Choosing to have breast enlargement surgery is a deeply personal decision. And as with any surgery, you want to do your research first to understand the process.
This article will walk you through the steps of breast augmentation surgery and what you can expect from the surgery and recovery. After you’re done reading you will be able to make an educated, informed decision about breast surgery.
What Is Breast Enlargement Surgery?
Breast enlargement surgery, also known as breast augmentation, breast implants, or a “boob job” is the process of inserting breast implants behind the breast tissue. The surgery causes the breasts to look and feel larger. It can change the shape of the breast but does not fix sagging breasts.
The Process
During the procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes an incision in one of the following areas:
- The areolar edge (along the edge of the areola)
- The inframammary fold (fold under the breast)
- Axillary incision (in the armpit)
Next, the surgeon places the implant either behind the breast tissue (under the pectoral muscle) or over the pectoral muscle. The placement of the implant depends on the type of implant, the patient’s body type, and the desired size of the breast.
Once the implants are in place, the surgeon will close the incisions. Total recovery from breast surgery may take a few weeks. Talk to a plastic surgeon for specific recovery instructions.
The Implants
Most breast implants are made with either silicone or saline (saltwater). The type of implant also depends on the desired shape (round or teardrop-shaped) and texture (smooth or textured).
Breast augmentation can also be done using a patient’s own body fat. During this procedure, a surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body and process it so that it can be injected into the breast.
Results
Breast augmentation surgery can increase breast cup size as much as the patient wants but about 2 cup sizes is the most common. The right breast size also depends on overall body size, proportions, and skin elasticity.
The surgery can also change the shape of the breast to appear full and round. If you’re interested in before and after pictures of breast augmentation surgery, check out the work of leading breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Darrick Antell.
Breast implant patients usually need an implant replacement and breast lift after about 20 years. If you choose to have breast enlargement surgery talk to your surgeon about follow-up appointments and the potential for replacements.
Your Body, Your Decision
Now that you know more about breast enlargement surgery, you can make the decision that’s right for you. It’s your body and you have control over what you wish to do. if you have additional questions, make an appointment with a plastic surgeon for a consultation.
And if you want to read more health, beauty, and lifestyle content, check out our other blogs!
In recent years, surgeons have been using a technique called fat grafting that allows you to add size and volume to the breasts using your own body fat. While this is something novel, it is finding a lot of takers since it does not involve the use of anything artificial or synthetic in the body. Your own body’s fat is added to the breasts to increase it shape and size.