If you're considering undergoing enhancement, you probably have many questions concerning the surgery, the choices available to you, and the outcome.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about breast augmentation and implants.
1.
Will my breasts look or feel unnatural? The aesthetic outcome of augmentation surgery largely depends on the skill of the plastic surgeon and your expectations.
A highly skilled surgeon can produce natural looking results with minimal scarring.
However, choosing an implant that is too large can create artificial-looking results.
The feel of the breast will not necessarily be unnatural, but it will be different from unaltered tissue.
Silicone implants are thought to be more natural looking as well as more similar in feel to a natural breast.
Salines tend to be firmer.
If you're concerned about getting a natural look and feel, you should discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation and view before and after photographs of former patients to know whether his aesthetic sensibility matches yours.
2.
What are the common risks associated with breast implants? Common risks immediately after surgery include bleeding, hematoma, skin necrosis, and infection.
Complications that may arise in the future include capsular contracture, bottoming out, and ruptures or leaking of implants.
Good health and following doctor's orders can help minimize potential problems; however, many can occur for unknown reasons, such as capsular contracture and ruptures.
3.
What types of breast implants are available? The two types of currently available are silicone and saline.
Silicone is a thick, gel-based substance.
Previously silicones were banned due to potentially increasing cancer rates when they ruptured and leaked silicone into the tissue; however, there has been no positive correlation between breast cancer and silicone implants and now any woman can receive them.
Saline implants are filled with a saline solution that simply dissolves into the body if a leak occurs.
The benefit of this kind of implant is that ruptures are quickly detected while silicone leaks can remain unnoticed for years.
4.
Where is the incision made? There are five different incision sites that plastic surgeons generally utilize: under the arm, around the nipple or areola, underneath the natural crease of the breast, or through the navel.
The areola and under are the most common and are easily camouflaged.
The crease incision may be necessary if a breast lift is needed as well.
Few surgeons insert implants through the navel as there are more risks associated with this method; however, if you choose this route, the scar will not be detectable.
5.
How do I choose a plastic surgeon? Choosing the right plastic surgeon is an important decision.
The first step is selecting a few board-certified plastic surgeons that are qualified to perform augmentation surgery.
If you're interested in something specific, such as incision placement or type of implant, seek out doctors who specialize in these areas.
You should consult with two or three surgeons before choosing the one you feel most comfortable and confident in (many offer complimentary consultations, so don't be afraid to explore your options).
Before committing, it's worthwhile to check the surgeon's background and ensure there are no outstanding lawsuits related to his practice.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about breast augmentation and implants.
1.
Will my breasts look or feel unnatural? The aesthetic outcome of augmentation surgery largely depends on the skill of the plastic surgeon and your expectations.
A highly skilled surgeon can produce natural looking results with minimal scarring.
However, choosing an implant that is too large can create artificial-looking results.
The feel of the breast will not necessarily be unnatural, but it will be different from unaltered tissue.
Silicone implants are thought to be more natural looking as well as more similar in feel to a natural breast.
Salines tend to be firmer.
If you're concerned about getting a natural look and feel, you should discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation and view before and after photographs of former patients to know whether his aesthetic sensibility matches yours.
2.
What are the common risks associated with breast implants? Common risks immediately after surgery include bleeding, hematoma, skin necrosis, and infection.
Complications that may arise in the future include capsular contracture, bottoming out, and ruptures or leaking of implants.
Good health and following doctor's orders can help minimize potential problems; however, many can occur for unknown reasons, such as capsular contracture and ruptures.
3.
What types of breast implants are available? The two types of currently available are silicone and saline.
Silicone is a thick, gel-based substance.
Previously silicones were banned due to potentially increasing cancer rates when they ruptured and leaked silicone into the tissue; however, there has been no positive correlation between breast cancer and silicone implants and now any woman can receive them.
Saline implants are filled with a saline solution that simply dissolves into the body if a leak occurs.
The benefit of this kind of implant is that ruptures are quickly detected while silicone leaks can remain unnoticed for years.
4.
Where is the incision made? There are five different incision sites that plastic surgeons generally utilize: under the arm, around the nipple or areola, underneath the natural crease of the breast, or through the navel.
The areola and under are the most common and are easily camouflaged.
The crease incision may be necessary if a breast lift is needed as well.
Few surgeons insert implants through the navel as there are more risks associated with this method; however, if you choose this route, the scar will not be detectable.
5.
How do I choose a plastic surgeon? Choosing the right plastic surgeon is an important decision.
The first step is selecting a few board-certified plastic surgeons that are qualified to perform augmentation surgery.
If you're interested in something specific, such as incision placement or type of implant, seek out doctors who specialize in these areas.
You should consult with two or three surgeons before choosing the one you feel most comfortable and confident in (many offer complimentary consultations, so don't be afraid to explore your options).
Before committing, it's worthwhile to check the surgeon's background and ensure there are no outstanding lawsuits related to his practice.