Important Things You Need to Know about Breast Enhancement

Cosmetic surgery is undoubtedly on the rise, but the most popular procedure by far is none other than breast enhancement. There are a number of procedures that can be performed, such as breast lift, breast augmentation and breast reduction. Their purpose is to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts. Mostly, this is done with the help of implants. There are numerous reasons why so many women out there opt for this treatment. Some may go for this option because they may have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. Others choose it because they have significantly asymmetrical breasts.

In a nutshell, breast enhancement’s aim is to enhance the volume and shape of the breasts to they appear balanced with the rest of the body.

What type of Breast Implants are Available? 

As mentioned above, breast enhancement is mostly done with the help of implants. These are usually made up of a silicone shell that is either filled up with saline (salt water) or a cohesive silicone gel. Ultimately, the breast implants you go with will depend on your personal preference as well as aesthetic goals. Other than material, you can also find these implants available in a wide array of sizes and shapes. The most popular option are round implants and they are usually the top choice of women who want a substantial breast lift, fullness and cleavage. There are also tear-drop shaped implants, which can provide a more natural appearance and fullness in some cases.

How are the Breast Implants Different?

Saline breast implants are silicone shells that are filled with saline or sterile salt water. If these implants leak, the body will absorb the saline. While this leak can happen, they are mostly uncommon. A special, medial-grade gel is used to fill silicone implants, which is aimed at creating a more natural look and feel to the breast as opposed to saline implants, especially in thinner women.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Enhancement?

If you are going for saline implants for breast enhancement, you have to be 18 or older and healthy to undergo this surgery. As far as the silicone implants are concerned, you have to be at least 22 or older in order to be eligible. The ideal candidates for any procedure of breast enhancement, whether it is breast reduction, breast augmentation or breast lift, should be healthy and have a stable weight. They should also be nonsmokers, not breast feeding or pregnant and should have realistic expectations from the procedures.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

When it comes to putting in breast implants, the procedure is usually performed with conscious sedation or general anesthesia. This means that the patient is either sedated or asleep for the procedure. However, this can vary for every patient and can also depend on the surgeon. Therefore, it is best to ask about it beforehand.

A ‘pocket’ is created by the surgeon by using small incisions in order to make room for the breast implants during surgery. Once the implant is put into place, the surgeon closes and bandages the incisions. Generally, the procedure lasts for anywhere between two hours or less and patients can go home after a short while.

What are the Risks?

No matter what procedure you undergo for breast enhancement, such as breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation, there will always be risks associated with the procedure. Some of the potential risks that you need to be aware of include cosmetic dissatisfaction, asymmetry, infection, pain and tenderness, excessive scar tissue and implant leaks. It is best to speak to your surgeon about these risks and be prepared for them in advance because this can help in allaying your concerns and minimizing them.

How to Prepare for Surgery? 

A specific list of instructions will be provided to you by the surgeon and their staff to help you prepare for any cosmetic procedure, including breast enhancement. You need to limit alcohol and food intake the night before, dress warmly and comfortably, not smoke for a prescribed amount of time before undergoing the procedure and ask someone to go with you and then drive you home post-surgery.

How to Select a Cosmetic Surgeon? 

If you want your breast enhancement procedure, be it breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction, to be done right, you have to choose the right cosmetic surgeon. In order to ensure this, you have to seek a certified and experienced surgeon. You should also ensure their style matches your goals, you are comfortable with their staff, the hospital privileges they offer, the measures that will be taken to ensure safety and the fees and cost. Moreover, go with a cosmetic surgeon that are upfront about expectations and risks of the specific procedure.

How Long will it take to Recover?

The recovery time is different for every patient and this is something you need to bear in mind when you opt for breast enhancement. On average, the full recovery time is anywhere between four and six weeks. Most women will start noticing substantial improvement within a week of surgery. Nonetheless, it is generally recommended by doctors that you stick to light activity and avoid strenuous exercise until you are fully healed.

What Kind of Results can be Expected?

It is key to go into a breast enhancement procedure with realistic expectations. If you are going for breast lift or breast augmentation, they will improve volume loss and asymmetry, increase the size, projection and shape of the breasts, improve breast fullness and create a balanced hip-to-breast ratio. Breast reduction, on the other hand, can reduce the size and shape of your breasts significantly and this reduce the back pain that’s usually associated with heavy breasts.

Before you decide to undergo breast enhancement, it is better to speak to your chosen cosmetic surgeon in great detail and ask any questions that may pop up in your mind. Doing so will help you in making the right decision so you will not have any regrets.