Breast Augmentation Facts for the Consumer

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is performed by certified and qualified doctors. It entails having implants placed in strategic sites chosen by the medical professional as best places to improve the appearance and shape of a woman's chest.

Duration

The time spent on the surgery is usually an hour; this is for the basic breast augmentation procedure, not including lifting, which is a procedure that can be combined with the base operation. Depending on the complications that may arise during the operation, time may be more. Recovery period for surgeries like these can last up to a couple of months or another period of time dependent on the surgeon's recommendation or assessment. Within the recovery period, the doctor will advise against heavy lifting and other strenuous exercises or activities which may compromise the wounds made during the operation. Although patients can return to work after about a week from the procedure, there are a lot of things that should be kept in mind to promote a successful operation such as the taking of medications prescribed by the surgeon and foregoing heavy lifting or sexual activity. The aftereffects of the surgery can be complicated by scarring and infections among other things. It is best to follow the surgeon's instructions and prescriptions to lower the risk of these complications occurring.

Ideal Candidates

There are some factors which may prevent a woman from being an ideal candidate for breast augmentation. Foremost in these factors are diseases which are connected to the heart, diabetes, or disability of blood to clot, among others. Some lifestyle changes may be needed in order to qualify for surgery, such as stopping smoking for several weeks beforehand, going on a special diet and going off some medications of dietary supplements currently being taken. This is an important aspect to a successful operation because some supplements can interfere with the results and cause some complications during the procedure. Lab testing is a necessary step for any type of surgery. Allergies to medications, anesthesia and other drugs which may be used during the procedure and the recovery period should be brought up by both the doctors and the patient as this can complicate things.

Kinds of Implants

There are two basic kinds of implants: silicone and saline. These are two of the most common types on the market today, but there are also others available, such as soy. Some doctors have preferences when it comes to breast augmentation, and they have their own reasons for this. The reasons may be how the results will look and feel or perhaps the safety and well being of the patient. It is best for patients to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of implant available. Most likely, the surgeons themselves will recommend what is most suitable to the patient after assessing her lifestyle and preferences. The size of the implants may also be subject to scrutiny since not all bodies can accommodate the larger sized ones. It is dependent on how much skin can be stretched and where the implant is to be placed.