Breast Augmentation: The Complete Guide

Is breast augmentation right for me? This and many other questions face women who feel unsatisfied with the size of their breasts.

Women worry not only about whether or not they’re good candidates for the procedure, but also about recovery times, the different options they have, and the possible risks and complications of the surgery.

Breast augmentation is a major surgery. Therefore, anyone considering the operation should make an informed decision.

Making Sure You Find the Right Surgeon for Your Breast Surgery

With any serious medical procedure, cosmetic or not, you should always find someone who is eminently qualified to perform the procedure. This is only more true when you consider surgeries like breast augmentation, where you’d find a candidate who is not only competent at their job but excels at it — and can get you the quality of treatment you deserve.

Here are a few of the metrics you can use.

First, the plastic surgeon who performs the breast augmentation should be board certified.

In the US that means someone certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Other credentials to look for are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

More than just board certification, however, word of mouth matters as well.

Talk to friends and family who may have undergone breast augmentations. Barring that, use websites such as RealSelf to see patient outcomes and satisfaction rates with doctors.

After all of this, make sure you yourself feel comfortable with your surgeon. Have frank talks with potential surgeons about the surgery itself and realistic expectations: the more honest and transparent they are, the better.

Questions you might ask include:

• How long have you been performing this surgery?
• How many breast augmentations have you performed?
• What services do you offer before and after the surgery to ensure quality of care?
• What will you do to rectify an issues I might have?

Types of Implants and Techniques for Surgery

The two many types of implants women can get are saline implants and silicone implants. In the first, silicone shells are filled with salt water, while in the second, the implants are filled wit ha gooey silicone gel.

Many find silicone implants to be more natural, although they have more of a risk if they leak.

Saline implants will deflate if they leak, while silicone implants can, in rare cases, have a “silent rupture” which can be problematic for the body.

Silicone implants usually necessitate MRIs every few years after the initial surgery.

Silicone implants will also tend to cost more.

Getting the Size Right

There is some degree of freedom in the size of breasts after a breast augmentation.

It’s been shown that younger women will tend to choose larger breasts, but that older women opt for more modest sizes.

One consideration for women might be the clothing they can wear after their breast augmentation, or the kinds of activities they do.

If they participate in fitness activities, larger breasts can sometimes get in the way.

Breast augmentations are sometimes combined with breast lifts — especially if the reason for the breast augmentation is breast sag due to weight loss or pregnancy.

Of course, adding to the complexity of the procedure will increase recovery time and the cost of surgery.

Recovery time from a breast augmentation will lead to at least three weeks of not being able to do even light exercise, and no strenuous exercise until six weeks in.

There are a lot of options to consider when thinking about undergoing breast surgery. If you want to know more, please call or fill out the contact form to request your complimentary consultation with Dr. Kelly Bolden at Cultura.

Dr. Kelly Bolden

Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

In the world of plastic surgery, few names shine as brightly as Dr. Kelly M. Bolden's. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, she has earned a reputation as a compassionate healer, an innovative mind, a dedicated educator, and a tireless advocate for the underserved.