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 There are many reasons why a woman may choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery. A woman may be looking to improve her self image, she may feel that her breasts never fully developed, she may be interested in evening out an imbalance between the breasts, or she may be interested in restoring breast volume that had decreased due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are bothered by any of the following:
- Feelings that your breasts are too small.
- A loss of breast size and firmness resulting from pregnancy and childbirth.
- A change or reduction in breast size and shape following weight loss.
- A noticeable difference between the size of each breast.
- Difficulty finding clothing because dresses and pantsuits that fit well at the waist and hips prove too large in the bust line.
- Feelings of self-consciousness when wearing form-fitting tops or swimsuits.
Women considering breast augmentation must be emotionally mature and realistic in their expectations. Patients should understand their own motivations for undergoing the procedure and know that surgery can provide improvement but not perfection. For younger patients, surgery should be performed only once breast development is complete.
 During a consultation, patients should be sure to advise the doctor of all current and past health conditions including any previous surgery, any history of breast cancer in the family, results of past mammograms, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or circulatory disorders. Patients should also be sure to disclose any current use of medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal supplements, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health, discuss your goals and the options available for breast augmentation and the improvement that you can expect, and advise you of any potential risks and complications. Be sure to address any questions or concerns that you may have at this time.
The surgeon will take into account your anatomy, the condition you are looking to have corrected, any factors causing the condition, and your goals in order to recommend a course of treatment. Certain factors may affect your results, such as significant weight loss or gain after surgery or future pregnancy. Your breasts will be examined during the consultation and possibly photographed. The exam will include an assessment of the size and shape of the breasts, the quality of the skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas. A mammogram may be recommended prior to surgery, and mammograms conducted after surgery will need to be performed with special imaging techniques. Additional procedures may be recommended to help you achieve your goals, such as a breast lift in cases where the breasts are sagging.
Your desired results and the surgeon’s preferences will help to determine the particular technique used for breast surgery. Incisions are small and may be placed in several locations, though they are often made around the lower edge of the areola. Once the incision is made, a pocket is created either directly behind the breast tissue or below the chest muscle. The implant is then inserted. Saline-filled implants, which are comprised of a silicone rubber shell that is filled with sterile saltwater, are used by most women undergoing breast augmentation today. With these implants, the saltwater can be harmlessly absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures or leaks. Silicone gel implants are also available and their used can be discussed with the surgeon at the time of consultation.
What is breast augmentation?
breast augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to increase the size of the breast by inserting a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Incisions may be located in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (axillary). The implant may also be inserted through an incision made at the naval, or belly button.
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include women who are looking to increase the size of the breasts and are healthy, realistic in their expectations, and aware of all risks and benefits of the procedure. There are a number of reasons why a women may seek breast augmentation including the following: small breasts or breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of the body; uneven breasts; decreased breast volume resulting from weight loss; and changes in breast size and shape resulting from pregnancy.
Is there anything that needs to be done to prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
To reduce the risk of blood clots and infection, patients should stop smoking and drinking alcohol about two weeks before surgery. Patients will also need to avoid certain medication which can increase bleeding, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Procedures performed on an outpatient basis will require that you arrange for a ride home after surgery and for someone to stay with you during the first night.
More FAQs about breast augmentation
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