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Planning to have breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in the world for a reason. Breast augmentation has allowed millions of women worldwide to look and feel their best.
But here’s the thing…
Walk into a surgery with little to no knowledge and expect a horrible experience. The more you learn about the process, the more you are able to understand how everything works.
In this guide, we are going to tell you everything about breast augmentation surgery.
Let’s begin!
What you’ll discover:
- What is Breast Augmentation Surgery
- How to Prepare Yourself for the Procedure
- What Happens During the Surgery
- Recovery Timeline and Tips
- Long-term Results You Can Expect
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery or simply “augmentation” is a medical procedure in which implants are placed to make breasts larger and more symmetrical.
Breast augmentation statistics are simply stunning.
Worldwide, breast augmentation is one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures for women with over 2.2 million procedures performed each year, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. That is a lot of women getting breast surgery.
And the overall satisfaction of breast augmentation is outstanding. Studies show that up to 95 percent of patients would undergo the procedure again, which is one of the highest cosmetic surgery satisfaction rates.
If you have been looking for a procedure that would enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, breast augmentation is exactly what you are looking for.
Breast augmentation is typically performed for cosmetic purposes, to improve the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. In some cases, it can also be used to correct a breast defect, such as an injury or defect.
Women undergo breast augmentation surgery for many reasons. Some women want larger, fuller breasts. Others have breasts that are asymmetrical and desire them to be symmetrical. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth may experience changes in the size and shape of their breasts. Breast augmentation can help restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy appearance.
Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of breast implants into the breasts to achieve the desired results. Breast implants come in different sizes, shapes, and materials.
The most popular breast augmentation in the U.S. are silicone implants.
The procedure can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery typically takes between 1 and 2 hours.
How to Prepare Yourself for the Procedure
Preparation is the key to the success of a breast augmentation procedure.
The first step is always to book a meeting with a qualified plastic surgeon. In this meeting, you will be discussing your goals, looking at your options, and then deciding on the best route that would suit your body.
A typical consultation process includes:
- A medical history review and physical check-up
- Talking about the implant type (silicone vs. saline)
- Selecting the right implant size for your frame
- Deciding on the location for the incision(s)
- Deciding on the placement (above or below the muscle, for example)
Your surgeon will also give you a set of pre-operative instructions. It is important to carefully read and follow all of them, as they are designed to help you get the best result from your surgery. These instructions usually include:
- A list of medications that should be stopped before the procedure
- Instructions about no smoking
- Arranging a ride home
As a rule, the better a patient prepares for a surgery, the better their result. The surgeons who are interested in satisfying their clients take time during a consultation to understand the patients’ needs and then design a solution to their problems.
What Happens During the Surgery
The actual day of surgery can be intimidating if you do not know what to expect.
Breast augmentation takes 1 to 2 hours. It is an outpatient procedure that means that you can go home the same day. You will be placed under general anesthesia during the surgery and you will not feel a thing.
Let’s look at the basic surgical steps:
The surgeon makes an incision at one of the several available locations. The most common type of breast incision is made along the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast). Other incision types include peri-areolar (around the nipple) and transaxillary (armpit).
The surgeon then creates a pocket either above or below the chest muscle. The submuscular placement (below the muscle) is a popular choice because it typically provides a more natural look, as well as it can reduce some potential complications.
The implant is then inserted and placed in position. The doctor will make sure that everything is symmetrical and then suture the incisions.
You do not need to worry about the details. The surgeon has performed this surgery many times, and you will be under anesthesia during the procedure. What is more important is choosing the right surgeon for the job.
Recovery Timeline and Tips
In the end, it is all about patience.
The first 72 hours after the surgery is the most difficult time for a patient, as the swelling, bruising, and pain around the chest area are the strongest during these days. Most people take prescription painkillers for five to seven days after the surgery.
The typical recovery timeline for breast augmentation surgery is:
- Days 1-3: Complete rest, very little movement. Sleeping on your back is the best position.
- Days 4-7: You can start some light activities. Most people begin to feel a lot better during this time.
- Weeks 2-3: Many women who have desk jobs are able to return to work during this period.
- Weeks 4-6: Strenuous exercise is still not allowed. For example, no weight lifting before six weeks post-op.
- Months 3-6: You will start to see the final results during this period as the swelling completely goes away.
There are, of course, some things you need to do during the recovery period. It is important to wear the recommended surgical bra, take medications as prescribed by your doctor, and go to all follow-up visits.
Do not compare your progress to others.
Each woman heals at a different pace, depending on their age, overall health, and procedure details. For example, it might take one woman three weeks to get back to work after breast augmentation, while it will take another woman five weeks.
Long-term Results You Can Expect
The benefits of breast augmentation are not just limited to physical appearance.
Studies show that women who have breast augmentation report a significant improvement in their self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life. The psychological effects of this procedure often equal or even surpass the physical ones.
In the long run, you can expect the following:
Breasts will drop into place within three to six months, with the original swelling finally gone, allowing you to see the final results. Most women report that their new breast size feels natural and comfortable by this time.
Breast implants are meant to last for many years, but they are not lifetime devices. That is why regular visits to a plastic surgeon to check up on the integrity of the implants are very important. Some women may want to replace or even remove their implants after 10-15 years, while others will keep their original implants much longer.
Incisions will fade in the long-term as well. Follow all scar care instructions and do your best to protect incisions from sunlight to make them less visible.
Wrapping It All Up
Breast augmentation surgery is life-changing.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to breast augmentation surgery and learned everything there is to know about it. Breast augmentation has helped millions of women all over the world look and feel their best, and satisfaction statistics are very high.
Here is a quick recap of what you have learned:
- Breast augmentation is a very effective and very popular procedure
- Proper preparation is key to a successful outcome
- Breast augmentation takes 1-2 hours and is an outpatient procedure
- The typical recovery period takes six weeks
- Breast augmentation provides physical and psychological benefits
The most important thing you should do now is to find a good plastic surgeon. Spend some time on this step, do your research, check their credentials and before-and-after photos, and make sure they are the right person to help you achieve your dream goals.
It is absolutely doable!
