Are you grappling with mixed feelings about your breasts? Consider breast augmentation! It’s no secret that women desire alluring curves, cherishing the opportunity to showcase their assets. Despite meticulous skincare and hair care, underdeveloped breasts may adversely impact a woman’s sex appeal, diminishing her overall attractiveness. Larger, well-proportioned breasts inspire affection for their aesthetics and enhance self-confidence. If you’ve contemplated breast augmentation but are uncertain about the procedure and its results, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
‘Breast Augmentation’ or ‘Augmentation Mammoplasty’ (most commonly known as ‘boob job’) is a cosmetic surgery that aims at enhancing the 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 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. (1)
Why Is Breast Augmentation Done?
There are several 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 certain medical prostheses (soft, breast-like lumps) that are placed inside the breasts to augment, redefine, or recreate the physical formation of the organs. Three types of breast implants can be found: (2) (3)
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 similar to our body fluids, it gets absorbed and 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 the implant is healthy. However, a new cohesive silicone implant, which contains soft gum-like solids and is not prone to leakage or rupture, has been invented for women with smaller breast tissues.
3. Alternative Composite Implants: These implants are made of an elastomer silicone shell filled with composites of alternative substances, including polypropylene string, soy oil, etc.
You must consult with the surgeon and set the expectations right (shape, style, and size before surgery) to 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:
- You 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 or local anesthesia is applied based on your choice. Primarily, 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 entirely covered with skin adhesives, stitches, or surgical tapes.
Also Read – How To Enlarge Breasts Naturally? 10 Natural Home Remedies To Try
Duration And Longevity
Breast augmentation is most often performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery, however, lasts for 1-2 hours. Experts say 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, postoperative pain is comparatively higher than that in 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 six weeks to disappear. Otherwise, you will need a follow-up appointment to get them removed. The incision lines might be evident initially but will fade away shortly. You cannot engage in strenuous physical activities for about 4-6 weeks. However, postoperative 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 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 surgery cost is around $3,822, and the replacement or removal of implants can range between $2,000 and $3,000.
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.
Summary
Breast Augmentation, also known as ‘boob job,’ is a cosmetic surgery that enhances breast size, shape, and fullness. Implants, either saline or silicone, are placed to achieve proportionate breasts. Candidates should be physically and mentally fit, non-smokers, and have realistic goals. The surgery involves anesthesia, incision choice, implant insertion, and closure. Recovery takes weeks, and risks include pain, bleeding, infection, and implant issues. The average cost is $3,822. Complications may arise, and breast augmentation may impact breastfeeding and increase cancer risk.
