If you’re deciding to have breast enlargement surgery performed, there are more things to consider and plan for than the ensuing recovery period. Here are a few things you may not know about the surgery that you’ll want to discuss before the big day.
Breast enlargement procedures are now so commonplace in America, nearly half of the women in the United States will have at least one of these elective surgeries performed in her lifetime. Despite the popularity and wide social acceptance of enhancement surgeries, particularly the use of saline or silicon implants, there’s much that most people don’t know prior to making the decision to have the work done.
One of the most common misconceptions about breast augmentation surgery is that it’s a one-time procedure that will offer a lifetime of results. It is important to keep in mind that breast implants are not permanent, and while the results are long-lasting, they may need to be replaced or readjusted during your lifetime. Most plastic surgeons recommend implants be exchanged every 10-15 years to maintain the look, contour, and lift of the breasts. Much like natural breast tissue, over time, your appearance of your implants is likely to change, generally due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormones, and simple gravity. In addition, it’s common for women to want to change the appearance of their breasts as they age, and many choose to exchange larger implants for a smaller, more natural-looking option. At some point, it is inevitable that those that have had breast enlargement surgery will need to undergo either a breast lift or implant exchange to maintain a youthful and more attractive aesthetic.
Although augmentation surgery is an extremely popular and low-risk procedure, it’s important for patients to be aware of all the practical issues surrounding the surgery. Breast enlargement surgeries are not covered by most insurance policies, and so patients should be prepared to pay the entire cost of the surgery, anesthesia, and potentially an overnight hospital stay. Depending on the type of implant and doctor chosen, where the surgery is performed, the medication used, and where the patient lives, this procedure can run anywhere from $3500-$7500, and more if the patient chooses to add a breast lift to her augmentation. While most cosmetic surgeons have payment plans and flexible options that make it possible to afford these procedures, there may be future financial repercussions to having a breast enlargement. Many insurance providers now refuse to provide coverage for any breast-related health problems to clients who have had implants, even though there is no medical proof that augmentation creates a higher risk for breast cancer or other ailments. Before making the choice, it’s important to read through your insurer’s policy, and make sure the surgery will not change your coverage.
