Breast Augmentation FAQs
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry using either silicone gel or saline breast implants. The result of breast enlargement surgery is an enhanced figure, and potentially a heightened sense of self-confidence.
What is a saline breast implant?
Saline breast implants are inserted through the crease beneath the breast, navel, areola, and under arms, then filled after in place. By filling the implants after they are inserted, the surgeon has the ability to make both breasts more symmetrical. Also, because the implant is empty when inserted, the resulting scars are much smaller and less conspicuous. However, many say that saline doesn't provide as natural of results as silicone does.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation surgery?
While there are studies regarding the interference of breast implants with breastfeeding, the type of implant placement may play a big factor in whether a woman should breastfeed after breast augmentation or not.
Will breast implants interfere with annual mammograms?
There may be some interference with a mammogram following breast augmentation. Chances can be significantly reduced if the breast implants are placed above the pectoral (chest) muscle.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2007 the national average breast augmentation cost was $4,087 for silicone gel breast implants, and $3,690 for saline breast implants. This accounts for the physician/surgeon fees, and does not reflect the process of surgical facility, anesthesia, location, etc.
How long does breast implant recovery take?
In about seven to 10 days, the stitches will be removed, and within a month you should be able to resume exercise and physical activities. However, the full effects of breast enlargement surgery may take up to several months, after the breasts have taken on their new shape and scars have faded.
Do breast implants cause post-operative pain?
Typically, a few days after breast enhancement surgery, the pain subsides. In rare cases, a patient can experience difficulties with their breast implants, which may include capsular contracture, implant leakage, and rippling. These breast implant complications usually don't result in pain, but require a secondary breast augmentation during which the implants may be replaced. In these cases, the patient would go through similar discomforts that they did during the initial augmentation.
Does breast augmentation leave scars?
Immediately after breast augmentation, scars will be visible and pink. Over the course of several months, these scars will generally fade until they are no longer very noticeable, if at all. To prevent visible scarring, plastic surgeons make incisions in locations where marks will be hidden. For example, common incision locations include the crease beneath the breast, the underarm, the areola, and the navel.
What are the breast augmentation risks?
Some of the risks associated with breast augmentation include infection, blood clots, nipple sensitivity, and interference with mammogram readings. Complications related to breast implants specifically are capsular contracture, rippling, and rupture.
Do breast augmentation pills/creams actually work?
It is said that some pills and creams can work to enhance the breasts; however, neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Better Business Bureau support these claims. The increased bust size may be, in fact, an enlargement of the pectoral muscles around the breast, not the actual breast tissue.