Breast augmentation is the most common elective surgery performed in the United States, with more than 300,000 women undergoing such procedures in 2011. Women who are dissatisfied with breast size or shape often decide to have breasts enhanced, while others have augmentation to correct asymmetry or restore the appearance of breasts that have begun to sag due to pregnancy or aging. If you are considering augmentation, you should know that there are a variety of options available these days. Which of these is best depends upon a number of factors, such as your goals for augmentation, body type, anatomy and overall health.
Breast implant surgeries are the most common type of breast augmentation procedure done today, and are the most suitable for women who are looking for a significant increase in breast size. They are generally done on an outpatient basis, and the exact method used will depend upon the particular type of procedure you and your doctor have decided is best for you. For this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in one of three places, along the crease underneath the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. The surgeon will then construct a pocket for your implants, which can be placed either behind the outermost muscle of the chest wall or in front of it. Implants will then be centered under the nipple, and if saline implants are used, filled. Silicone implants are already filled before insertion. Then, the incision will be closed with sutures. As with any surgery, breast augmentation is not without risk. These can include infection, breast pain, changes in nipple sensation, implant rupture or leakage and capsular contracture, which is scarring that can be painful or change the shape of the breast.
A Fat Transfer is a procedure that is exactly as it sounds: the transfer of body fat. This breast augmentation procedure may not be for everyone, but it could work well for the ideal candidate. It is used frequently during breast reconstruction, and is beginning to be used on a more cosmetic basis. A patient’s body fat is removed using Liposuction from a problem area, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. It is then injected into the patient’s breasts. If you are only mildly dissatisfied with your current bust size and prefer a natural look, this may be a good breast augmentation option for you. Perhaps you only want to increase size by 1/2 to 1 full cup size, and don’t particularly like the look of an “implant” breast. This procedure uses your own body fat, so there is no introduction of a foreign object into your body. However, as with any procedure, there are risks. The most amount of fat recommended for injection is 250cc. There is no guarantee how much of the fat will survive the overall transfer, and some of it will most likely die off.
Choosing your surgeon carefully can minimize the potential for complications during and after your breast augmentation procedure. Ask for referrals from your health care professional and recommendations from friends who have had cosmetic procedures done. Speak to a selection of surgeons, choosing the one who you feel takes your concerns and questions most seriously and spends time going over options and explaining things you don’t understand. Finding a great surgeon is the key to walking away with a great new look.