Breast Augmentation - Is It for You?
Wondering whether you are a good candidate for breast augmentation? Perhaps you feel that you are too small.
Maybe you have a disproportionate body that makes hard to fit clothes, feel self conscious.
Perhaps you've lost firmness or volume because of childbirth, or you have a lopsided bust line.
These are all very good reasons for considering augmentation surgery.
It all begins by making an appointment with the plastic surgeon for a consultation.
At that time, you and your surgeon will discuss your issues, and then he or she will likely perform a preliminary exam.
Photographs are often taken during this time.
Your surgeon will look at the current size and shape of your breasts, the location of your areolas and nipples, and even the quality of your skin.
You will be asked what you are hoping to see from the procedure relating to size and shape.
You and your surgeon will discuss your medical history and any medications you might be on as well as previous surgeries or treatments.
You will be asked whether you've ever had a mammogram and what the results were.
Contrary to popular myths, there is no scientific proof that breast augmentation will increase your risk of breast cancer.
What it does do is make it more difficult to read a mammogram.
If there is a high risk of breast cancer in your family, your surgeon may decide that surgery may not be right for you.
If you think you might become pregnant in the future, you will want to discuss this with your surgeon because pregnancy can change the shape and size of the breast.
You should still be able to breastfeed but you should discuss this with your surgeon.
Occasionally, your surgeon will ask you to get what's called a baseline mammogram, and then another shortly after the surgery.
This will give a reference point for future mammograms.
This procedure is day surgery, so make sure you have someone to pick you up after the procedure.
You will be given medications to make you comfortable during your procedure.
A local anesthetic or a general anesthetic will be given depending on your individual case.
Once your surgery is over, you will spend some time in the recovery area where you will be monitored.
After your anesthetic has worn off and you are stable, you will be able to go home.
Occasionally, you may have to stay overnight.
Your breasts will be gauze wrapped and you will have on a surgical bra.
You need to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you when you are discharged.
You will be released to an adult who will stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
You will be strong enough to walk and should do so for at least 5 minutes each day and more if you are up to it.
The first few days you are going to be sore and even stiff through the chest area.
Dressings will be removed by your surgeon usually within the first 7 days.
Your breasts will likely feel tight at first and don't be surprised if the skin is overly sensitive.
It's common to have trouble lifting your arms over your head.
Make sure you do not lift or pull according to the instructions your surgeon provided.
Within a month, you are going to feel good as new.
Now it's time to begin to enjoy your implants.
Why not start with a shopping spree for some new clothes that fit your new chest?
Maybe you have a disproportionate body that makes hard to fit clothes, feel self conscious.
Perhaps you've lost firmness or volume because of childbirth, or you have a lopsided bust line.
These are all very good reasons for considering augmentation surgery.
It all begins by making an appointment with the plastic surgeon for a consultation.
At that time, you and your surgeon will discuss your issues, and then he or she will likely perform a preliminary exam.
Photographs are often taken during this time.
Your surgeon will look at the current size and shape of your breasts, the location of your areolas and nipples, and even the quality of your skin.
You will be asked what you are hoping to see from the procedure relating to size and shape.
You and your surgeon will discuss your medical history and any medications you might be on as well as previous surgeries or treatments.
You will be asked whether you've ever had a mammogram and what the results were.
Contrary to popular myths, there is no scientific proof that breast augmentation will increase your risk of breast cancer.
What it does do is make it more difficult to read a mammogram.
If there is a high risk of breast cancer in your family, your surgeon may decide that surgery may not be right for you.
If you think you might become pregnant in the future, you will want to discuss this with your surgeon because pregnancy can change the shape and size of the breast.
You should still be able to breastfeed but you should discuss this with your surgeon.
Occasionally, your surgeon will ask you to get what's called a baseline mammogram, and then another shortly after the surgery.
This will give a reference point for future mammograms.
This procedure is day surgery, so make sure you have someone to pick you up after the procedure.
You will be given medications to make you comfortable during your procedure.
A local anesthetic or a general anesthetic will be given depending on your individual case.
Once your surgery is over, you will spend some time in the recovery area where you will be monitored.
After your anesthetic has worn off and you are stable, you will be able to go home.
Occasionally, you may have to stay overnight.
Your breasts will be gauze wrapped and you will have on a surgical bra.
You need to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you when you are discharged.
You will be released to an adult who will stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
You will be strong enough to walk and should do so for at least 5 minutes each day and more if you are up to it.
The first few days you are going to be sore and even stiff through the chest area.
Dressings will be removed by your surgeon usually within the first 7 days.
Your breasts will likely feel tight at first and don't be surprised if the skin is overly sensitive.
It's common to have trouble lifting your arms over your head.
Make sure you do not lift or pull according to the instructions your surgeon provided.
Within a month, you are going to feel good as new.
Now it's time to begin to enjoy your implants.
Why not start with a shopping spree for some new clothes that fit your new chest?
