The 411 On Breast Augmentation Surgery

With advances in medical technology and safety, cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever. For women interested in enhancing their existing shape, improving firmness after weight loss, providing a lift after pregnancy or simply bringing a new spark into their marital bed, choosing the size, shape, and consistency of breast augmentation has never been easier.

What is the process? Your doctor will walk through his breast augmentation operating room plans with you in detail. Most breast augmentations follow the same routine: general anesthesia, incision(s), insertion of the implant above (subglandular) or below (subpectoral) the chest muscle, and closing up with sutures or surgical tape.

What’s the difference between natural breasts and implants? There are a few key differences between augmentation and natural breasts to keep in mind. First off, when comparing clothed silhouettes of women with natural chests, the implant will usually look a cup or so smaller. Secondly, implants are often wider than natural breasts. This is important to keep in mind when shopping for new bras after your surgery. It is worth your time and money to visit a reputable lingerie store for a professional measurement.

How big is too big? Many breast augmentation surgeons will tell you that adding 500-510cc to an existing B or C cup is very large. In fact, an extra liter added to the chest is probably too much for many women to carry on their frame safely. Larger implants cause more skin stretch and don’t age as gracefully. Always keep in mind the long-term risks associated with breast augmentation when deciding on size. Skin contracture, leak, rupture, loss of sensation, calcium deposits, interference with mammography readings, rippling, movement and shifting are all more common – and often more devastating – in larger implants.

How much does it cost? Depending on your location, the experience of your surgeon, and the extent of your requirements breast augmentation can cost anywhere between $5,000-$10,000. Most medical insurance does not cover breast augmentation surgery. There are a number of organizations willing to finance plastic surgery with loans from $1,000-$25,000 at rates as low as 5% and terms up to 5 years.

Is breast augmentation surgery right for you? Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of this type of cosmetic improvement. Complications can include pain, changes in nipple and breast sensation, scarring, infection, asymmetry, as well as rupture or leakage. Women interested in increasing their cup size while reducing potential complications should consult a surgeon with at least five years of surgical training and two years of breast augmentation experience. It is important to follow-up your breast augmentation surgery with an MRI scan every two years to check for silent rupture.