Breast implant surgery is the most popular cosmetic enhancement among women these days, especially as it acceptance has become more widespread and commonplace.
Hundreds of thousands of women undergo this safe and quick procedure every year, and many more consider having it done with each coming year.
There are several questions that most women have upon beginning their journey into breast augmentation, including things like 'what size implants should I choose,' 'how do I find a reputable doctor,' and 'what will the recovery be like?' Here are the answers to those and a few commonly asked breast implant surgery questions.
Choosing the Right Size Deciding on the perfect size implants is a very personal decision, but there are several factors to take into account.
For example, if you are a very small-breasted woman to start with, you may not have much extra chest skin to support extremely large breast implants.
The result would be thinly stretched skin over very visible implants, probably with a quite unnatural shape.
Sometimes this problem can be avoided by placing the implants under or partially under the pectoral muscles.
Breast implant sizing should also be understood in a context of proportionality to the body.
It is usually ideal to find a size that truly compliments your figure.
You should also know that overly large, heavy breasts can result in extra strain and pain in the back.
Your surgeon can give you many other suggestions for determining the right size implant for you.
Finding a Good Surgeon It is important to select a cosmetic surgeon with proper training and experience.
You should find someone who is licensed and Board certified to be sure he or she is qualified to perform your surgery.
Asking friends and acquaintances for referrals is a smart way to find a good plastic surgeon as well.
If they had a good experience, it was probably for good reason and you will be likely to have a good experience with that surgeon too.
The Recovery The first few days after the surgery, you will experience swelling, bruising, and soreness.
You will need to rest and take prescription medications to manage the pain, but most women are back to work and other activities after about a week.
During your recovery you should not raise your arms above shoulder level to prevent tearing of the incision sites.
The swelling will go down over time but the full results may not be visible until 6 months or a year after the surgery.
The Costs The cost of breast implant surgery varies greatly from surgeon to surgeon and across state lines.
You can expect to pay several thousand dollars for your procedure, but whether your exact fees are on the low end or high end depend on where you have it done and by whom.
Don't be afraid to shop around.
Saline or Silicone You have a choice of having saline or silicone breast implants.
They each have their pros and cons.
Saline implants allow the surgeon to make smaller incisions as the implants can be inserted before they are inflated with the saline solution.
The size can also be adjusted easier after the surgery by making an incision again and either removing or adding fluid.
In some cases however, there have been reports of rippling under the breasts, creating an unappealing appearance.
Silicone implants require larger incisions, although only slightly larger and they are usually well hidden anyway.
Many women choose silicone because of the rounder look and feel of the implants.
Your surgeon can help explain all the differences to help you decide which type is best for you.