7 Questions To Ask Before Breast Augmentation

Opting for breast augmentation surgery is a thrilling decision for many women. It opens up a realm of possibilities, from envisioning their enhanced figure to imagining the wardrobe choices they'll enjoy. Nonetheless, it is equally vital to ensure you possess all the necessary information about the procedure to set appropriate expectations.

During your consultation with the plastic surgeon, take the opportunity to delve into comprehensive discussions about breast augmentation, covering both pre-surgery considerations and what to consider before and after the procedure. Being well-informed will empower you to make confident choices and prepare adequately for the transformation ahead.

How Does Breast Augmentation Work?

Breast augmentation is plastic surgery that enhances the volume of your breasts with saline or silicone implants, in most cases. A few patients choose breast implants or opt for natural fat transfer to the breasts.

The details of breast augmentation surgery vary by patient. However, most of these procedures are done with general anesthesia and take about three hours. Usually, the breast augmentation surgeon makes incisions under the breasts about 4-5 centimeters wide, through which he inserts the implants.

Once he's pleased with the position of the implants, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures.

What Is The Best Breast Implant To Get?

The most frequent question by women is the type of implant that is best. The answer varies, as some women may benefit from a particular implant over another. Your plastic surgeon has many years of training and experience with saline and silicone implants. He'll talk to you about which silicone or saline implants may be best for your situation and desired look.

Some factors to think about when you choose implants:

• Saline implants may show more rippling than silicone implants. Women who are smaller and thinner may want to get silicone implants.
• Silicone implants are FDA approved for women who are 22 and older. Younger women may want to get saline implants.
• Both implant types can rupture, although this is rare. Saline implants will deflate as the body absorbs the liquid; with these implants, the rupture will be apparent. But a rupture with silicone implants is hard to detect. In both cases, revision surgery will be needed to replace the damaged implant.

A related question is the size of the implants that are best for you. Every breast augmentation procedure is tailored to the patient. The best size for one person isn't always the best for another.

Your plastic surgeon must understand what you want. Do you desire a subtle improvement or a more noticeable change?

Many plastic surgeons provide their patients with sizers to try on before surgery. You can see how different cup sizes feel to help you make your decision before committing.

Are There Alternatives To Breast Implants?

If you want a more natural way to an enhanced chest, fat transfer could be for you. Fat transfer surgery involves taking fat from another part of the body with liposuction and putting it into the breasts.

Women who want breast augmentation with fat transfer need to have enough fat in other areas of the body for this procedure to work.

An advantage of this method is that you can have liposuction on another body part and breast augmentation. Many women like to have fat taken from their arms or flanks, then washed, processed, and injected into the breast tissue.

How Safe Are Breast Implants?

FDA approves saline and silicone implants for some breast augmentation procedures to increase the size of the breasts. However, any cosmetic procedure has risks to consider. Some breast augmentation risks include:

• Asymmetrical breasts
• Infection
• Unsatisfied with the results
• Breast-implant-associated illness
• Breast implant rupture
• Revision surgery may be required
• Breast Implant illness

Infection is probably the most likely complication. That's why it's essential to wash your sutures carefully and follow your surgeon's instructions before and after photos of the procedure.

Most women have no complications and cosmetic surgeons are satisfied with their breast augmentation results, but it's vital to consider the risks before undergoing this procedure.

How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?

Some breast implants can last for life. But many women need to have their breast implants replaced every 10-20 years.

What About A Breast Lift?

Many women qualify for a Portland breast lift as well as breast augmentation in the same procedure. A breast lift is beneficial for pregnant women or lost weight and have sagging or droopy breasts.

Let your surgeon know if you want both implants removed and breast lift.

How Long Will My Recovery Be?

Most women do well with breast augmentation. After the procedure, you and breast surgeon can expect a week or two of pain and swelling. Your doctor will give you prescription drugs to manage pain at first. After one or two weeks, over-the-counter pain medication should suffice.

Your surgeon will also give you a supportive bra to wear except when you take a shower. You should wear this garment for the first month after the breast surgery too.

Most patients can go back to work in one or two weeks. But it can take a recovery time of up to six weeks before you can engage in vigorous exercise.

What I wish I knew before getting breast implants?

• Know the pros and cons of placing implants above or below the muscle.
• When you get implants, it whites out a mammogram.
• There is a size limit to your implants.
• Be prepared to take more than just time off from work.
• Sleeping won't be comfortable, for a while.

How do I prepare myself for breast augmentation?

• Stop Smoking. Smoking can greatly impair your ability to heal.
• Lead A Healthy Lifestyle. In the weeks prior to surgery maintain the best of health and hygiene
• Prepare And Plan
• Good Nutrition

Request a Breast Augmentation Consultation

Have you dreamed of enhancing your chest with breast augmentation? Dr. Aric Aghayan Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery.

He will consult with you for your breast augmentation procedure today. He'll go over the breast augmentation options, your goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for this cosmetic procedure.

You won't regret your decision!

• • Breast Augmentation Questions. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/questions
  • Questions To Ask Before Having Breast Implant Surgery. (2019). Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/media/80601/download