Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing implants or fat in the breasts to increase their size. The implants can be made of different materials, such as silicone gel or saline, and can be placed under the breast tissue or the chest muscle. Alternatively, breast augmentation can sometimes be accomplished by transferring natural fat from an area of your body to the breasts.
Breast augmentation is often done to improve the appearance of the breasts, but it can also be done to restore breast volume after weight loss or to correct a congenital defect.
According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation remains one of if not the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure since 2006.
Breast augmentation recovery time varies from woman to woman, but is typically pretty short. After the surgery, you should take it easy for the first few days by not doing any heavy lifting or strenuous activity. You should also avoid wearing underwire bras or any tight clothing that could put pressure on your incisions. Most women report excellent breast augmentation recovery times. After a day or two, you should be feeling ready to leave the house, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). If you have any concerns or problems, be sure to call your surgeon.
Breast Augmentation Risks You Should Be Aware of
There are several risks associated with breast augmentation surgery that you should be aware of. These include infection, bleeding, capsular contracture, and implant rupture.
- Infection is a rare but serious complication that can occur after any surgery.
- Bleeding is also a rare but potential complication.
- Capsular contracture is a condition in which the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain and distortion.
- Implant rupture is a relatively rare complication, but can occur if the implant is damaged.
Breast Augmentation Financing Options
Breast augmentation is not typically covered by health insurance as it is seen as a cosmetic procedure, and as such, is not considered to be medically necessary. Additionally, breast augmentation is a relatively expensive procedure, and most health insurance plans have relatively high deductibles, meaning that the patient would be responsible for a significant portion of the cost.
Nevertheless, there are a few different ways to finance breast augmentation, which include paying out-of-pocket, using a credit card, or taking out a loan. Paying out-of-pocket is the most straightforward option, but it can also be the most expensive. Using a credit card can help to spread out the cost of the procedure, but it is important to be aware of interest rates and repayment terms. Taking out a loan can also be a good option, as many companies specialize in financing cosmetic surgery. It is important to shop around and compare rates before making a decision. Whichever option you choose, it is important to be sure that you can afford the payments and that you are comfortable with the terms.
Breast Augmentation Versus Breast Implant
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that may or may not involve the use of implants to increase the size and shape of the breasts. Breast implants, on the other hand, are prostheses designed to improve the appearance of the breasts, by increasing their size. The FDA-approved implants are silicone gel-filled and saline-filled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What questions should you ask when getting a breast augmentation?
When considering breast augmentation, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. During your consultation, be sure to ask the following questions:
- What are your qualifications?
Make sure your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) or the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has experience performing breast augmentation procedures.
- What are your recommendations?
Your surgeon should provide you with individualized recommendations based on your unique goals and anatomy.
- What are the risks and potential complications?
Be sure to ask about the risks and potential complications associated with breast augmentation, including capsular contracture, implant rupture, and asymmetry.
- What is the recovery process like?
Ask your surgeon about the recovery process following breast augmentation, including when you can expect to see results and when you can resume normal activities.
- What are the costs?
Be sure to ask about the costs associated with breast augmentation, including the cost of the implants, the surgical procedure, and post-operative care.
Can you tell if someone has breast implants?
There are a few ways you can tell if someone has breast implants. You may be able to see scars around the areola, which is the dark area around the nipple. The breasts may look and feel artificial or unnaturally hard. Or, the shape of the breasts may be abnormal, with the implants often appearing to be higher up on the chest than natural breasts.
Are people happy with breast augmentation?
Some people are happy with their decision to undergo breast augmentation, while others may regret it. Many factors can affect a person’s satisfaction with breast augmentation, such as the size and shape of their implants, the quality of their surgery, and their overall health. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations before undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
