Breast Augmentation Considerations

Women by the thousands either have considered or are currently thinking about changing their appearance by way of breast augmentation. This surgical procedure involves much more than just making your breast larger or shapelier for strictly cosmetic reasons.

For example, many new mommies want to get their shape back after having a baby and start exercising and changing their eating habits. Breast augmentation is sometimes considered as part of their self-styled physical and mental fitness program.

And some women may have experienced long term and deep seated self concept issues because they have always felt their breast size was smaller than normal.

Then there are the therapeutic reasons for breast augmentation, such as reconstructing one or both breasts due to cancer related breast surgery or reconstruction following a serious accident.

Here are a few things that you may find helpful to know if you are considering breast augmentation.

• Many of your friends and family may not notice your “new look.” It is not unusual for you to have to explain, even to your best friend, that you’ve had a “boob job”. Surprising as it may seem, most people are so deeply concerned about their own body image they may not even notice your changes unless you point them out. Don’t take it personally. It’s just human nature.
• By the way, make sure your doctor helps you reach an understanding about your expectations about how the change will affect your life. The goal is for you to have a set of realistic expectations. Think about it, if your friends don’t notice, your coworkers and your boss may also not notice the change. Make sure you prepare yourself for this often experienced post-surgical reality check. The surgery, after all, is for you, your self esteem and your benefit.

Let’s look at the technical options for your breast augmentation.

At the top of the list of breast augmentation procedures is the use of saline filled implants. Their use is widespread, primarily due to the relative “safety” of saline in the medical environment. Naturally if peace of mind is important you’ll want to consider saline implants as a primary choice. Saline implants come in a wide variety of styles and sizes and you should talk to your doctor for what is right for you.

Silicone implants have become a great deal more mainstream than prior. They too come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have certain advantages that may be right for you.

And Now For The Disclosures:

• Any surgical procedure exposes the patient to a level of risk, regardless of health, and surgeon’s skills and experience.
• A condition referred to as capsular contracture is related to post operative scarring. Basically this means the scar around the implant can begin to become tight. While this can be uncomfortable, it is best to speak with the doctor about how to deal with this issue should it occur, as soon as possible.
• Another condition one could experience is bleeding following the surgery.
• Post-operative swelling with associated pain can occur.
• Some patients mention their nipples become hyper-sensitive or lose sensitivity.
• Some patients experience infection in the post-operative period.
• A potential complication is a rupture or deflation of the implant. Fortunately the saline solution is easily absorbed by the body’s tissues and organs. Naturally the situation would be more critical in the case of silicon implants and their rupture.
• Post operative complaints about joint pain and swelling, fever fatigue and breast pain should be addressed with your doctor immediately. The FDA’s research has not yet found anything related to the outcomes that suggest connective-tissue concerns as part of the breast augmentation post-operative experience. Also, any change in size or “fluid feeling” pocket should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out BIA-ALCL.

Keep in mind that deciding on breast augmentation is a most personal decision. Only your decision and comfort with the issues and potential outcomes is of utmost importance. Do not expect your peers, family and friends to understand completely.

It is of utmost importance that you are comfortable with your own feelings about all of your choices, especially in regard to breast augmentation surgery.