a guide to cosmetic enhancement
breast enhancement
Breast augmentation or breast implants are designed to increase the size and/or alter the shape of breasts.
What is breast surgery?
Breast augmentation involves the implantation of a gel or saline filled shell in one or two breasts in women. In some cases, breast augmentation is used to counter the effects of breast surgery resulting from cancer or other diseases. In other cases, the procedure is designed to increase the size and shape of the breasts. Most women experience an increase of one full bra size, although more dramatic implants and size increases are available.
Who should have breast augmentation?
Perhaps the most important question to ask is why one desires a breast augmentation? Women with high self-esteem and an understanding of the risks and the results to be anticipated are the best candidates for a breast augmentation. A few medical conditions may increase the risk of complications arising from breast implants, but in general any physically and emotionally healthy adult is a good candidate for the procedure.
Is is safe?
In recent years, questions have been raised about the safety of silicone-based implants. As a result, the majority of implants are made of a saline. Only women participating in FDA-approved studies can currently have silicone-based implants done.
In addition to the safety of the implants themselves, there is some risk involved in any surgical procedure. As with most surgeries, the potential for infection exists. Other relatively common complications include a hardening and tightening of the breast and/or the scar tissue resulting from surgery. The sensitivity of the nipples may also be impacted, and can either be temporary or permanent.
More serious risks are also possible. Ruptured implants are included in these possible complications. If a breast implant breaks, a second surgical procedure will be required to remove the implant and as much of the filler material as possible. In some cases, though, the silicone or saline may not be completely removed from the breast tissue.
What to expect after the surgery ...
In the days following the surgery, expect some soreness and discomfort. Within about a week, the gauze can be removed from the breasts. Your physician may recommend a surgical bra and provide instruction for wearing it. Swelling and bruising are common, and swelling can last a month or more before completely subsiding.
Scarring should begin to fade and subside greatly with time. Keep in mind, though, that these scars will be permanent - they may not, however, be very noticeable after fully healing.
A few final thoughts ...
Remember that a breast augmentation should be done for personal reasons, and not for anyone but yourself! The results are often very satisfying!