What is Breast Augmentation and Who is a Good Candidate?
2010
Beginning during the 1960’s, breast augmentation has widely grown in popularity and precision. This cosmetic surgery involves an incision and insertion of a breast implant to improve the look and appearance of the breast. Individuals may seek a breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. Some may want to upgrade a flat chest, while others may want to restore deflated breasts due to aging, pregnancy or weight loss. Whatever the case, good candidates for breast augmentation are fit and have refrained from smoking a few weeks before surgery.
Breast augmentation involves a prosthesis, known as a breast implant, inserted into the breast area and placed in submuscular, subpectoral, or under the pectoralis muscle. Implants can be made of either saline or silicone. Saline is comprised of the same solution running through an IV and has less perceived risks than silicone implants. Silicone is back on the market after being removed in 1992, poses potential higher risk factors with concerns of adverse reaction of gel to human body and an increase in possible capsular contracture. While there is an elevated concern for risks with silicone implants, they are more pleasant to the touch and provide the most natural look and feel.
Recovery after breast augmentation includes moderate pain, swelling and bruising. After one week, individuals may return to work and to full activities after a few weeks have passed. If breastfeeding is a concern, discuss this with the plastic surgeon prior to the surgery. While breastfeeding is not generally hindered after this surgery, it is important to discuss possible risk factors. Risk factors associated with breast augmentation are excessive bleeding, reaction to anesthesia and infection. There is an interference identified in implants during mammography. Be sure to inform the technician during a mammogram of any breast augmentation procedure.