Breast augmentation is a procedure of changing your breast shape and size for next 7-12 years. For this purposes breasts implants from silicone, saline or alternative materials are used.

The procedure is gaining more and more popularity. From 2000 the number of breast augmentation raised on 31%.

What for?

Why do people undergo this procedure? The reasons are the following:

1. Esthetical purposes :

•Make small breasts bigger;

•Restore its shape after breast feeding/surgery;

•Make breasts symmetrical.

2. Health purposes: Some people undergo the procedure because of the cancer, as implants might help to stop it.

Implants

As it has already been mentioned there are three types of breasts implants: silicone, saline and from alternative materials.

Silicone implants. Silicone implants are silicone shell filled with silicone gel. Unfortunately, with this type of implant patients have to have checks quite often as the gel from the shell may leak and cause serious health problems.

Saline implants are silicone shells filled with saline solution such as salt water. The amount of solution varies depending on desired breast size and shape. If the implants leak its solution will be naturally absorbed by your body.

Implants with alternative materials may be filled with oil, polypropylene and other substances.

Before the surgery

Firsts of all, think carefully if the surgery is essential and desired. You can talk to your relatives, friends and a psychologist.

It is also important to choose the correct implant size. So book an appointment with your doctor and prepare in advance.

Be ready to be under anesthesia. Both types: local and general might be used.

Cutting

As known the surgery of breasts enlargement requires incision. Due to breasts anatomy the following options are available:

•Inframmammary incision, done in the crease under the breast;

•Transaxillary incision, in the armpit;

•Periareolar incision, around the nipple.

After the cut is done it is time to put the implant inside. Or might be put under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle.

Than a couple of stitches and the procedure is done. Initially, the scar will be seen but it will fade with time.

Recovery process

First of all, find someone who will take you home after the surgery as you won’t be able to drive after anesthesia. When anesthesia is gone out of your body you might experience pain so do not forget the painkillers. The doctor will advise you on allowed activities and the most comfortable bra.

After the procedure the following issues should be resolved:

•When you can contact your doctor;

•Which medicine to take;

•Get the list of prescriptions;

•What is the date of your follow-up visit.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden pain, fever, skin burning, chest pains, fasten heartbeat or any other symptoms.

Possible risks

Unfortunately, almost 50% of people who have done breast enlargement face complications after the procedure. 21% of women remove the implants or have an additional surgery in 3 years’ time.

Possible risks:

•Pain;

•Infection;

•Bleeding;

•Rupturing;

•Loss of sensation;

•Scar may last forever;

•Neurological problems (with thinking and memorizing);

•Wrinkled skin above implants;

•Wrong or weird shape.

Sometimes breasts implants may cause breast cancer (1 in 1,000 cases). Breastfeeding may also become unavailable.

Price

The procedure is extremely expensive. In 2015 it costed around $4,000 and removal around $3,000. And of course do not forget about the replacement cost and doctor’s checkups.

How to choose a doctor

When looking for a professional make sure:

•Certificates are real;

•The doctor has a successful experience;

•The surgery will be conducted in a licensed medical facility;

•High ethics of the doctor .