants from breast augmentation is that it can cause noticeable changes in the look and feel of your breasts. In some patients, a condition called capsular contracture causes the naturally forming scar tissue around a breast implant to contract making the breast feel firmer than normal.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that can provide dramatic results, however, it is important to note that the breast implants are not meant to last forever. In most cases it will be necessary to replace one or both implants. Weight loss, pregnancy, and menopause are all factors that can cause the appearance of breast implants to change over time. Regular examinations for breast health are recommended for all women, but it is especially important for those with breast implants in order to evaluate the condition and changes of your breasts.