If you are thinking about changing the way your breasts look, then you are not alone. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in this country. Whether you were born with small breasts, your breasts have changed in size or shape due to pregnancy, or you simply want to change the way they look, then breast implants can help.
Making informed decision about your breast augmentation surgery is an important part of the process when deciding if this cosmetic procedure is right for you. The more you know, the better you will feel about making this change for your body. Dr. Erick Sanchez is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge, LA and founder of Sanchez Plastic Surgery. He is an expert on breast augmentation and continually gives his patients the look they desire. Here are some important breast augmentation facts you should know and what you can expect with this very popular cosmetic procedure.
The overall impact of implants
What size should I do? This is probably the most popular question when deciding to get breast implants but also one of the most important. The 3 aspects that impact this decision are: body type, skin elasticity, and any future changes like having children or weight gain. If you have a petite or small frame, then large breast implants may cause shoulder or back problems. If you are an athletic and active person, then large breast implants can impede on your current lifestyle. Going a couple sizes larger will not only impact your appearance but also your body. Listen to your plastic surgeon and what they recommend, since they are the expert and will know what is the right choice for you.
Do I need a lift?
In some cases, some women can benefit more from a breast lift than a breast augmentation. Often times, plastic surgeons will combine both procedures in one session to achieve a complete and satisfactory outcome.
Reasonable expectations
Keep the focus on you and what you want to look like after your breast augmentation procedure. It is hard when you see celebrities or other women looking a certain way, but every woman is different and their look unique. The same implant size and shape may look completely different on the next person so listen to your plastic surgeon and their recommendations. Having realistic expectations for your augmentation procedure will allow you to enjoy your new breasts as they will be uniquely yours!
Yes, bras are still required!
Some women think that after they get implants, they will no longer need to wear a bra but think again. Going braless after breast augmentation is not recommended. Your new breasts need support with a bra to avoid becoming saggy or the skin stretching with the weight of the implants. Of course, buying new bras for your new size is a likely must, but wait a few months in order to allow your implants to settle in and the post-op swelling to go down. Once the healing part has passed then go buy yourself some new bras!
Implants don’t last a lifetime
A common misconception that implants are a permanent, one-time enhancement for patients is typically not possible. Unfortunately, breast implants don’t come with a lifetime guarantee. Even though there is no exact expiration date, varying from person to person, the typical lifespan of breast implants is about 10-15 years. Additional surgery may be needed to alter the size or shape of the first set or in rare cases if an implant ruptures or tears. Implants are still medical devices that need to be regularly checked and maintained which means in some cases replaced. We recommend breast augmentation patients come back to our Baton Rouge plastic surgery center for on-going check-ups as recommended by Dr. Sanchez.
Changes in your breasts
Will my partner feel my implants? Will my nipples lose sensation? These are 2 common questions asked by patients and the answer to both is yes. Your breasts texture and tissue will change after implants and again varies by individual. The size, shape and type of implants you choose will also determine this factor. Silicone and saline implants are still different from the real thing but over time you will get used to them as well as your partner. The same goes for nipple sensation. Very rarely do patients lose their nipple sensation entirely but be prepared you may be without for the first 6 months to a year.
Give your body time
Your body will need time to recover from augmentation surgery. Your breasts will be sore, tender to touch and overall swollen since the breast tissue has been interrupted with implants being inserted. Don’t be disappointed by how they look post-surgery. Give your body and breast tissue time to heal while letting your implants “settle in”. Each day you will notice subtle changes that eventually will lead to you loving the way your new breasts look. Eventually, you’ll even be able to resume exercising and an active lifestyle.
Can I still breastfeed?
Women can still breastfeed after augmentation since implants are placed under the breast muscle or skin, so the milk ducts are not impacted. Women with implants should be advised that according to research they can be more likely to have problems breastfeeding versus women without implants. Problems with the passageway for the milk ducts can occur as well as an increased occurrence of breast infections like mastitis can be issues for women who have undergone augmentation prior to breastfeeding.
Mammograms with implants
Yearly cancer screenings and regular mammograms are still a must for women with breast implants. Different precautions need to be taken during these visits. Both silicone and saline implants interrupt the x-ray process not allowing a full scan of the breast tissue so lumps or abnormalities can go undetected. It is recommended that women with implants do at least 4 extra mammogram pictures outside of the standard amount to get a more extensive look. Also be aware mammograms can cause implants to rupture, even though it is rare, so make sure you share with the technician you have implants prior to the exam.
Today’s options
With today’s advancements in technology, there is no time like the present to consider breast augmentation (even for women who are over 40). Even though silicone implants are still a popular choice due to their more natural appearance there are still saline implants and now IDEAL implants which is a blend of the two. Modern medicine has also made improvements to the recovery process. There is still pain experienced after surgery, but patients are experiencing less downtime with new general anesthesia methods as well as new post-op techniques for patients to do allowing breast implants to settle in faster. Consulting with a qualified Baton Rouge plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sanchez, who uses the latest and up-to-date techniques will be a step in the right direction for your augmentation procedure.
Knowing these latest facts and consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Erick Sanchez is the best way to put your mind at ease about your breast augmentation procedure. He will give you a surgical plan and go over every option available for breast implants in order to give you the best results. Call or schedule your consultation with Dr. Sanchez at Sanchez Plastic Surgery center in Baton Rouge today so you can learn more and get one step closer to loving how you look!