Are you thinking about breast augmentation? You’re not alone. According to Eurekalert, breast augmentation surgery was the number one plastic surgery procedure performed in 2018. This included a total of 313,735 procedures performed, up 4 percent from 2017. The number is still rising.
Jason I. Altman, an expert in breast implants from Miami, FL, this breast augmentation surgery is simple, safe, and results last a very long time. Results from the procedure include:
- improved self-confidence
- improved breast size and symmetry
- a curvier, more feminine look
Breast augmentation surgery involves enhancing breast size through fat transfers or inserting implants. The reasons for breast augmentation surgery vary among patients. Mayo Clinic reports that these reasons include:
Correcting uneven breasts after surgery for another condition
Enhance your appearance if you think your breasts are too small or different sizes
Adjust a change in breast size following pregnancy
Today, your doctor can complete the procedure in an hour or less. It’s possible for your implants to remain in place for at least twenty-five years without issues.
Candidates
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation? A good plastic surgeon will conduct a consultation to make sure this procedure is right for you. To be a good candidate, you should be in good health and have reasonable expectations.
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history and your lifestyle (smoking, drinking, and recreational drug use). You should not seek breast augmentation if you:
- have serious health issues
- are currently breastfeeding
- have any ongoing infections
You can address any specific concerns during your consultation.
Your surgeon may also determine you’re not a good candidate he or she feels you’re being pressured or have unrealistic expectations. Ideally, you should be over 18 years of age, but in certain circumstances candidates can be younger.
Myths and Facts
Myth #1: You can’t breastfeed with breast implants.
Fact: There aren’t any risks that would make breast implants themselves a danger to future pregnancies or breastfeeding. Your surgeon may even be able to use certain techniques to ensure that there’s minimal impact on your ability to breastfeed. Some of these techniques may include
Many factors contribute to an inability to breastfeed with a large number of affected women having never received breast surgery. So, don’t worry yourself too much.
Myth #2: You can get breast implants to look just like your friend’s.
Fact: Are you admiring the work your friend had done and think visiting the same surgeon will give you a similar result? Unfortunately, it’s not like obtaining a hairstyle. Even then, just because a stylist goes through the exact same routine doesn’t mean you’ll get the same result as someone else.
Everybody is different. We have different body shapes, chemistries, genes, etc. You don’t know the exact circumstances regarding someone else’s procedure. They may have different needs/goals than you. Factors such as type of implant, placement, your body shape, and the condition of your skin will affect your final result.
Don’t go into your consultation thinking you can look like someone else. Work with the surgeon to determine what will be best for you.
Myth #3: Breast augmentation causes autoimmune diseases.
Fact: This myth originated many years ago after a rare type of lymphoma called Breast-Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BIA-ALCL appeared during the 1960s. This was before implants underwent the testing that they do today. BIA-ALCL is mainly associated with textured implants.
Today, the materials used in breast augmentation surgery, including silicone and saline products, are cleared by the FDA. At plasticsurgery.org, they state that BIA-ALCL is very rare, with only 573 confirmed cases worldwide.
Breast implants do not directly cause autoimmune diseases or breast cancer.
Myth #4: Any surgeon can do breast augmentation.
Fact: You may hear that breast augmentation is so simple and routine that any plastic surgeon can do it. True, breast augmentation is simpler today than it was years ago, but you’ll need to choose a reputable and experienced surgeon.
While you may hear the terms cosmetic and plastic surgery used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. You should only go with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These surgeons have gone through extensive training and examinations. A cosmetic surgeon has not gone through the same rigorous program that a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Many factors determine what will give you the best results.
Myth #5: I’ll get to choose my breast size.
Fact: Your body shape determines the breast size that will be best for you, and they may or may not be the size you had in mind. If you place implants that are too big, you could present yourself with a new set of health issues. When you visit your plastic surgeon, they’ll let you “try-on” different sizes so that you’ll get a feel of what works for you.
Myth #6: I’ll need to replace them every 10 years/They’ll last forever.
Fact: True, under the best conditions, your implants can last at least twenty-five years. They aren’t made to last forever, but they do last a lot longer than they used to. If you’re not having any problems with your implants, you won’t need to get them replaced after 10 years.
You may need to get them replaced or removed after a rupture/leak or a condition called capsular contracture. This is when an abnormal scar forms resulting in pain and hardening of the breast.
Follow proper post-care procedures and keep up with follow-up appointments to make sure you have minimal complications.
Final Words
If you’re considering breast augmentation, you do your research and ensure that you have the correct information. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and he or she will address any concerns you have. Only you can decide if breast augmentation is right for you, but don’t let false information deter you.
