What is Breast Augmentation?

A surgical technique called breast augmentation, commonly referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, tries to improve the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. Usually, breast implants made of silicone, saline, or an alternate composite material are inserted beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles. One of the most popular aesthetic surgery treatments is done there every day.

The following are the primary justifications for choosing to have breast augmentation:

Enhancement of appearance: This operation may be chosen if the patient feels that their breasts are too tiny or that one is smaller than the other. Additionally, it can enhance the equilibrium of breast and hip curves on the body.

Breast augmentation can be performed as part of reconstruction following a mastectomy for breast cancer or any other ailment that has altered the size or shape of the breast.

Correction of a problem: Breast augmentation can assist provide a more balanced appearance in those who are born with underdeveloped breasts (a condition known as micromastia).

Changes following pregnancy: To correct changes in breast size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding, some women elect to get breast augmentation.

Increasing self-confidence: For some people, improving their appearance with breast augmentation can make them feel better about themselves and their bodies.

Under general anesthesia, the surgery itself typically takes one to two hours. Breast augmentation presents some risks, similar to any surgical procedure, including infection, changes in nipple or breast feeling, implant leakage or rupture, and scarring.

For what purposes is breast augmentation surgery performed?

The following motives frequently lead to breast augmentation surgery:

Cosmetic improvement: To improve their breasts’ size and form, their body’s proportions, or to give their body a more aesthetically pleasing contour, many people opt for breast augmentation. This can be the case if they believe their breasts to be unattractive in shape, too tiny, or uneven in size.

Breast augmentation may be included in a series of procedures to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy (breast removal) caused by breast cancer or another illness.

Correction of congenital or developmental problems: Some disorders may cause asymmetry or underdevelopment of the breasts. These issues can be resolved and a more balanced appearance can be attained through breast augmentation.

Breast size and form can alter during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and major weight loss can also cause changes. Breast volume can return following pregnancy or weight loss. Some people decide undergo breast augmentation to replace lost firmness or volume.

Increasing self-esteem and confidence: For some people, getting breast augmentation can help them feel better about their appearance and their bodies.

Who can not have breast augmentation and silicone? What age is suitable?

Breast augmentation is a major surgical treatment that not everyone is a candidate for. The general state of a person’s health, the reasons behind that desire, and reasonable expectations for the procedure’s results can all affect whether they are a good candidate for breast augmentation.

The following situations or conditions may prevent someone from being a good candidate for breast augmentation:

Poor general health: People who have chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases may be more at risk for surgery. Before deciding whether to have this operation, these risks should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon.

People with active infections or breast cancer that has not been diagnosed may not be good candidates.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is normally advised to steer clear of elective procedures like breast augmentation during these times.

Psychological considerations: A person may not be a good candidate if they suffer from body dysmorphic disorder or have unreasonably high expectations for the results of the treatment.

Age-wise, the U.S. Women should be at least 18 years old for saline-filled implants and at least 22 years old for silicone gel-filled implants, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The legal age of consent for this kind of treatment and the maturity of the breast tissue are used to determine these age restrictions.

Who is suitable for Breast Augmentation Aesthetics?

The eligibility for breast augmentation is typically assessed on an individual basis, taking into account both the person’s physical and emotional condition. The following traits, nevertheless, could help determine whether someone is a good candidate for the procedure:

Physical condition: Ideal breast augmentation candidates have typically good physical conditions. They shouldn’t have any major, untreated chronic diseases that could impede surgery or healing, such as active infections.

Age: Women should be at least 18 years old for saline-filled implants and at least 22 years old for silicone gel-filled implants, according to FDA guidelines, for cosmetic breast augmentation. For severe breast abnormalities or reconstructive cases, there are exceptions.

Non-smokers: Smoking can prevent wounds from healing properly and raise the possibility of complications both before and after surgery.

Realistic expectations: It’s critical to have a clear grasp of the benefits and limitations of breast augmentation. Even if it can boost self-esteem, it’s unlikely to solve problems with one’s body image or make everything great.

Good candidates are aware of the dangers and commitment involved with breast augmentation, as well as the need to take adequate care of themselves and maybe undergo further procedures in the future. Breast implants are not permanent; they could need to be changed at some point in your life.

Motivation: Choosing to get breast implants should not be forced upon you by others. Candidates who are acting in their own best interests and not those of others or in an effort to conform to a certain ideal are the best.

Weight stability: Considerable weight swings might alter the size and form of the breasts. It is typically advised that you wait to get breast augmentation when you are at a stable weight.

What are the Types of Silicone Breast Prosthesis?

For breast augmentation surgery and breast reconstruction, silicone breast implants are a common option. There are several types, mostly varying in their fill substance and shape:

The silicone gel inside conventional silicone gel implants closely resembles the texture of normal breast tissue. Their shells can be smooth or rough, and they come in a range of sizes.

Cohesive Gel (Gummy Bear) Implants: These implants are made of cohesive silicone gel, which is a thicker silicone gel. Compared to conventional silicone gel implants, they keep their shape better and are less prone to rupture or leak. They are frequently shaped rather than circular, having more bottom projection and top taper.

Form-Stable Implants: Also referred to as “gummy bear” implants, these contain a silicone gel that is extremely cohesive and form-stable. They keep their shape even if the implant shell is shattered and are firmer than conventional silicone implants. The silicone gel inside the implant has a thicker consistency, which makes it less prone to shatter.

Round implants: Compared to form-stable implants, these implants have a propensity to give the breasts a fuller appearance. Options with a high profile can offer even greater projection. There are fewer worries about the implant rotating out of position because they are the same form throughout.

Breast implants with a smooth surface feel the softest. They can move in tandem with the breast implant pocket, which can result in motion that is more realistic. Rippling may be felt or seen in smooth implants.

Textured Breast Implants: Textured breast implants are less likely to move around inside the breast and become repositioned because scar tissue forms to adhere to the implant. Texturing helps to reduce the likelihood of a tight scar capsule.

How Many Hours Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Take?

Under general anesthesia, breast augmentation surgeries typically last one to two hours. This time frame only includes the time required for the surgery itself; it does not include the time required for pre-operative planning or post-operative recuperation in the hospital or surgical facility.

The technique employed by the surgeon, the kind of implant being used, the placement of the implant (submuscular or subglandular, over or under the muscle), and whether it is a primary surgery or a revision operation can all affect how long the process takes.

Patients often stay in recovery for a few additional hours after the treatment to be watched as the anaesthetic wears off. Depending on how they feel after surgery, the patient may be able to go home that day or may have to spend the night in the hospital or surgical facility.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery Process

The time it takes to recuperate following breast augmentation surgery depends on the patient’s general health, the type of implant used, the surgical method, and the body’s natural healing rate. Here is a general description of what to anticipate, though:

Immediate Post-Surgery Period: Patients often stay in a recovery room for a few hours under the supervision of medical professionals. Some patients might be able to return home the same day, while others could need to stay overnight, depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition.

First Few Days Following Surgery: Swelling, bruising, and mild chest pain are common during this time. To relieve discomfort, the surgeon will probably prescribe medications. In order to stimulate blood circulation, patients are typically advised to begin moving around as soon as possible. However, demanding workouts, heavy lifting, and strenuous activities should be avoided.

First Week After Surgery: Within a week of surgery, the majority of patients are able to resume work and routine activities, though this depends on their line of work and how their body is recovering. Patients should keep staying away from demanding activities. A surgical bra, compression bandage, or sports bra may be advised by the doctor to be worn in order to provide additional support and better position the breast implants.

First Month After Surgery: During this time, swelling should progressively go down and the breasts should begin to take on their new shape. Gentle exercises can be started by patients in accordance with their surgeon’s advice, although chest-related activities should still be avoided.

After six weeks, the majority of patients are totally recovered and able to return to all daily activities, including severe exercise. Although it’s crucial to note that it can take many months for the breasts to totally settle, the surgical wounds should be healed and the breasts should have settled into their ultimate form and position.

Throughout the healing phase, frequent follow-ups with the surgeon are crucial to track healing. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that each person’s rehabilitation process is different and that personal experiences may differ.

Breast implants are temporary implants. It is advised to have routine imaging (MRI or ultrasound) and surgical checkups to monitor the condition of the implants throughout time.

What Should Be Done Before Breast Augmentation?

There are numerous actions people should take to make sure they are thoroughly prepared for the process before having breast augmentation surgery:

Medical Evaluation: In order to assess your overall health and determine whether you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, your surgeon may request a full medical evaluation or a mammogram.

Consultation: Discuss your surgical goals, your alternatives, the operation, potential risks, and the healing period during consultations with your surgeon.

Choosing Implants: Work with your surgeon to determine the type, size, and shape of the implants.

Medication: Your doctor might suggest that you change the prescriptions you already use. For instance, you could be instructed to cease taking vitamins or over-the-counter medications that could cause more bleeding.

Stop Smoking: If you smoke, you’ll be urged to give it up well before surgery because it might hinder wound healing.

Make Plans for Assistance: Make plans for someone to drive you home following surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night.

Set up a recuperation area in your house with plenty of cushions for support, bottled water, wholesome snacks, books or movies for distraction, and easy access to a bathroom. Additionally, you might wish to plan for meal delivery or prepare some meals in advance.

Follow Preoperative Instructions: Prior to your surgery, you’ll probably be required to fast for a specific amount of time (usually starting at midnight).

Mindset: Feeling worried or anxious before surgery is totally natural. Just as vital as physical preparation can be mental preparation, which includes having reasonable expectations.

What Can Be Done After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

There are a number of actions and measures you can take following breast augmentation surgery to guarantee the best recuperation and outcomes:

Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Your surgeon will give you comprehensive instructions on how to care for your breasts following surgery, including when to start doing light exercises to speed recovery, how to clean the incision areas, and what kind of bra to wear. You must pay great attention to these instructions.

Pain management: After surgery, you may suffer some discomfort and swelling, which can be controlled with pain medicine that your doctor has recommended. These symptoms ought to get better with time.

Wear a Support Bra: To support your breasts and reduce swelling, you may be told to wear a surgical support bra, a sports bra, or a compression bra that resembles a bandage.

Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a few weeks after surgery, or until your doctor gives the all-clear.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Your surgeon will schedule frequent follow-up appointments to check on your progress and healing. Attending these sessions is essential, as is discussing any worries or strange symptoms you may be having.

Scar Care: It may be recommended that you massage the scars with specific lotions or oils once your wounds have healed in order to hasten their fading. However, before beginning any scar care routine, please speak with your physician.

Self-Examinations and Imaging: It’s crucial to do routine breast self-examinations and imaging exams (such as MRIs or ultrasounds) even after you’ve recovered in order to keep tabs on both the health of your natural breasts and the implants.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular exercise will help you keep your breast augmentation results and your general health in check.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking is not advised before or after surgery since it can slow down the healing process.

What are the results of breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery can significantly alter how your breasts look and how your body is proportioned as a whole. The type of implant utilized, the surgical procedure, and individual factors including body shape and skin elasticity can all affect the results. Here are some typical outcomes that patients could anticipate:

Increased Breast Size: An increase in breast size is the most obvious and rapid effect. The size of the implants used will determine the amount of the growth.

Improved Breast Symmetry and form: If one breast was previously larger than the other, implants can improve symmetry and improve the overall form of the breasts.

Improved Body Contour and Proportions: Breast augmentation can help women who believe their breasts are too small for their body frame by increasing the size of their breasts and balancing out their body proportions.

Breast augmentation can assist in restoring lost breast volume that has occurred as a result of aging, pregnancy, or considerable weight loss.

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Following breast augmentation surgery, many women report an enhancement in their self-esteem and perception of their bodies.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that, despite the fact that breast augmentation might result in noticeable alterations, it is not a perfect solution for all cosmetic issues. For instance, a breast lift may be necessary in addition to or instead of an augmentation to entirely treat sagging breasts, which may not be fully fixed by an augmentation alone.

Breast implants are also not permanent medical equipment. Future procedures may be necessary for the patient to replace the implant or to address potential issues including implant rupture or leaking, capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant), and these problems.

Breast Augmentation Aesthetic Prices 2023

The price of breast augmentation surgery can also vary significantly depending on a wide range of factors, including:

The cost of the surgery is frequently based on the surgeon’s reputation and experience.

Implant Type: Saline implants often cost less than silicone implants. Additionally, more money may be required for specialty implants like “gummy bear” or cohesive gel implants.

Costs of the surgical facility: Depending on where the procedure is performed—a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or the surgeon’s own operating room—the cost may vary.

Whether a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist administers the anesthetic will affect the cost.

Location: Prices can also differ by region, with urban areas often costing more than rural ones.

Post-operative clothing, drugs, and aftercare expenses may be paid separately or as part of the entire price.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that the average cost of breast augmentation surgery in the United States in 2021 was between $4,000 and $10,000. Anesthesia, operating room equipment, or any other related costs were not included in this price.

To obtain precise and up-to-date cost information, please speak with a nearby clinic or hospital. A lot of plastic surgeons also provide patient financing options, which can be interesting to look into.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Risks in Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation entails some risks and potential problems, just like any surgical surgery. Any person thinking about having this treatment should be informed of the dangers and thoroughly discuss them with their plastic surgeon. Potential dangers and issues include:

Capsular Contracture: This is the condition in which the scar tissue that develops naturally around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant, giving the breast a hard sensation. It could result in discomfort and aesthetic issues and call for more surgery to fix.

Even though it happens infrequently, the implant shell can rupture or leak. Saline implants that leak will deflate, and the leaking saline will be naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body. The gel from a leaking silicone implant may stay inside the implant shell or spill out into the breast implant pocket. Without imaging tests, a silicone gel implant that is leaking may not collapse and may go undetected.

Sensational alterations: Some people may notice temporary or permanent alterations to their breast or nipple sensitivity.

Breast Implant Illness (BII): Although there isn’t enough solid scientific evidence to conclusively link these symptoms to the implants, some people describe a variety of symptoms, including weariness, joint pain, and neurological problems, which they blame to having breast implants.

Breast implants, especially textured ones, can cause a rare non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Although it happens in the breast, mainly in the fluid and scar tissue around the implant, it is not breast cancer.

Scarring: Although incisions are usually done in hidden places, there is still a chance of visible scarring, and some people may experience a stronger reaction that results in more obvious scars.

Surgery-associated hazards include those connected to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and hematomas (a buildup of blood outside of the blood vessels), as with any surgical procedure.

Unsatisfactory Results: There is always a chance that the surgically achieved aesthetic outcome will fall short of the patient’s expectations. This could involve feeling uncomfortable with the enlarged breasts’ size, shape, or symmetry.

Revision Surgery Needed: Implants may eventually need to be changed because of problems, aesthetic issues, or implant wear and tear. Some patients could require one or more subsequent operations.

Despite the fact that this may sound concerning, it’s important to remember that breast augmentation is a routine process and that many people get it done without any problems. These dangers can be reduced and the surgery can be made as safe and effective as possible with the assistance of a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon.