Whether you’re just starting to consider a breast augmentation surgery or have been thinking about it for some time, one thing that’s helpful to do is to make a list of pros and cons. With a list of the good and the bad in front of you, you can quickly see whether the good outweighs the bad and whether you want to take the next step, such as scheduling a consultation, or not.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of some benefits and potential drawbacks of breast augmentation.
Pro: Breast Augmentation Can Give You a Boost of Confidence
You might feel self-conscious about your breasts for a lot of reasons. You might naturally have small breasts and might have had to put up with teasing from peers as a teen or in young adulthood. Your breasts might have been full at one point, but might have lost some of their fullness after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Deciding to have breast augmentation to make your breasts the size you want to give you a shoot of confidence. That self-confidence can filter through into other areas of your life, too. You might feel more empowered to ask for a raise or promotion at work or might decide that it’s finally time to make other significant changes.
Con: Recovery Takes Time
Although getting breast implants can improve your shape and can help you feel better about yourself, it’s not an instant process. As a surgical procedure, breast augmentation does require some downtime and healing time afterward.
Depending on the type of work you do and your preference, you might need to take anywhere from a week to two weeks off from your job after your surgery. It can be a few more weeks before you feel ready to resume other activities, such as sex and exercise. If you have children at home, you might need to hire a babysitter to look after them while you recover.
If you have the time and resources, recovery can be smooth sailing. Before you decide to move forward with your surgery, make sure you have a support system to help you out, such as someone to bring you to the surgery appointment and home afterward. You’ll also want to have someone to stay with you overnight for at least the first night.
Pro: Clothing Will Fit Better
Every woman has her complaints about finding clothing that fits. If your breasts are small, you’ve probably had the experience of having a dress fit everywhere but in the bodice. Depending on the size of your breasts, it can be challenging to find bras that fit or that are sized appropriately.
Getting breast implants can help certain types of clothing fit better. If you’ve previously thought that you drowned in too-loose tops and dresses, you might be surprised to find that more options fit ‘off the rack’ than before your surgery.
Con: Mammograms Can Be Tricky With Implants
Mammograms are an important screening tool for breast cancer. If you have breast implants, you can and should get mammograms (if you’re in the right age bracket). But it’s worth noting that having implants can make the process of getting a mammogram a bit trickier.
When you book a mammogram appointment after getting implants, let the imaging center know about your implants. It’s best to tell them when you schedule the appointment, as they will most likely take additional images of the breast tissue during the visit.
Pro: Implants Last a Long Time
Some cosmetic treatments need to be repeated or adjusted regularly. For example, you typically need to schedule Botox injections every few months if you want to maintain your results. Breast implants have a long life and will usually last for at least a decade, if not longer. While there might come a time when you decide to replace yours or have them taken out entirely, you can feel confident that your implants will stay there for many years to come.
Con: Implants Aren’t Perfect
That said, it’s also worth noting that implants aren’t perfect. They can rupture or leak, in which case, they’d need to be removed. Although both saline and silicone implants can rupture, it’s usually much easier to see if a saline implant has sprung a leak, as the saltwater will leave the implant and it will deflate.
Capsular contracture is another issue that might require you to exchange your implants. When capsular contracture occurs, scar tissue forms and tightens around the implant. Depending on the stage, the issue can cause physical discomfort and can deform the breast.
Pro: Implants Are Available in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
While people often think of breast augmentation as a procedure that creates very large breasts, the truth is that there is a lot of variation. Based on the size and shape of the implant you choose, your final results might be very subtle. They can also be very dramatic if that’s the look you are going for. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ option when it comes to breast implants and that’s a good thing.
Con: You Might Not Like Your Implants
You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations with a plastic surgeon before your breast augmentation and although there are sizers available to give you an idea of what the implants will look and feel like. But there’s always a chance that when all is said and done, you end up not being happy with the implants or the final results. You might realize you wanted something more dramatic or you might decide that you went too big.
The good news is that your implants don’t have to be permanent if you don’t want them to be. You have the option of replacing them or removing them if you don’t like them.
If after weighing the pros and cons of breast augmentation, you’re ready to move forward with the surgery, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Paul Vitenas is one of Houston’s top-rated plastic surgeons. He specializes in breast surgeries and can help you choose the type and size of implant that will work best for you. To learn, more call 281-484-0088 or book your virtual consultation today.
