Breast augmentation is a surgery to increase the size of your breasts. A plastic surgeon will perform the medical procedure for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. The doctor will place implants under or over your pectoral muscles.
The procedure is also known as ‘augmentation mammoplasty.’ Breast implants are placed under the chest muscles or breast tissues.
There are plenty of reasons why a woman would opt for it. Here’s an article that talks about some facts about breast augmentation surgery.
Why do women opt for it?
For cosmetic purposes:
1. To increase breast size for aesthetic purposes. Everyone has a different preference. Some women find bigger breasts attractive, and others like having smaller ones as their petite bodies can hold as much weight.
2. To give shape to the breast after pregnancy.
3. To equalize unequal breasts.
4. To feel confident. We talk about self-love and confidence, which ultimately means women have the right to do anything with their bodies. Breast augmentation is a safe procedure (if you choose the right surgeon for the procedure).
Note: Breast cancer patients do augmentation for reconstruction after the treatment.
Surgery options available
The patient can first decide the type and size of implant she wants to use. The surgeon can assist the patient in making a decision. You can wear different-sized implants under your dress to find the size in which you are comfortable. Also, there are different kinds of incision – under the breast, through the armpit, around the nipple, etc. The choice depends on patient preference, body-type, etc.
Walk-through of the procedure
The surgery starts after the patient is given general or local anesthesia. The doctor will make an incision, insert the implants under the pectoral muscle or above it, and the incision is closed via sutures and tapes.
Post-surgical recovery
After the procedure, the anesthesia will wear off. You can take painkillers to help subside the pain. The swelling around the area will go away in a couple of weeks, and the sutures will fade off within six weeks. If the surgeon used non-dissolvable sutures, then you need to have a follow-up appointment for its removal.
The doctor will give instructions regarding how to take care of the breasts, medications, and follow-ups. You should follow them correctly. It is better to stay away from strenuous activities while you are recovering. If you face any issues like fever, redness near the breast, shortness of breath, etc., you must immediately seek medical help.
Side-effects and possible complications
You might experience pain in the breasts, temporary loss of sensation in the area, capsular contracture (the area around the implant becomes hard).
There are other complications like rupturing and leaking of the implants, bleeding, fluid accumulation, etc. You will have to undergo another surgery to remove the implant in such cases.
Other concerns around breast augmentation
Some studies link breast implants with a specific kind of cancer. Currently, the implants increase the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, as per data from the USA and Australia.
Another common concern is breastfeeding after the surgery. There are reported cases where women with implants had inadequate milk. If the transfer of toxins from the mother with the implants to infants occurs, it may not be healthy for the baby. The toxins in the implants may also induce neurological issues such as memory loss in the patients.
But, the idea is to choose the best surgeon for the procedure. They will tell you all about the side effects and what the whole procedure is. Overall, there is nothing to worry about as long as the best surgeon is beside you.
Concluding Thoughts
On the whole, breast augmentation can give you breasts in the shape and size you always wanted. You will feel more confident and self-esteem. As you age, your breast will also change in size and shape.
If you think you need to make them look better (and bigger), you can always opt for an augmentation. Since all surgical procedures involve risks, make sure you do it under a reputed surgeon and take proper care post-surgery.
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