Breast Augmentation - What a Woman Should Know

Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery for a variety of reasons. The factors that go into making a decision to have an enhancement or enlargement done are unique to each individual. Some women may choose to have an implant procedure done after mastectomy.

Others may decide that they are no longer satisfied with the volume of tissue present following a pregnancy or significant weight loss. Even more women are simply dissatisfied with the look of their chest due to underdevelopment or an unproportionate figure.

A qualified surgeon will want to discuss the woman's decision to have breast augmentation surgery. The doctor will need to know her motivation for wanting to have the surgery and what she would like to end result to be. The physician will need to know the complete medical history of the patient to be sure that she is physically and mentally able to undergo the procedure.

He will also ask about any prior surgeries, including those done for cosmetic purposes. The patient may need to have some lab work done and pictures taken during the office exam. An appointment for surgery can be set up only after the risks and benefits have been discussed, and the patient's questions have been answered.

A woman having this procedure done will have special instructions to follow prior to procedure. These instructions must be adhered to for safety reasons. The day of surgery she will arrive at the surgical center and be prepped to go into surgery. Anesthetic medication will be given so that she is not aware of the actual procedure being done.

The patient will not feel or remember any part of the operation. After sedation has taken effect, an incision is made and the implant is placed. There are three styles of incisions; inframammary (in the crease of tissue below the breast), transaxillary (under the arm), or periareolar (along the areola).

The type of incision used is dependent on many factors. There are two types of implants that are FDA approved, these are saline and silicone. The implant can be placed over or under the pectoral muscle. The incision style, along with implant type, size and placement, will be discussed at the pre-op appointment.

After the operation, there will be a recovery period. When the patient is awake and alert, the doctor will go over post surgical directions. These directions will include how long to take it easy, what medications to take and how often, and when to come in for the post-op appointment.

There will be a period of soreness and swelling, although taking the medications as directed will help with this. The results of the operation will be immediately noticeable to the woman. These results can provide an instant boost in self-esteem, which is always a desired reaction!

Breast augmentation is a very personal choice. A woman should speak with a qualified surgeon, ask questions and be informed before deciding if it is the right decision for her.