Deciding to get plastic surgery isn’t an easy decision. The cost of most procedures, the time needed for recovery, and the changes that surgery can make to your body all mean that it isn’t something to take lightly. If you’ve been considering breast augmentation, you’ve probably spent plenty of time weighing the pros and cons of the procedure and getting all the information you can. You might have even spoken with other women who have already had the surgery. With that said, you still might not have everything you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
If you’re still looking for more information on breast augmentation or you want to know a bit more before you schedule a consultation with a surgeon, we’ve put together a complete guide to the surgery. Here’s pretty much everything you need to know about breast enhancement surgery and what you should do if you decide to move forward with the surgery.
Why Breast Augmentation?
Just as there are no one-size-fits-all breast implants, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to why patients choose breast augmentation. Some women have always been dissatisfied with the size of their breasts and have wanted to increase their size for a while. Other women choose breast augmentation only after they notice changes in the size or shape of their breasts due to breastfeeding. Choosing breast enhancement is very personal, and each patient has their own reasons and motivations.
How to Choose a Size
Breast implants come in a full range of sizes. The size that’s right for you depends on your body shape and build and the type of results you are seeking. Although many people assume that people have breast enhancement to dramatically increase the size of their breasts, the reality is that many women prefer more subtle results. They might go up a bra cup or two, but nothing more dramatic than that.
The key point to keep in mind when choosing your size is the proportions. Ideally, once the surgery is over and you’ve fully recovered, your new breasts will look like they belong on your body. If you go too big, you are likely to look out of balance. Implants that are too large for your frame can also be difficult to position properly in the breasts. There’s also the risk of discomfort if you pick implants that are oversized.
During your consultation, your surgeon will most likely give you sizers to try on. The sizers will let you get a better sense of how the implants will change your breasts’ size and shape. They’ll also give you a good sense of how the implants will feel on your body.
How to Choose an Implant Type
Along with size, another thing to consider is the type of implant. Generally speaking, breast implants come in two forms: silicone or saline. Silicone implants tend to be more popular, as they feel more natural, but saline implants have their benefits, too. Your surgeon will explain the differences between the two implants and help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make the right choice for your body.
How to Choose a Surgeon
Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make about breast augmentation is who performs the procedure. You should pick a board-certified plastic surgeon who has plenty of experience performing breast augmentation surgery. You can verify your surgeon’s experience by looking at before and after photos of past patients and by talking to previous patients about their experience.
You’ll also want to talk to the surgeon yourself before your procedure. They should be able to answer your questions and address any concerns you have. You not only want to work with an experienced, board-certified surgeon, you want to work with a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and at ease.
What Happens After Breast Augmentation?
Usually, women need about a week for the initial recovery after breast augmentation. Your surgeon will most likely recommend that you not wear a bra during that initial recovery and for the first six weeks after surgery. Not wearing a bra will give your implants the chance to settle in and will help to create a more natural looking result.
It’s common to have some soreness and tenderness in the breast area after the surgery. That sensitivity might last for a few weeks.
Will You Need to Replace Your Implants?
Although there is a chance that you’ll want to or need to replace your breast implants at some point in the future, you might not have to do so. Usually, you only need to replace implants if you want to change the size of your breasts or if the implants have become worn out or have caused complications such as capsular contracture.
That said, it’s a good idea to see your surgeon every so often in the years after your breast augmentation to monitor the state of your implants and to take them out and exchange them if needed.
Looking for a plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas? Dr. Paul Vitenas is a top-rated, experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation and other breast surgeries. To learn more about what you can expect from breast augmentation, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation today.