subject: The Basics Of Breast Augmentation: Information For Plastic Surgery Patients [print this page] The popularity of breast augmentation has grown since new materials and techniques have eliminated some of the risks that were once involved with getting this procedure. That is not to say that all risks have been removed, so the decision to have this procedure should be made only after careful consideration and discussion with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
Good candidates for breast augmentation surgery are in good general health, are fairly active, and are unhappy with the size and/or shape of their breasts. This dissatisfaction could be due to genetics, aging, or the loss of one or both breasts due to breast cancer. While breast implants are available in many sizes and shapes, a good cosmetic surgeon will try to guide you toward a look that will be natural and fit well with the rest of your body.
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases it is possible to use only local anesthesia along with a sedative. After an incision is made, the surgeon will create a pocket in which the implants will be placed. Then, the implant in the size and of the material decided by you and your surgeon will be put in place.
There is scarring, and how visible the scars are will depend on the location of the incision. There are some options that leave virtually no detectable scars while other options will leave some visible scarring. You will need to discuss all of these options with your doctor prior to surgery.
The procedure usually lasts one to two hours. Following surgery, patients will experience pain, bruising, and swelling. The pain is easily treated by medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will need to wear a surgical bra for about a week and then a sports bra until the swelling goes down. It can take several months for all of the swelling to be gone. Then, full results will be visible.
The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,000-$10,000. Total cost depends on many factors including the type of procedure and surgeon that you choose.
