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Are you in a love-hate relationship with your breasts? Breast augmentation can make it better! It is of no surprise that women crave for sexy curves and love to flaunt their beautiful assets. No matter how much a woman takes care of her skin and hair, underdeveloped breasts can impact her sex appeal negatively and make her overall appearance unattractive. Bigger, well-proportioned breasts not just make you fall in love with those beauties themselves but you can also feel more confident about yourself. If you have already considered breast augmentation but are doubtful about the procedure as well as its outcomes, we are here to help you out. Here is everything you ever wanted to know about it.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
‘Breast Augmentation’ or ‘Augmentation Mammoplasty’ (most commonly known as ‘boob job’) is basically a cosmetic surgery that aims at enhancing breasts (increasing size, shape, and fullness/volume) of women for aesthetic purposes. It is performed by placing implants under the breast tissues or chest muscles in order to create evenly proportioned breasts that fit one’s body shape perfectly. Even though it is an artificial procedure, it can enhance breasts by keeping their natural appearance intact.
Why Is Breast Augmentation Done?
There are actually a number of reasons for which breast augmentation surgery is performed. It can be done to:
- Increase the size of naturally small breasts
- Project breasts that are sagging or out of shape
- Restore the symmetry of asymmetrical breasts
- Regain the shape and size of breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss
- Rebuild natural-looking breasts after breast cancer, mastectomy, or any other surgery or injury
- Create a well-balanced look for the overall shape of the body
- Boost self-confidence and build a positive body image
Breast Implants And Their Types
Breast implants are basically a certain medical prosthesis (soft, breast-like lumps) that are placed inside the breasts in order to augment, redefine, or recreate the physical formation of the organs. Mainly three types of breast implants can be found:
1. Saline Implants: Saline implants have a sterile saline solution (salt water) held within an elastomer silicone shell. Different amounts of saline solution are used for filling the implants, which impacts the shape, firmness, and feel of breasts. As the saline solution is pretty similar to our body fluids, it gets absorbed as well as expelled by the body naturally upon leakage. Saline implants are easily adjustable and give desired breast sizes effortlessly.
2. Silicone Implants: Silicone implants have viscous silicone gel secured inside an elastomer silicone shell. In case of leakage, the implant may or may not collapse but the gel either stays in the shell or gets into the breast implant pocket. One must visit the doctor regularly and undergo an MRI or ultrasound scan to ensure that the implant is in good health. However, a new cohesive silicone implant has been invented for women with smaller breast tissues, which contains soft gum-like solids and is not prone to leakage or rupture.
3. Alternative Composite Implants: These implants are made of elastomer silicone shell filled with composites of alternative substances including polypropylene string, soy oil, and so on.
It is important that you consult the shape, style, and size with your surgeon prior to undergoing the surgery so that you can achieve your much-desired appearance with the help of a natural and flattering implant.
Who Are The Ideal Candidates?
The ideal candidate for breast augmentation needs to meet the following criteria:
- Have to be physically and mentally fit
- Should not have the habit of smoking
- Must have clear and realistic goals
How Is The Surgery Performed?
- Firstly, the type of anesthesia is discussed with you and either general anesthesia or local anesthesia is applied based on your choice. Mostly general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation surgery.
- Next, the incision is discussed to find the most suitable option. Generally, incisions can be of 3 types based on their locations i.e. ‘Inframammary’ (on the crease under the breast), ‘Transaxillary’ (in the armpit area), and ‘Periareolar’ (around the nipple).
- Then, the breast implant is inserted into the pocket and placed carefully. The placement can again be of 2 types i.e. ‘Submuscular’ (placement under the pectoral muscle), and ‘Submammary’ (placement behind the breast tissue and over the top of the pectoral muscle).
- Finally, the incision is closed with the help of layered sutures, which are covered completely with skin adhesives, stitches, or surgical tapes.
Also Read – How To Enlarge Breasts Naturally? 10 Natural Home Remedies To Try Here
Duration And Longevity
Breast augmentation is most often performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery, however, lasts for 1-2 hours. As per the experts, implants last from 7-12 years on average.
Also Read – 14 Best Breast Enlargement Creams In India That Can Boost Your Bust Line Naturally
Process Of Recovery
In submuscular placement, post-operative pain is comparatively higher than that in the submammary placement and it also takes longer to recover. There will be some swelling and discomfort, which will resolve within a couple of weeks. If dissolvable or absorbable sutures are used, they will take around 6 weeks to disappear. Otherwise, you will need a follow-up appointment to get them removed. The incision lines might be evident initially but they will fade away after a while. You cannot engage in strenuous physical activities for about 4-6 weeks. However, post-operative exercises (flexing, arm movement, etc.) will be advised by your doctor.
Breast implants affect the breastfeeding capability of women as the supply of milk becomes inadequate for nursing. Moreover, they increase the levels of toxins in the blood of babies after breastfeeding.
Risks And Complications
Just like other surgical procedures, breast augmentation also comes with a few common risks and around 50% of women experience some kind of complications after undergoing it. These include:
- Painful breasts
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid Accumulation
- Rupture or leakage of implants
- Sensation and changes in breasts and nipples
- Capsular contracture (hardening of the area around the implants leading to pain and distortion in the shape)
Cost Of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is an expensive affair. The average cost of the surgery is somewhere $3,822 and the cost of the replacement or removal of implants can range between $2,000 and $3,000.
Did You Know?
Breast augmentation makes women more prone to the fatal disease ‘breast cancer’. According to the FDA, women are put at a higher risk of developing ‘anaplastic large cell lymphoma’ after undergoing saline and silicone gas-filled breast implants.
Also Read – Breast Lift Tape – Give Your Bust Line A Natural Boost Here