Breast Augmentation – Here’s What You Need to Know

Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty augmentation or a “boob job”, is a surgical procedure that is commonly done to increase the breast size, but it can also be performed to improve one’s breast shape or to reduce the size of breasts. It’s one of the most common cosmetic surgeries all over the world, and it doesn’t seem to be lessening in popularity any time soon. Today we’ll take a multifaceted look at breast augmentation, including the different types of implants, recovery times, and the potential risks and benefits that come with this procedure.

Common reasons for breast augmentation

There are many reasons why an individual may choose to get an augmentation of breasts. Some of the most common reasons include:

• A desire for increased breast size: This is the most common reason for people looking for breast augmentation. Typically, a woman may feel their breasts are too small in proportion to their body or may want to achieve a fuller appearance. Alternatively, individuals in the queer community may want breast implants to reflect their gender identity.
• Loss of breast volume: There are many reasons why breasts lose volume over time, including pregnancy, weight loss, and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation is a popular way to help restore fullness and satisfaction with the appearance of this body area.
• Breast asymmetry: While uneven breast size is very common, it can be a source of self-consciousness for some women. Breast augmentation can help to achieve a more balanced appearance, resulting in positive body confidence for the individual.
• Reconstruction after mastectomy: While breast cancer can be curable, its treatment might require a mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both breasts. Undergoing breast augmentation can be a way to restore the appearance and symmetry of the chest wall, and the breasts themselves.

2 Popular Forms of Breast Augmentation

There are two main factors taken into consideration for breast augmentation:

1. Implant placement: Implants can be placed in 1 of 2 ways: either behind the breast tissues or behind the chest muscle or the breast tissue. While the person receiving the implant typically decides on the placement, it can also depend on other factors like the anatomy of the patient, their desired results, and the professional recommendation given by the surgeon.
2. Types of implants: There are two types of implants: silicone and saline. As described, silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels like natural breast tissue, therefore being the most popular choice. And while less common, saline implants can work well for an individual in certain situations. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, often making them less reliable than implants made with silicone.

How a Breast Augmentation is Done

Unless there is a specific reason as to why not, general anesthesia is typically given to a patient who is undergoing a breast augmentation. While the steps and techniques can change depending on the surgeon and the specificities of the surgery on the individual, there are basic steps that are taken during the process:

• Incision: The first step for this surgery is making an incision in a discreet location on the body. This incision is typically made in the armpit, around the nipple, or under the crease of the breast.
• Creating a pocket between body tissue: The next step is creating a pocket of space between the skin and muscle. Keep in mind that this will differ depending on whether the implant is going behind the chest muscle or under the breast tissue.
• Time to implant: Now is the time to carefully place the implant in the pocket. The surgeon will take their time to make sure that the implant is well fitted in this space to give an aesthetically pleasing look.
• Closing the incision: Now the incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential complications that can occur with breast augmentation. Bleeding and infection are a main one and can often be minimized with a knowledgeable and professional surgeon and with the right aftercare. Capsular contracture is a common side effect, which happens when scar tissue forms around the implant. This can cause a hardening and discomfort of the breast. Although there are no guarantees, corrective surgery is often done to fix this issue.

It’s also possible for implants to rupture or leak due to circumstance, or even just due to their age. Sometimes this can require another surgery to remove the implants. Some people also find a loss of sensation in their nipples. While this is often temporary, it can create a permanent loss as well.

Conclusion

While there are many benefits to undergoing breast augmentation, it is equally important to weigh the risks as well. Only by being fully informed that you can make an informed choice if this procedure is right for you.