Considering Breast Augmentation? Here Are 11 Things You Need to Know

Breast augmentation can effectively enhance or restore your breasts to create a more flattering figure. Aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and fluctuations in weight can all cause changes in the shape, size, and perkiness of your breasts, and surgery can address these issues, leaving you with larger, fuller, more youthful-looking results. As you consider your options, here are 11 things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you are considering breast augmentation surgery for the right reasons.

Enlarging your breasts is a procedure that you should be doing for yourself, not to please someone else. If your breasts have always been small for your frame, have become smaller following childbirth or weight loss, are two different sizes, or you want to improve how your clothing fits, breast enhancement may be a good option.

2. Do your research and find a qualified plastic surgeon.

Pay attention to more than just cost. The least or most expensive option is not always the best for your safety and comfort. Find a surgeon that is not only board-certified but has a wealth of experience in breast augmentation. You want a highly trained surgeon, who has a strong reputation for the quality of their work, and knows how to tailor surgery to your needs and goals. You should also feel comfortable with how they interact and communicate with you, and address your concerns.

Ask to see before and after pictures so that you can see examples of their work on real patients and the results. Read testimonials and feedback so you can get a feel for what to expect.

3. Be honest with your surgeon.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Let your surgeon know what you would like in terms of size, shape, and profile of your breasts so they can determine if these results are attainable. Be honest about your medical history, lifestyle, medications, and other factors that may affect your surgery or recovery.

4. Consider the timing of the surgery with where you are in your life.

If you plan on losing weight or having more children, you should consider this before having surgery to maintain longer-lasting results. Many women can still breastfeed after breast augmentation, but the changes that occur to your body can alter how your breasts look and may reverse some of the effects of surgery.

5. The same volume can look different for each woman.

Breast implants come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The amount of natural breast tissue you have, along with implant placement, can change how it looks. Thus, A, C, or D cups can look different depending on your body type and frame size.

Do not base your decisions on someone else’s treatment; work with your surgeon to determine the best choice for you and your goals.

6. Both saline and silicone implants can provide natural-looking results.

Implant technology has come a long way, and saline and silicone implants have their advantages and disadvantages. Compare your options when it comes to material, texture, structure, size, and profile. Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue, but saline implants can provide a uniform shape and firmness.

7. Breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures.

If you are also concerned about the sagging of your breasts, your doctor can perform a breast lift simultaneously to adjust the position and fullness. It can complement the larger size of your breasts and enhance your youthful appearance. You may also choose breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover that addresses various changes to your body.

8. Plan for at least a week of recovery time following surgery.

Schedule your surgery for a time when you can take several days off of work. You will want to take it easy for at least a week to allow your body to adjust and for any swelling or discomfort to decrease. It is a good idea to have someone available to help you around the house since you will want to limit how much weight you lift and any strenuous activity for two to four weeks. Many women can fully resume their normal activities within six to eight weeks. Follow any post-operative instructions to minimize complications.

9. Be prepared to wear compression garments.

After surgery, your doctor will wrap your breasts with a gauze dressing, or provide a compression garment. This compression provides the necessary support for your breasts as your incisions heal and the implants settle. It may feel slightly restrictive, but you do not want your implants to shift out of place. It normally takes around three to six months for the implants to settle, at which point you can return to wearing your normal bra.

10. Be patient.

It can take several months for residual swelling to diminish and your implants to settle into place. After surgery, you will notice an immediate difference, but the final results can take around six months to appear. During this time, it is normal for slight changes in your breasts’ size, shape, and position to occur as your body adjusts.

11. Keep up with breast health.

Even with breast implants, you should still undergo regular mammograms or other breast screenings. Let the facility know ahead of time that you have breast implants so that they can consider this when capturing and reading the images. Most importantly, find a specialist experienced in working with women who have undergone breast augmentation.

Enhance Your Figure with Breast Augmentation

Find out how breast enlargement can boost your confidence in the appearance of your breasts. Achieve the larger, fuller breasts you desire while maintaining overall balance and complementing your body type. Contact Dr. Lavinia K. Chong today to discuss your options and create a treatment plan that fits your goals.