Breast augmentation: Things to consider and what to expect
Breast cosmetic operations, including breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, have become one of the most popular surgical procedures in the world over the years. Women seeking breast augmentation for aesthetic and health reasons have increased easy access to world-class clinics and surgeons worldwide. If you are looking to get this procedure done, you can connect with a health concierge at Awaydoc to match you to the best breast augmentation, lift, and reduction surgeons and clinics in the world.
Why do people consider undergoing breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation can help you:
- If you want bigger breasts
- If you feel that one of your breasts is smaller than the other.
- Improve your appearance.
- Reduce the size of your breasts after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
- Fixing uneven breasts after breast surgery or other conditions.
- Improve your confidence
Things to consider?
Before deciding to have surgery, consider the following:
- Breast implants will not prevent your breasts from sagging
Your plastic surgeon may recommend a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation to correct loose breasts.
- Breast implants will not last a lifetime
The average lifespan of an implant is about 10 years. The implant is susceptible to rupture. Also, your breasts will continue to age, and factors such as weight gain or weight loss can change the appearance of your breasts. These problems will likely lead to more surgeries.
- Mammograms can be more complicated
If you have breast implants you will need additional special considerations during regular mammograms.
- Breast implants can interfere with breastfeeding
Some women can breastfeed successfully after breast augmentation. However, for others, breastfeeding is a challenge.
- Regular insurance does not cover breast implants
Unless it’s medically necessary like after a mastectomy for breast cancer. Be prepared to manage expenses, including related surgeries or future imaging tests. However, you can apply for medical financing on AwayDoc to help you cushion the immediate effects of undergoing this procedure.
- You may need additional surgery after breast implant removal
If you decide to have your implants removed, you may need a breast lift or other corrective surgery to help restore the appearance of your breasts.
What to expect?
Breast augmentation is performed in a surgical center or an outpatient hospital. You will probably go home the same day. The procedure rarely requires hospitalization.
The patient is put under local anesthesia in some cases. This means you are awake and your breast area is numb. However, general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation most times. This means you will be asleep during the surgery.
During the process
Breast implants are inserted through an incision. Under the breastbone, under your arm, or in the area around your nipple. During the incision, the surgeon separates your breast tissue from your breast muscle and connective tissue.
This action creates a pocket behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall. After, the surgeon inserts the implant into this pocket and concentrates behind the nipple. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures and glues it in place with skin glue and surgical tape.
After the process
Follow your surgeon’s instructions about returning to regular activities. If you don’t have a physically demanding job, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks. Avoid strenuous activities – anything that can increase your pulse or blood pressure – e.g. for at least two weeks. As you heal, your breasts will be tender to physical contact or jerky movements.
Connect with a Health Concierge at AwayDoc to find the best breast augmentation, lift, and reduction surgeons and clinics.
