Breast Augmentation - An Overview

Breast augmentation, known as augmentation mammoplasty is becoming both more common and more safe in all health aspects. Surgical procedures to enhance the breast the size (breast enlargement), and/or shape (breast lift) of a woman's breasts are considered "elective" cosmetic surgery. However breast reductions and breast reconstruction are considered "corrective" plastic surgery. For these reasons some insurance plans may cover the corrective breast surgeries.

There can be a number of motivations behind breast augmentation and some of the most common reasons are:

1. Enhancing and balancing body structure keeping the size of the breasts in consideration. Women with small breast size opt for breast enlargement.

2. General reduction in breast size is frequently observed after pregnancy and breast feeding. Breast lifts are commonly done to reshape "sagging" breast or implants can be used to restore breast size.

3. There can be a variation between the two breast sizes; breast augmentation procedures can be used to bring them to same size.

A comprehensive discussion with a surgeon is recommended before breast augmentation. Every surgery candidate should gain clarity about the process, and it's realistic benefits along with understanding the side effects and risks. In surgical terms, a breast implant can be inserted behind or in front of the breast's chest muscles to increase the size of the bust-line. Breast augmentation may impart added confidence and improve self-image, however many mistakenly believe that changes your appearance slightly will change your looks as well as your outlook and this is an unhealthy approach. It is necessary to be healthy and have a healthy self-image before seeking out breast augmentation.

There are two most common types of implants:

§Silicon shell implant filled with silicone gel, and
§Silicone shell implant filled with salt-water (saline).

Saline-filled implants are done without any restrictions. For gel-filled implants, permission is necessary from FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

However common, breast augmentation is surgery so there are possibilities for unexpected outcomes as well as health risks. Capsular contracture is the most common problem that is experienced after breast augmentation. It generally happens when the scar tissue around the implant begins to tighten. It will make the breast feel harder and uncomfortable. Removal or replacement of the implant can solve this problem. Some swelling and pain may appear due to excessive bleeding during the surgery. There is always a threat of infection soon after a surgery. It takes time to heal and any exposure to infectious elements can cause trouble.

There can be adverse effects on nipples after a breast reduction, breast lift or breast implant surgery. They tend to get overly sensitive, hard and even go numb in some cases. A breast implant may break or leak under certain circumstances, and leakage of silicon implants in particular can lead to many complications effecting health and appearance. It can happen due to excessive pressure, defects or other reasons.

Young women or those planning a family should find relief in that breast augmentation does not cause any side-effects during or after pregnancy. Breast milk will be available for the child within a week. There are no instances of breast cancers amongst the women who underwent breast augmentation. It is necessary to detect complications at an early stage to prevent impacts, therefore regular post-surgery consults with your plastic surgeon is advised.

Breast augmentation is done at various hospitals and cosmetic surgery clinics and private practices. The cost of the largely surgery is effected by the type of facilities that are provided. The cost varies greatly with the skill and experience of the surgeon as well. Local anesthesia will be given to the patient in order to carry out the surgery. Complete healing will take a couple of weeks.