Knowing Facts About Breast Augmentation Will Aid Your Decision

Many women wonder what their life could be like if they could alter certain parts of their appearance. Some might want an additional edge in a job interview, or they just want to feel more comfortable with what they believe to be a disproportioned part of their body. Few of the ways in which women change their appearance, however are as controversial as breast augmentation. Stories travel all around the world about potential dangers (including cancer) that could result from implants, but some are not as credible as others.

Reviewing the potential risks against the possible benefits is important for any woman considering breast augmentation. Probably the biggest concern for women seeking breast augmentation is the potential risk for cancer. With the number of diagnosed cancer patients going up the last thing anybody needs to do is add to their own personal risk, so the concern is understandable. News that breast implants might carry a cancer risk first came to light in the early nineties, and as a result the types of implants used have changed. Instead of the potentially harmful silicone implants that were first used, the cosmetic surgery community has mostly switched to a saline breast implants. Saline implants are still being tested for their long-term effects on women, but it is unlikely that they carry any serious threat. But studies are being done, and results revisited, every day, so it is important to keep yourself informed on all of these studies. It is also important to note that most implants will have to be replaced after 7-10 years as they develop leaks over time. So prepare for a few surgeries over your lifetime, not just one.

Even though the major life-threatening risks have been reduced and possibly eliminated, however, there are still other considerations for women to consider. For instance, there are various complications that may make the procedure undesirable. There have been cases of asymmetry, or the breasts appearing uneven, scar tissue developing in a way that can cause pain or discomfort, and a reduction in nipple sensitivity or the nipple becoming overly and painfully sensitive to name a few possible negative results. The results vary from woman to woman. So, just because you know someone who had great results after her breast augmentation does not mean that yours will be the exact same results. The important thing is to discuss all these side-effects with your doctor and decide if the potential benefits out-weigh the possible complications. This is something that every woman has to decide for herself.

While thinking over the procedure it may be helpful to bear in mind that in 2008 more than 300,000 women of all ages were reported to have had breast augmentation surgery for reasons varying from reconstruction after mastectomy or for purely cosmetic reasons. Also in 2008 there were 40,000 implant removal surgeries reported. This should tell you that, while the majority of women that underwent the surgery were pleased with their results, there were also a percentage that were unsatisfied. Breast augmentation is not for everybody, so you should not feel pressure from anyone else on deciding either way.