Breast Augmentation and Implants
(Augmentation Mammoplasty, Breast Implants, Breast Enlargement)
During breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed in the chest to increase the volume of the breasts. This procedure is popular among women who feel that their natural breasts are not proportionate to the rest of the body, and who wish they had more cleavage. Breast augmentation, commonly known as a “boob job” or breast enlargement, is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure in the country.
What You Should Know about Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation procedures are recommended for women who are in good overall health but are not happy with the current size or shape of their breasts. Women often undergo breast augmentation following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, as these events can decrease the volume of the breasts, though this procedure can be performed at any time during adulthood. Breast implants are also used to reconstruct the breast following breast cancer or trauma, or as part of sex reassignment procedures. Many women also report increased self-confidence after undergoing breast augmentation. See if your a good candidate for breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
There are a few types of breast implants including saline silicone and cohesive gel. Read this article to find out which type of breast implant is best for you.
Breast Implant Choices
Breast implants come in different sizes, shapes and textures. During a consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss which options are best for you. Learn about the breast implant choices.
Breast Implant Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. Choosing a board certifed plastic surgeon is just one way you can reduce the likelihood that something goes wrong. Learn more about the breast implant risks.
Breast Implants and Breastfeeding
This article provides information about breast augmentation and whether or not it will affect your ability to breastfeed. Read about breast implants and breast feeding.
How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
The breast augmentation procedure is performed with general anesthesia. During surgery, incisions in the armpit, around the areola, or under the natural crease of the breast allow your surgeon to insert the chosen implants. Breast implants may be placed either over or under the chest muscles. The incisions are usually less than three inches long, depending on the implants being used and the composition of your natural breast tissue. Following the insertion of the breast implants, these incisions will be closed using sutures. Get more details about how the breast augmentation procedure is performed.
Nipple & Areola Surgery
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nipples or areolas you may want to consider cosmetic surgery to alter the size or shape. Learn more about nipple and areola surgery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Following breast enlargement, patients can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising. The soreness lasts about a week as the tissues of your chest adjust to the new implants. During the recovery period, the chest area will be wrapped in surgical dressings and a compression garment, and you must restrict your movement. Most patients take between one and two weeks off from work and other obligations. Learn more about what to expect during breast augmentation recovery.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgeons’ fees for breast augmentation average about $3,800. In addition, there are facility fees and aesthetic fees that increase the total costs of breast augmentation to an average of $4,000 to $8,000. These costs can vary widely from patient to patient; be sure that you understand the factors affecting breast enlargement fees before committing to the procedure. Also make sure that you are quoted the total cost for the surgery, not just your surgeon’s portion of the fee. Learn more about breast augmentation cost.