Considering Implants? Here’s Some Things to Consider

The most commonly performed plastic surgery in the US is breast augmentation. Before moving forward with this procedure, it’s essential to gather as much information as you can.

Below are some things to consider before you have breast augmentation surgery.

Which procedure method should you get?

There are several ways to increase the cup size of your breasts. The most popular option is silicone or saline breast implants. This procedure usually involves incisions under the breasts, and the surgeon then inserts the implants.

However, if you are interested in a more subtle increase in size, fat transfer may be a good option. Fat transfer involves removing fat with from a problem area through liposuction and inserting them into the breasts. Usually fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen or sides.

Next, the fat is washed, processed, and injected into the breasts. This method provides an all-natural breast augmentation that some patients find preferable. Fat transfer allows you to have fat removed from a problem area, injected into the breasts.

Your plastic surgeon will review your options and help you decide if traditional breast augmentation or fat transfer is the best choice.

Bigger Breasts Doesn’t Solve Drooping

Breast sagging can occur as a woman ages or from breastfeeding and pregnancy. Unfortunately, breast augmentation won’t help with sagging breasts. Instead, it can accentuate the problem. That’s why having a breast lift combined with a breast augmentation works so well for many patients.

A breast lift removes extra breast skin and may reposition the nipples and areolas to a higher position on the chest. Many patients who are older or breastfed may find ideal results with both procedures simultaneously.

Breast Implants Don’t Last Forever

Breast implants last a long time, but most patients need them replaced eventually. Most silicone and saline breast implants will last at least 10 years before being replaced.

A patient with breast implants needs to have yearly checkups and do a breast exam regularly.

FDA also recommends that patients with silicone implants have an MRI done every three years to check for breast tumors.

There Are Many Types Of Implants

There are many things to consider when choosing breast implants. Size is only one of them. You also will choose between different shapes and profiles, among other factors. Which is best for you depends on your goals, posture, skin type, and personal goals.

Note that some patients want breast implants that are too large, which can cause more sagging. Your plastic surgeon will go over the different types of implants available and your best options.

You Will Likely Need Surgery Again

Many breast augmentation patients live longer than their implants’ life, so you will need additional surgery eventually. So, it’s essential to stay in touch with your board-certified plastic surgeon and have checkups every few years to see if you need further surgery.

Some patients also may decide later to have the breast implants removed.

There Are Risks

Most breast augmentations go well. When a board-certified plastic surgeon performs, you should be happy with the results. But like any surgery, there are risks to think about.

The most common problem with any surgery is an incision site infection. Most infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the infection becomes worse, the implant may need to be taken out temporarily.

Another risk is capsular contracture. This happens when the scar capsule around the implant contracts and distorts the implant. This problem also may necessitate the removal of the implant.

A few patients may have a leaking or ruptured implant, although this issue doesn’t happen a lot. However, if it does happen, you also will need revision surgery.

Don’t Smoke

Most surgeons require patients to stop smoking at least two weeks before breast augmentation. This is because tobacco use can interfere with the healing process by constricting blood vessels and slowing circulation.

You also shouldn’t smoke for several weeks after the procedure, so you might take breast augmentation as an opportunity to stop smoking completely.

Results Take Time

After breast augmentation, you will have considerable swelling and bruising. Many patients may be upset with how their breasts look at first. But swelling takes weeks to fade, so it’s essential to be patient.

It can take up to six months to see your final breast augmentation results. Also, the implants will sit high on the chest at first but will drop after a few weeks.

Having breast augmentation is a big decision, and the points highlighted here are essential to review before going ahead. Talk to your board-certified plastic surgeon today to determine if traditional breast augmentation or another procedure is a good fit.

Request a Consultation

Dr. Otto Placik is proud to serve Chicago area patients at his practice. He’ll go over your options and needs to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.

References

What To Consider Before You Get A Breast Augmentation. (2021). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-consider-before-you-get-a-breast-augmentation

Things To Consider When Getting Breast Implants. (2020). Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/things-consider-getting-breast-implants

Breast Augmentation Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/breast-augmentation