Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgery involving placement of breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, which is commonly called the boob job, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. The process typically involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles.

The aim of this surgery can vary from person to person. For example, some of the patients simply desire to have enhanced boobs, while others would like to have this surgery for reconstructive purposes.

Who is an Ideal Breast Augment Surgery Candidate?

Breast augmentation has become more affordable over the years. In addition, breast enlargement surgery has become one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries due to its increasing success rate and affordability. To determine if you're an ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery, you can consider the following criteria:

• You should be in good overall health and free from serious illnesses or infections.
• Your breasts should be fully developed.
• You should be at least 18 years old.
• You should follow a balanced diet and exercise plan.
• You should have time to rest for a few weeks.
• You had surgery before, and now you need a breast augmentation replacement.

Breast Augmentation Implant Types

Breast augmentation surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons. The success or satisfaction rate of the surgery depends on the skills and experience of your surgeon. An experienced surgeon will direct you to the right surgery and implant types. You can check out the below breast augmentation implant types:

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel. In case of a leak and the implant collapses, the saline is safely absorbed and expelled by the body.

Silicone Breast Filler

These implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel may stay within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. However, the implant does not collapse in cases of complications.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Gummy bear implants, or form-stable implants, maintain their shape even if the implant shell breaks, thanks to the thicker consistency of the silicone gel inside. These implants are firmer than traditional ones, offering more projection at the bottom and tapering towards the top.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

This method involves using fat from your own body to enlarge your breasts. Surgeons perform liposuction to remove fat cells from areas like your stomach, hips, thighs, back, or arms, and then inject these cells into your breasts. This breast implant augmentation type carries fewer risks than implant-based augmentation and offers a natural look and feel.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery is a detailed procedure involving several steps to ensure safety and the desired aesthetic results.

• Before the surgery begins, you will receive anesthesia for comfort.
• Your surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. There are three areas: along the areolar edge, the fold under the breast (inframammary fold), and in the armpit (axillary incision).
• Behind the breast tissue or under the muscle, breast augmentation is performed. The implant type you choose is inserted using the method your doctor determines.
• Once the implant is properly placed, the incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.

Post-Procedure Recovery

Breast augmentation surgery may last about 1 or 2 hours. This surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you do not have to stay at the hospital after the surgery. However, according to your overall health, your surgeon may suggest you spend the night at the hospital.

Healing breast augmentation can be challenging if you do not follow aftercare guidelines. A common aftercare routine is shared below:

• You should schedule at least 5–6 days off work immediately post-surgery for rest and recovery.
• You should halt your regular exercise routine initially and slowly reintroduce light exercise after the second week, with your surgeon's approval.
• You should always wear a supportive sports bra or a post breast augmentation bra, as advised by your surgeon.
• You should massage your breasts as instructed by your surgeon to reduce swelling and promote blood flow.
• You should maintain a balanced, healthy diet to nourish your body and aid in healing.
• You should limit sun exposure to avoid skin irritation and apply SPF to protect the chest area.
• You should contact your surgeon if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms.

Advantages and Limitations of Boob Enlargement Surgery

Breast augmentation cannot be applied to every woman, as mentioned. This surgery offers a wide variety of advantages in addition to certain limitations. Before having this surgery, you can learn more about the advantages and limitations briefly:

Breast augmentation:

• It increases self-confidence and improves body image.
• Enhances physical appearance.
• Is durable, lasting about 10 years.

On the other hand, breast augmentation surgery:

• Involves surgical risks and complications.
• May develop problems requiring additional surgeries.
• May decrease sensitivity in breasts and nipples.
• May cause complications in milk production for breastfeeding mothers.

What is Non-surgical Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can be performed in non-surgical ways as well. The methods consist of fat injections and fillers. Even though non-surgical methods offer a less invasive option, the results are not as long-lasting as surgical augmentation. In addition, fillers and injections may cause complications that may create difficulty. But, of course, the final decision should be made with your surgeon. Both for surgical and non-surgical options, you should consult with your surgeon.