CHEARS

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation means the surgery for breast enlargement, also known as “mammoplasty” or “boob job” in layman’s language. This surgery involves placing breast implants under breast tissues or chest muscles. Breast augmentation is purely cosmetic surgery. Usually, breast implants will last 7-12 years.

Why opt for breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation can be done to:-

• Restore breast size and shape after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding

• Enlargement of breasts if they are naturally small in size

• Make breast symmetrical; it is possible in women that the size and shape of both breasts varies

• Restore the breast after breast surgery or breast cancer

• Make breast bigger for beauty purposes

What are the benefits of breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation might be beneficial to you if you’re looking to:-

• Change the appearance of your breast

• Restore the symmetry of the breast

• Reconstruct the breast after surgery or cancer

• Beautification purposes

• Boost self-confidence (Many females feel more confident with bigger breasts)

Can you go for breast augmentation surgery?

Well, yes of course if you wish to change the appearance of your breast and you’re not pregnant or not doing breastfeeding then you must go to the plastic surgeon, they will guide you further with the suitability of your body and surgery, what type of implantation would be better for you, etc.

You should be physically healthy for this surgery. This surgery is not recommended for those whose breasts are not fully developed, pregnant, or nursing mothers, however, if you have done this surgery before pregnancy, it is perfectly alright.

Are there any types of breast implants?

Yes, there are two types of breast implant: silicon implant and saline implant

Saline Implant:- Saline implants are implants filled with sterile saline solutions; they can be of different concentrations that affect the shape, feel, and firmness of the breast. If saline implants leak, the solution will be absorbed and excluded by the body naturally. Saline implants are approved by FDA.

Silicone Implant:- Silicone Implant are implants that are filled with medical-grade soft silicone gel. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel will either stay in the shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking silicone-filled implant may or may not collapse. Silicone breast implants are FDA approved.

These two are the main two types of implants but there are other alternative compositions implants available like soy oil, polypropylene string, etc.

How will you decide the type of breast implant?

First of all, you need to consult with your doctor, they will tell you which implant would be better for you.

The Doctor will give their suggestion based on :

• Your body type

• Your breast shape:- teardrop or round

• Implant placement incision site

• Your preference

• Budget

What can you expect during the consultation?

Your doctor will examine your body properly, they will ask about your body, medical history, family history, current medications, or any addiction. They will inquire about your decision for breast augmentation surgery, which will give doctors more insights into your case.

Your doctor will explain to you the possible risks of surgery that can happen to you.

These details are necessary for any doctor for further procedures, you need to be truthful to your doctor.

How will you prepare yourself for breast augmentation surgery?

You need to do certain things before breast augmentation surgery :

• Mentally prepared

• Blood test (Mainly for hemoglobin, electrolytes, creatine, blood clotting ability)

• ECG if required

• You cannot drink alcohol before and after four to six weeks of surgery as it thins your blood, which will prolong healing and increase bruising

• You cannot smoke before and after four to six weeks of surgery because nicotine can increase post-surgery complications and prolong the recovery

• You cannot take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory drugs because they interfere with blood clotting capacity

• You should not take herbal supplements because they might contain ginseng, garlic, or any other supplements that may interfere with anesthesia

What type of questions you should ask the doctor before finalizing the breast augmentation surgery?

• Any doubts you have regarding surgery

• Any doubts regarding post-surgery complication

• How long the implant will last?

• You should ask your doctor about their experience if you want

How will breast augmentation surgery perform?

Breast augmentation surgery includes the following steps:-

• Anesthesia – You will require to take anesthesia for surgery

• The incision – Incisions are made to insert the implant, the place for the incision will decide based on the type and shape of your implant and they will be made in areas with minimum visible scarring

• After those implants are inserted and placed in the proper place then close the incision with stitches

What can you expect after surgery?

After surgery you will be under observation, if the conditions are alright then you can go home that day only. You will have to take care for a few weeks, you need to wear a supporting bra or any other garment that provides you support and you cannot do the heavy exercise until your doctor recommends you because it is blood leakage into the pockets is possible. You may suffer from mild swelling for a few weeks.

Is there any correlation between breast implants and breast cancer?

No, there is no correlation between breast implants and breast cancer, breast implants cannot cause breast cancer.

There are some kind of side effects like temporary pain, stiffness for a few days, swelling, all these minor side effects will last for a few weeks post-surgery.