subject: Have You Ever Wondered What Breast Augmentation Can Do For You? [print this page] Have You Ever Wondered What Breast Augmentation Can Do For You?
For centuries, women have desired to improve their appearance and have gone to many extremes to do so. Plastic surgery is a realistic option for millions of women who have all types of procedures each year. Breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic procedure done in the US. As a woman you want to improve your body and may wonder what breast augmentation can do for you.Women may consider breast augmentation for all sorts of reasons. They may have feelings of embarrassment because breast are too small and are self-conscious in a swimsuit, or certain low-cut tops. Their upper body may be out of proportion with lower body, or perhaps one breast is smaller than the other. Sometimes weight loss or having children will change the size and shape of the breasts.Look for a surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which means that the physician is certified in plastic surgery of the entire body, including the face and neck. These physicians go through the most rigorous surgical training, a minimum of five years, and receive the highest standards of certification for entire body procedures, including breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will discuss desired breast size, examine you and take photos for your medical file. To determine the best type of implant and breast size, they will consider factors such as the existing size and shape of your breasts, how much your skin can be stretched, placement of nipples, and any sagging that might require lifting. The doctor will discuss your medical history including prior surgeries, mammograms, and any family history of breast cancer.Any existing medical conditions, drug allergies and medications will need to be noted. It is important to provide complete and accurate information to your surgeon to safeguard against potential complications. After thorough discussion, the doctor will schedule a surgery date and give you some guidelines to follow.The surgery may be done in the doctor's office, an ambulatory clinic or a hospital, depending on the surgeon's preference. Upon arrival, you will be prepared for surgery and given a local or general anesthesia. A small incision is made under the breasts or around the nipples to insert the implants. There are two main types of implants, silicone gel-filled and saline-filled. The procedure usually takes one or two hours.When the surgery is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area where your breasts will be dressed in bandages, and you will be closely monitored for several hours or overnight to watch for complications. Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, so arrange for someone to drive you home when you are released.Several days after surgery you can resume some activities, but it's important to get up and move around as soon as possible to prevent the risk of blood clots in your legs. You will experience soreness, stiffness, sensitivity, and possible itching in the chest area for about a week, but this should subside when the surgical dressing is removed, usually five to seven days.The breasts will be swollen, and some bruising or discoloration will be present for at least a month, but most patients resume normal activities within thirty to sixty days. Your surgeon will give you specific post-surgery guidelines, and it is very important to follow them. There are risks with any surgery, so take time to fully understand the risks and benefits of breast augmentation before you undergo surgery. However, most women agree that the minimal discomfort is worth the end result.
