Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed throughout the United States. The results of this transformative procedure not only will enhance a woman’s appearance but help boost her self-esteem. When it comes to breast augmentation, patients often feel overwhelmed about researching different surgical techniques, finding a plastic surgeon, and selecting the right breast implants. However, women considering breast augmentation need to do their homework and be prepared before undergoing surgery.
The results of breast augmentation surgery can be life-changing, but Baton Rouge women must educate themselves before the procedure. Dr. Erick Sanchez is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Sanchez and his experienced team will help navigate patients throughout the entire process of breast augmentation before and after, so they feel more confident and comfortable about their decisions. Here are helpful tips from Dr. Sanchez on what to consider with breast augmentation surgery to be better prepared:
What size breast implants should I get?
Breast augmentation can enhance a woman’s natural breasts to create a fuller, shapelier profile. Among most patients, the first question generally asked is, “What size should I be?” Breast implant devices come in cubic centimeters (CCs), and several factors play into making the right choice for each patient. Baton Rouge women can talk with a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Sanchez to determine the right implant size. During a one-on-one consultation, the following questions are considered:
- What size do you desire to be?
- How much do you want your profile to change?
- What is your body type?
- How active are you? What is your lifestyle?
Should I get saline or silicone?
The next most common question asked by patients is, “What type of breast implant should I consider?” Patients in the Baton Rouge area can discuss the options of silicone, saline, or a fat transfer for augmentation with Dr. Sanchez. Women wanting to forgo breast implants can use excess fat grafted from other areas of the body with liposuction to be injected into the breasts to add more volume. For more traditional breast augmentation methods, saline and silicone are still the most common choices. Saline implants are first inserted, then filled with sterile salt water and can be adjusted in size once in place. Silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel, requiring a larger incision, but they are still the most popular choice for their natural look and feel.
Will I need a breast lift?
A patient makes a series of choices with their plastic surgeon to determine their breast augmentation outcome. While breast augmentation is effective at changing the shape and increasing the volume of the breasts, it will not correct sagging breasts. If a woman exhibits breast sag or ptosis, implants will only exacerbate the problem. Even though women will experience a slight lift with augmentation, breasts that droop or sag significantly may need a breast lift done in conjunction with implants. Dr. Sanchez will determine if a patient needs a breast lift to achieve the ideal result.
Am I the right candidate for breast augmentation?
Ultimately, the decision to pursue breast augmentation is a personal choice. Whether patients are looking to enhance their natural breasts for cosmetic reasons or have a reconstructive need, breast augmentation surgery can be life-changing. The ideal candidates for breast augmentation demonstrate or exhibit the following:
- Healthy, non-smoking adults
- Small breasts for their body type
- Natural breasts that have lost volume or shape due to children or the aging process
- Asymmetrical breasts or size discrepancy
- Reconstructive augmentation due to a lumpectomy or mastectomy
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is considered major surgery. Breast implant recovery is essential for a successful outcome. Patients should expect it to take about 6 – 8 weeks and can vary by patient. To increase the chances of a smooth recovery, patients can do the following:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions
- Wear recovery bras to manage pain and swelling
- Care for incisions as instructed
- Take all prescribed medication as directed
- Make sure your recovery space is ready and prepped with essential items
- Wear loose clothes to be comfortable
- Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated to help the body recover
Breast augmentation surgery can produce fantastic, natural-looking results to fit any body type. Sanchez Plastic Surgery provides an extensive list of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to help patients in Baton Rouge, LA. Working closely with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sanchez is the first step toward loving the way you look. If you would like to learn more or have additional questions, please contact our office to schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Sanchez today.