Guide to Breast Augmentation DR. WILLIAM ALBRIGHT
Guide to Breast Augmentation DR. WILLIAM ALBRIGHThttps://sanantoniosurgeon.wordpress.com/2022/05/03/guide-to-breast-augmentation%ef%bf%bc/
Guide to Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation, sometimes referred to as a boob job, is one of the US’ most common cosmetic procedures. If someone is thinking of getting a breast reduction or augmentation, below are several important things to know before the procedure.
Breast augmentation can increase breast fullness and create a more attractive figure. The procedure can involve either the placement of breast implants or fat harvested and transferred from another body area. While a breast augmentation will make the breasts larger or fuller, the procedure will not correct sagging and drooping.
Breast implants are composed of a silicone shell that is either filled with a cohesive silicone gel or saline (salt water). Ultimately the decision on which implant to use will come down to aesthetic goals and personal preference.
The FDA has approved saline implants for women above the age of 18, and silicone implants for women above the age of 21.
The breast implant is inserted into a pocket.
There are two types of placement:
A submuscular placement goes under the pectoral muscle. Recovery may take longer, and there may be more pain after the operation.
A submammary, or subglandular, placement goes behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle.
Today’s breast implants are built with stronger, safer materials to last longer than ever before. Still, the FDA does not consider breast implants to be "lifetime devices."
The longer you have breast implants, the greater the chances are that you will develop complications, some of which will require more surgery.
The life of breast implants varies by person and cannot be predicted. That means everyone with breast implants may need additional surgeries, but no one can predict when. Patients can also request additional surgeries to modify the size or shape of their breasts.
The Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will discuss all aspects of the breast implant procedure during the pre-op consultations, and will address the patient’s questions and concerns in detail.
Every part of the breast augmentation procedure becomes easier and more comfortable when you are working with an experienced plastic surgeon who you trust. At a minimum, your surgeon should be:
- Licensed to practice medicine in your state
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
- Performing surgeries at an accredited hospital or surgical center
- Experienced with performing breast augmentation surgeries in particular
Some women may like to know whether body weight or BMI (body mass index) may be one of the criteria for being a suitable candidate for breast augmentation plastic surgery. Most breast surgeons are of the opinion that body weight is not a major factor in determining the candidacy for breast implant surgery. The procedure may be applicable to women with a lower or higher than the ideal weight or ideal BMI.
The primary concern for a surgeon will be to ensure that the woman is in good general health and does not suffer from any such medical condition that may pose a risk during the procedure or create difficulties in recovery
There are lots of reasons why women opt for this treatment, including when they have significant asymmetry or have experienced loss of breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy, or generally to enhance their breast shape and volume and create more balance with the rest of their body.
Ideal candidates are:
- Nonsmokers
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Fully informed with realistic expectations
- Living at a healthy and stable weight
Like most surgical procedures, the prep process for breast augmentation begins six weeks in advance. During this time, patients are advised to stop smoking and using tobacco and nicotine products, as well as cutting out hormonal birth control methods.
Patients are advised not to eat or drink anything 6-8 hours before surgery.
Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs, as these can increase bleeding during surgery.
What are the risks of this procedure?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of, including:
- Infection
- Implant leaks
- Pain and tenderness
- Excessive scar tissue
- Cosmetic dissatisfaction
- Asymmetry
Speaking to your surgeon about these and preparing in advance can greatly help allay any concerns and minimize risks.
The recovery from breast augmentation is not long or difficult compared to some other plastic surgeries.
Before you undergo breast augmentation surgery, you should set up an area in your home for recovery. Make sure you have:
- Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon and/or acetaminophen.
- Ointment or cream for incision sites (if recommended by your surgeon).
- Clean gauze to cover the incision sites.
- Plenty of loose, comfortable, button-down blouses or shirts.
Recovery varies from one patient to the next, so each person's total recovery time may be different. On average, full recovery ranges from four to six weeks. Most patients will feel substantially improved within one week of surgery, but doctors generally recommend sticking to light activity and no strenuous exercise until a patient is fully healed.
At varying times in your recovery, your breasts may feel painful, swollen, tender or tight; they may even feel itchy, hot or heavy. Fortunately, these symptoms are most common in the first three to five days after your procedure, and then patients find their comfort levels rise considerably. Most breast augmentation patients return to work and most daily activities within a week or two. Some factors that may influence the recovery process include:
- Placement of implant over or under the pectoral muscle
- Your body’s natural healing processes
- Size of the implant relative to your natural breast tissue
- Incision placement
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