5 Important Things You Should Know Before Getting Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation or mammoplasty is a common surgical procedure to increase the size and modify the breasts’ appearance and shape. In 2019, breast augmentation (including implants and fat transfer) was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States of America. Here’s what you should know if you want to modify your bust. So, without any further delay, let us get straight to the topic and explore it in detail the five things you should know before getting breast augmentation.

Types of implants for augmentation

Many implants are available today. So, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s look at the different types of breast implants and what each has to offer.

Silicone breast implants: These are the first type of breast implants that were ever created. They are also known as saline-filled implants because they contain a liquid saline solution, which helps them maintain shape and flexibility while in the body. Silicone implants have been around since 1960 and are one of the most popular types of breast implants today. They come in multiple sizes and shapes so that you can find the perfect fit for your body. Another great thing about silicone implants is that they are very safe. Since they were the first type of implants ever created, many studies have been done on them, and they are well-researched. They also come in multiple varieties, such as high-profile or under-the-muscle (PTM) implants. You can only have these implants after consultation with a registered medical practitioner. If you are looking for Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA, you can visit William Bruno Plastic Surgery to get the deed done. 

High-profile or extra-large silicone implants: This implant is perfect if you want a larger breast size. They are designed to give you a bigger, fuller look without being too noticeable. These implants are also great for women who have had breast cancer and need reconstruction. They are used under the muscle, so they are suitable for those who want more coverage than standard saline implants. These types of implants offer many benefits. 

Fat Transfer Augmentation: In this type of breast augmentation, a surgeon can remove unwanted fat from your body by liposuction and inject it into your breasts. This is usually done if you want a slight increase in the size of your breasts. A surgeon can remove and use fat from the following parts: 

• Thighs
• Belly
• Flanks (Abdominal Region)
• Back

The preparation

The preparation process for most breast implants starts six weeks in advance. Patients are advised to stop smoking, nicotine products, and birth control methods such as pills during this time. 

Smoking can interfere with recovery and may result in complications that can delay healing. Birth control pills can disturb hormonal levels, resulting in blood clots. A doctor may ask the patient to stop using the followings:

• Red wine
• Aspirin and Ibuprofen-containing medications
• Drugs that can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding
• Multivitamins

The most important part of this stage is understanding your surgeon as a partner to get the best outcomes. A surgeon should know the needs and desires of the patient, and in the same way, a patient should understand the surgeon’s role.

Placement of implants

Breast implants can be placed sub glandular, behind the breast tissue, or in the submuscular region. 

Approximately 75% of implants are placed in the submuscular plane due to reduced chances of scar formation and easier mammography. 

Submuscular implants show the best results in thin women or those hoping to increase their breasts drastically. 

The procedure

The implant surgery is done by a plastic surgeon in an OPD (Outpatient Department) and can take 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete, depending upon the type of implant. Incisions for surgery are made in the following regions:

• Inframammary Fold (IMF): A crease or line where the chest and breast meet.
• Trans Axillary: In the armpit or axilla to insert implant below or above muscles.
• Peri-areolar: Around the areolar region of the nipple.
• Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA): Incision is made through the belly button.

After placing an implant, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches, sutures, and skin adhesives. These stitches are visible at first but fade with time. You may experience swelling around your breast region after implant surgery, but this will be resolved within two weeks. 

The hospital’s medical team will carefully guide you through the following:

• Care of breasts after augmentation
• How to take prescribed medications 
• When to call a doctor or come for a follow-up visit

As a patient, you may contact a physician immediately if you feel any redness, pain, warmth around your breast, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath. 

Risks after implants

Like every other surgical procedure, breast augmentation may cause complications after surgery. 21% of the women with saline implants and 46% with silicone gel implants have at least one additional surgery within 3 years.

8% percent of patients with saline implants, while 25% with silicone ones may have surgery to remove them. 

About 50% of all women after augmentation experience complications such as:

• Pain and swelling
• Infections
• Temporary change in sensation of nipples and breasts
• Bleeding
• Leaking of implant
• Accumulation of fluid
• Capsular contracture or hardening can change the shape of the implant and can cause pain
• Scar formation that can turn red, painful, and thick 

FDA has reported that women with silicone and saline implants have a higher risk of developing lymphatic system cancer, known as lymphoma. A total of 45 cases have been reported by FDA, with 3 fatalities due to this type of cancer in Australia. 

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can help you increase the size, change the shape of your breasts, and improve your body image and self-esteem. 

If you are thinking of getting one, follow the guidelines of the healthcare team to achieve the desired goals. However, it is essential and recommended to be prepared to get breast augmentation mentally, as you might not achieve the desired result you are hoping for.