Breast Augmentation, sometimes called Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedure aimed at females who have small, hypoplastic, and underdeveloped breasts. It can also provide balance to asymmetric breasts after mastectomy reconstruction, as well as add breast volume to post-pregnancy women. Breast Augmentation is often carried out when the patient’s breasts have reached maturity, typically at the age of 18 years. The minimum age requirement can be bypassed, however, by females with congenital breast hypoplasia.
Breast Augmentation will bring both tangible and intangible benefits to the patient, including an improved appearance, physical balance, better posture, and a boost in self-confidence. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon will grant a safe operation while receiving quality results at strict budgets.
How is Breast Augmentation Performed
The procedure is done under local anesthesia coupled with sedation or general anesthesia. The basic steps are to make an incision, create a pocket in the breast area, and place the necessary implant.
The incision may be made along the crease below the breast, around the areola, under the armpit, or through the navel. The implants themselves can be placed above or under the chest muscle, which is just below the breasts. Often, placement decisions depend on the anatomy of the breasts, possible soreness follwoing surgery, exercise activities — among others.
Silicone gel or saline breast implants can be used for Breast Augmentation. Both types have pros and cons, and the decision of which one will be used depends on the patient’s preference, body, as well as the doctor’s recommendation.
Breast Augmentation surgery can take as long as one to three hours. This procedure usually follows an outpatient basis.
Breast Augmentation Risks
Examples of common risks involved in this procedure include adverse effects of anesthesia, hematoma, seroma, wound infection, breast pain, wrinkling, and asymmetry. Some rare ones like implant rupture and capsular contracture (collagen-fiber compresses the implant; inflicts great pain) may occur if the doctor isn’t as experienced in this surgery as required.
Who Can be Considered for Breast Augmentation
Female individuals who are at least 18 years old, in good health, not pregnant or nursing, mentally stable, wants to improve their appearance, and didn’t have previous experience with Breast Augmentation. They should also be capable of drawing realistic expectations from the procedure and aware of its limitations.
Breast Augmentation Facts
Females who are interested in Breast Augmentation and has intentions of entering maternity should first discuss this with their doctor in order for the procedure to deal the least damage on the lactiferous ducts and the nerves of the nipple-areola complex, which are both essential in breastfeeding.
