Breast Augmentation: Get the Facts First

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery? If so, you will need to know some things before you step into a surgeon's office. The best candidates for this type of surgery are grown (fully developed) women who wish to have fuller breasts or increased breast volume that has been lost due to weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Another good candidate for breast augmentation would be a grown woman whose breasts have always been small and this has caused her a great deal of embarrassment and grief over her lifetime. (Ideally, a woman in her late 20s to late 30s.)

There are some other good reasons for having breast augmentation. A woman with breasts that are different in size and shape quite naturally would like to have this asymmetry corrected. Or perhaps you are a young woman whose breasts have begun to sag prematurely. Whatever the reason, it is ultimately your decision and you must have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Choosing a certified plastic surgeon is the first step. The next step will be for you to ask him/her if you are a good candidate for the surgery. This should be followed by many other questions (or concerns you may have) and clear, forthright answers should be given to you. You will most certainly want to know what the risks are associated with the procedure. You should be allowed to see many before and after pictures of former patients and ask for references if you are still not sure. Remember, this is a life changing surgery.

If you simply have breasts that sag too much, you may consider a breast lift rather than breast augmentation. In some cases a breast augmentation and lift can be done at the same time. Now is the time to ask about the procedure, how it will be performed every step of the way. Most breast augmentations will require the insertion of saline or silicone implants. Decide together with your surgeon which would best for your desired size, skin elasticity and body type. Above all, you will want your breasts to look natural.

Here is what you can expect during the surgery. Usually, after a woman has been anesthetized, a small incision will be made underneath the breasts. Then the silicone or saline implants will be inserted and properly positioned either over or under the pectoral muscle. The incisions will then be closed. Your results will be visible immediately. After some time, the small scars resulting from the incisions will be barely visible.

So, now you can make a more informed decision about whether or not breast augmentation is for you.