Breast Augmentation-Making the Decision

An initial consultation with the plastic surgeon is the first step toward undergoing this procedure. It is during this initial consultation that the patient can express what they expect from the breast augmentation. Many women will have a particular result in mind when they begin their journey toward getting a breast enhancement.

For instance, many patients will want to add up to three bra cup sizes to their breasts as a result of the surgery. However, this is sometimes not possible because of physical restrictions, including the starting size of the breasts or an overall small physical frame. Sometimes this is possible, but the patient may change their mind once they actually visit the doctor to see exactly how this would look on them. In addition, the surgeon will assess the patient's overall health to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery.

A breast augmentation is a customized surgery for each individual patient, and this initial consultation is an interactive opportunity for both the patient and the doctor. It also opens direct lines of communication between the patient and the doctor in order for both parties to speak frankly about the impeding procedure. The surgeon can outline what to expect during the recovery period as well, which can help to ease some fears and provide answers to some of the most challenging questions. This direct communication is a big factor in the overall success of the surgery.

As a patient, it is also important to understand the different options when it comes to using breast implants for a breast augmentation. Saline and silicone implants are the two options for this procedure. Saline implants come with a silicone casing that is only filled after the implant has been placed inside the patient. This allows the surgeon to fill the implant to larger sizes, which can be helpful for patients with smaller breasts that would require too large of an incision for pre-filled implants.

The saline solution is easily absorbed by the body in case there is a rupture. Therefore, it will be much easier to detect a leak, which requires less post-surgical maintenance than silicone. Silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel. Although this solution provides a much more natural look and feel, there are some restrictions. Furthermore, they will also require some post-surgical maintenance in order to detect leaks.

It is important to do a little investigating before going through with a breast augmentation. While some patients may be looking to have this surgery for a particular reason, some may change their mind upon speaking with a doctor and getting a complete understanding of how the procedure works.