A breast augmentation can give you the appearance you have always wanted for your breasts.
Factors like genetics and aging can negatively impact the appearance of your breasts. Rather than live with an appearance with which you are not happy, you could have it altered with a surgery called a breast augmentation. You can decide if this procedure is right for you by learning what breast augmentation is and how it is performed on patients today.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgery that is sometimes called mammoplasty, or a boob job. It involves either the use of silicone or saline implants or the transfer of fat or a fat graft.
It is designed primarily to restore the volume of your breasts after life changes like weight loss or a pregnancy. It also achieves a rounded breast shape and improves the asymmetry of your natural breast size.
The results of a breast augmentation include improved fullness or projection of the breasts, better balance of the breasts and hips, and improved self-image and self-confidence. A breast augmentation cannot correct breasts that are severely drooping. It can, however, be performed in conjunction with a breast lift.
How is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, medical spa, or single day surgery center. It requires patients to be put under general anesthesia. It is invasive and requires relatively deep incisions into the breast skin and tissues.
Once you are asleep, your surgeon will make an incision under the breast in its natural fold. The incision may also be made under your arm or around your areola. Cutting around the areola can result in a loss of sensation and potentially cause problems if you want to breastfeed in the future. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will then place the implants or fat graft under the breast tissue. The breasts will then be reshaped before the incisions are closed with sutures or staples. Your breasts will then be bandaged before you are taken to a recovery room to awaken and be monitored.
You will remain under observation for several hours to ensure you do not suffer from complications like allergic reactions or infection. You then will be discharged and allowed to go home to recuperate.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery can take up to eight weeks or longer. During the first few weeks at home, it is important you change your bandages often to prevent infection. You also should avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and running until you are cleared by your doctor.
Your doctor may also advise you to wear a support garment like a bra or elastic bandage to minimize pain and swelling. This precaution also protects the results of the surgery and prevents sagging or falling.