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What You Should Know About Breast Augmentation

The popularity of cosmetic plastic surgery has continually increased, but breast augmentation is by far the most popular procedure. 300,378 breast augmentations and 105,219 breast lifts were performed in 2017. Many women have a number of crucial questions about breast augmentation, including the ones listed below.

What is breast augmentation and how does it work?

Breast augmentations are procedures that improve the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Implants are the most common and traditional method of doing so.

Women choose this therapy for a variety of reasons, including major asymmetry, loss of breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy, or just to improve their breast form and volume and create greater balance with the rest of their body.

Breast Augmentation Houston TX

What are the different types of breast implants?

Breast implants are made up of a silicone shell filled with either a cohesive silicone gel or saline (salt water). In the end, the cosmetic goals and personal choice will choose which implant to utilize.

Apart from the material, implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Round implants are very popular and are typically chosen by women who desire a lot of lift, cleavage, and fullness in their breasts, although teardrop-shaped implants can produce a more natural projection and fullness in some situations.

What are the differences between the various types of implants?

Silicone shells filled with sterile salt water or saline are known as saline implants. The saline in saline implants will be absorbed by the body if they leak. This leak can happen, but it’s a rare occurrence.

In comparison to saline implants, silicone implants are filled with a unique, medical-grade gel that is meant to give the breast a more natural feel and appearance, especially in thinner women.

Who would be the ideal candidate?

Any healthy patient over the age of 18 is eligible for saline implants. Only patients aged 22 and up are eligible for silicone implants, according to the FDA.

The following individuals are ideal candidates:

  • Nonsmokers
  • I’m not pregnant or nursing.
  • With realistic expectations, fully informed
  • Maintaining a healthy and consistent weight

When it comes to the procedure, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The operation is normally done under general anesthesia or conscious sedation, meaning the patient is asleep or sedated during the process.
This varies depending on the surgeon and the patient, so make sure to talk about it ahead of time.

During surgery, the physician creates a “pocket” for the implant by making small incisions. The wounds will be closed and bandaged once the implant is in place. On the ASPS website, there is an useful 3D graphic depiction of the process. In most cases, the surgery takes two hours or less, and patients are able to return home shortly afterward.

What are the potential dangers of this procedure?

There are various hazards to be aware of with any surgery, including:

  • Implant leaks due to infection
  • Tenderness and pain
  • Scar tissue that is excessive
  • Dissatisfaction with one’s appearance
  • Asymmetry

Speaking with your surgeon about them and preparing ahead of time will help alleviate any fears and reduce risks.

How to Get Ready for Surgery

  • Your doctor and their staff will provide you with a detailed set of instructions, but in general, follow these guidelines:
  • Before the surgery, you must refrain from smoking for a specified period of time.
  • The night before, keep your meals and drink intake to a minimum.
  • Dress warmly and comfortably.
  • Make arrangements for someone to accompany you and drive you home after your surgery.

What to Look for When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Patients should think about the following questions while choosing a plastic surgeon:

  • Is this person an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon?
  • What is this person’s level of experience with this procedure?
  • Is this surgeon’s cosmetic approach compatible with my objectives?
  • Is it true that the staff makes me feel at ease?
  • Is the surgeon honest about the dangers and what to expect?
  • Does the staff react to my questions in a timely and professional manner?
  • Is the surgeon a member of the hospital staff?
  • Is the cost and fee structure of the practice clear?
  • Who will be on hand to help during the procedure?
  • Is sedation going to be used by the surgeon?

What precautions are done to guarantee that the surgery is carried out safely?

  • Is the location accredited?
  • What are some of the questions that should be asked concerning this procedure?
  • Patients should ask questions like these after selecting a plastic surgeon:

  • What kind of realistic outcomes can I anticipate?
  • Why are you advising me to have this size and kind of breast implant?
  • Is there a risk of future mammograms or breastfeeding?
  • What should my implants look like in the future?
  • What is the expected duration of the procedure?
  • What should I expect at each stage of the process?
  • Is there going to be scarring?
  • Is it feasible to make changes?
  • How much does revision surgery cost?
  • Will I require post-operative care at home?
  • How long do you think it will take me to recover?
  • How long will it take you to get back on your feet?

    Because recovery times varied from one patient to the next, each person’s entire recovery time may vary. Full healing takes four to six weeks on average. Most patients will feel significantly better after one week of surgery, but doctors normally advise patients to limit their activity and avoid intense exercise until they have fully recovered.

    Is there going to be scarring?

    All skin incisions are permanent and will leave a scar, but they usually heal quickly and become less visible with time. Most surgeons can leave minor scarring in an unobtrusive location, such as behind the breast, but patients should always inquire about scar size and placement prior to surgery.

    What kind of outcomes can be anticipated?

    • It’s critical to have reasonable expectations going into this procedure.
    • This kind of breast augmentation treatment can:
    • Increase the size of your breasts
    • Asymmetry or volume loss can be improved.
    • Increase the breasts’ projection, size, and form.
    • Make your hip-to-breast ratio more balanced.

    There are some limitations to augmentation, and many women will require a supplementary breast lift if their breasts are severely drooping or sagging. This is quite natural and can simply be done in conjunction with augmentation.

    What is the average cost of this procedure?

    Because the cost varies widely based on your region and needs, you should always discuss it with your doctor in detail.

    After breast augmentation, what’s next?

    A breast implant treatment usually produces long-lasting results. Breast implants can “last” up to ten years (this figure varies and can be more or lower), although this depends on the patient, kind, size, and form, among other things. To retain their cosmetic profile, patients frequently choose to have a second or even third breast augmentation treatment as they age.

    Patients see this treatment as a huge confidence boost, especially if they are suitable candidates and have realistic expectations of what breast augmentation in Houston TX may accomplish. Asking the proper questions and doing your homework prior to your surgery can go a long way toward ensuring a positive experience and achieving your cosmetic goals.

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        Bruce K. Smith, M.D.

        1315 St. Joseph Pkwy
        #940
        Houston, Texas 77002

        (713) 659-2700

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