What is breast enhancement?
The purpose of breast augmentation is to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Implants are primarily and traditionally used for this.

Women choose this treatment for a variety of reasons, including when they have significant asymmetry, have lost breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy, or simply want to enhance their breast shape and volume and create more balance with the rest of their body.

What breast implant options are available?
Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either a cohesive silicone gel or saline (salt water). Ultimately, the choice of implant will be determined by aesthetic goals and personal preference.

In addition to the material, implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In general, women who desire a substantial lift, cleavage, and fullness opt for round implants, whereas teardrop-shaped implants can sometimes give the breasts a more natural projection and fullness.

How do the various implant types differ?
The silicone shells of saline implants are filled with sterile salt water or saline. If saline implants leak, the body will absorb the saline. This leak may occur, but it is a rare occurrence.

Silicone implants are filled with a special, medical-grade gel that is intended to give the breasts a more natural feel and appearance than saline implants, particularly in women with smaller breasts.

Who is the perfect candidate?
Any patient who is at least 18 years old and in good health is eligible for saline implants. Patients must be at least 22 years old to qualify for silicone implants, according to the FDA.

Ideal candidates are:

Nonsmokers
Neither pregnant nor nursing
Fully knowledgeable with reasonable expectations
Maintaining a stable and healthy weight
What to anticipate throughout the procedure
Typically, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation, meaning the patient is asleep or sedated during the procedure. This varies by surgeon and patient; therefore, it is essential to discuss this beforehand.

During surgery, the surgeon creates a “pocket” for the implant by making small incisions. After positioning the implant, the incisions will be closed and bandaged. On the ASPS website, you can find a 3D animation that explains the procedure. The entire procedure typically lasts less than two hours, and patients can return home shortly thereafter.

What risks does this procedure pose?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks to consider, such as:

Implantation infection leaks
Pain and tenderness
Excessive scar tissue
Cosmetic discontentment
Asymmetry
Discussing these concerns with your surgeon and preparing in advance can greatly assist in alleviating any concerns and minimizing risks.

How to get ready for surgery
Your physician and his or her staff will provide you with a detailed list of instructions, but in general:

No smoking for a specified period of time prior to the surgery.
Reduce your food and alcohol consumption the night before
Dress in comfort and warmth
Request that someone accompany you and drive you home after surgery.
How to select a cosmetic surgeon
Patients selecting a plastic surgeon should consider the following factors.

Is this individual American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified?
How many times has this individual performed this procedure?
Does this surgeon’s aesthetic style align with my objectives?
Do members of the staff make me feel at ease?
Is the surgeon straightforward regarding risks and expectations?
Does the staff respond to my inquiries in a timely and competent manner?
Does the surgeon have access to the hospital?
Is the practice’s cost and fee structure transparent?
Who will be present to assist during the procedure?
Will sedation be utilized?
What precautions are taken to ensure surgical safety?
Is the establishment certified?
What inquiries should be made regarding this surgery?
After selecting a plastic surgeon, patients should be certain to ask the following:

What realistic outcomes can I anticipate?
Why do you recommend this breast implant size and style for me?
Exist any risks associated with future breastfeeding or mammograms?
How should I anticipate my implants to change over time?
How much time will the procedure take?
What should I anticipate during each phase of the procedure?
Are there going to be scars?
Are revisions possible?
How much does revision surgery cost?
Will I require assistance at home after surgery?
What is my estimated time to recover?
How long will recuperation last?
Recovery varies from patient to patient, so each individual’s total recovery time may vary. On average, complete recovery takes between four and six weeks. The majority of patients will feel significantly better within one week of surgery, but doctors generally advise patients to refrain from vigorous exercise until they have fully recovered.

Are there going to be scars?
All skin incisions are permanent and will leave a scar, but in the majority of cases they heal well and become less noticeable over time. Patients should always inquire about the size and location of scars prior to surgery. Most surgeons can leave minimal scarring in an inconspicuous location, such as underneath the breast.

What outcomes can be anticipated?
It is essential to enter this procedure with realistic expectations. This type of breast augmentation treatment can:

Increase breast size
Improve unevenness or volume loss
Enhance the breasts’ projection, size, and shape.
Develop a more proportional hip-to-breast ratio
Many women will require a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation in cases of severe sagging or drooping. This is common and can be performed alongside augmentation without difficulty.

How much does this surgical procedure usually cost?
The exact cost should always be discussed in depth with your physician, as it can vary greatly based on your location and requirements.

Aftereffects of breast augmentation
Typically, the results of a breast implant procedure are permanent. This number is variable and can be larger or smaller depending on the patient, implant type, size, and shape, among other variables. As patients age, they frequently choose to undergo a second or even third breast augmentation procedure to maintain their aesthetic profile.

Patients who are good candidates and have realistic expectations of what breast augmentations can accomplish cite this procedure as a significant confidence booster. Before your procedure, asking the right questions and doing your research can go a long way toward ensuring a pleasant experience and achieving your aesthetic goals.