According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most requested cosmetic procedure in 2014. Blame it on the media and society who indirectly, but constantly makes us feel bad about ourselves, even if we happen to be a perfect “A” cup.
Admit it. There is so much pressure to have bigger boobs. If you are on the smaller side of the scale, then you are encouraged to believe you need breast enhancement,
or at least that’s what the media and society want us to believe in order to justify the risk and expense of breast implants.
The choice to undergo a boob job is a personal one. Your breast size doesn’t indicate your level of attractiveness; however, many women would like to fill out their t-shirts a little better. If you want fuller, shapelier breasts because you are unhappy with their appearance, it is your right to seek breast enhancement, such as implants.
However, getting a boob job is not as simple as implanting silicone inside, stitching it up, and voila, cup C. If you are planning to get implants for your breasts, then here are some things you should know beforehand:
1. They’re Going To Cost You A Lot
The average cost of breast enhancement surgery is approximately $3,700, which is only the surgeon’s fee.
Unfortunately, almost everything comes with a price, and that includes your bigger boobs.
Aside from the surgeon’s professional fee, you also have to include other factors in the bill such as anesthesia, checkups, facilities, medications and materials used for the procedure, including the bandages and cotton balls.
Apparently, breast augmentation is not part of the average insurance policy, except for congenital reasons. Before you go under the knife, it is best to check if your bank account can cover the costs.
2. Your First Won’t Definitely Be Your Last
Did you know that there is a possibility you might need more than one breast augmentation procedure? It turns out that implants don’t last forever.
This means you will need another procedure after 10 years or so, depending on when the implant starts to leak, which has a better chance, the older it is.
Aside from ruptures and leaks, which warps the shape of your breasts, there are other factors causing a need for new implants. This includes pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain and changes in preferences, among others.
3. They’re Not The Same As Real Breasts
Silicone breasts feel the same as the real ones. However, they are still manmade. This means it will always feel different to touch and won’t feel like natural breast tissue. However, if you opted for smaller implants and have it placed below your muscles, then this one is harder to detect.
4. Your Ability To Breastfeed Is Affected
Most women who went through breast augmentation or reduction don’t usually breastfeed in case the situation calls for it. It’s a matter of choice.
However, keep in mind that going through a breast augmentation procedure does not automatically mean you can’t breastfeed your child. It depends on the type of incision.
If you chose an underarm incision or an incision in the crease of the breasts, then breastfeeding should not be a problem. On the other hand, areola incision could affect your ability to breastfeed.
There is a possibility that the minor ducts are damaged and disconnect the areola complex on the glands. When this happens, you might not be able to breastfeed.
5. You Might Lose Nipple Sensation
One of the side effects of going through a boob job is the loss of sensation in the nipple area. This is due to variety of factors, such as surgery type, the type of incision and the breast shape.
The loss of nipple sensation could be alarming for you. Don’t worry. You may not feel it, but your nipples still respond to cold and stimulation. In other words, they will still get hard.
6. There’s A Difference Between Silicone And Saline
There are two types of breast implants your surgeon can use: silicone implants or the saline versions.
Silicone implants are implants filled with silicone gel, which is similar to the feel of human fat. It looks and feels more natural; however, ruptures in the implants are harder to detect because of its gel-like consistency.
On the other hand, saline implants are implants filled with sterile water. The advantage of using this type of implant is that it easily alerts you in case of leak. You will know when the breasts start to decrease in size.
Both have pros and cons. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the best options for you.
7. You Can Transfer Fat To Your Breasts
Good news, ladies. Finally, you can put your fat into good use. This is known as autologous fat transfer.
Think about it as liposuction. However, instead of getting rid of fats, they will be transferred in your breasts area, which could give you one-cup size increase.
However, this could be more expensive than the usual breast implants, depending on the areas used for fat harvest.
The downside of this procedure is that the fat could be re-absorbed by your body. This means you need to go through the process again to maintain your desired cup size.
8. It’s Not Just Your Sole Decision
You may have an idea of how big you want your breasts to look. Apparently, your doctor also has a say on how to go about the procedure. In fact, your doctor considers many factors before you go under the knife. This includes your current breast size and shape, family history, breast tissue, type of implants to be used, and even the best incision for you.
Your doctor needs to evaluate all possible options and look into various factors to minimize complications in the future.
9. Implants Could Affect Your Posture
There is no issue if you chose an implant size that is proportional to your body size. Posture should not be a problem.
If you opted for a smaller size and merely want your boobs to say hello and be noticed, then you won’t have problems with your posture, as well.
However, if you go for the larger implants and go from cup A to a D, then you will feel changes in your posture. Augmented breasts contribute to additional weight,just like the natural ones would.
10. Breast Surgery Can Have An Effect On Breast Cancer Screening
Fact: breast cancer is among the top killers for women around the world – and no, it’s not all about your genes.
Experts are still looking for the link between breast cancer and breast augmentation surgery.
While there is still no definitive study that says breast implants could lead to breast cancer, it is still strongly advisable to have a proper breast exam or a mammogram before you go through this procedure.
While having bigger breasts would make you look more appealing, make sure to prioritize breast health.
11. Not Everyone Is A Good Candidate
You might think that women with small boobs can easily get implants. Apparently, that’s not how it works.
This is why doctors require some tests and checkups to ensure that you are a good and viable candidate for boob job.
Who Are Not Good Candidates?
If you have a history of breast cancer in the family, or belong in the heavier side of the scale, or a smoker, then you cannot have implants inside your breasts. These factors increase possible complications during and after the surgery – and you don’t want that. Make sure you are cleared before opting for this procedure.
12. You Need At Least Five To Seven Days To Recover
Just like any other surgical procedure, you need some time off before you can go back to your regular routine.
When it comes to breast augmentation, all you need is up to seven days and you should be ready to get back to your regular activities. Still, this doesn’t mean you can exercise or do heavy lifting. You need to allow your body to recover for at least three months before working out intensely.
However, if your work requires manual labor, or the implants are behind the muscles, then you will need to stay in your home even longer than a week.
13. Not All Plastic Surgeons Are Qualified To Perform The Procedure
There are “plastic surgeons” who say they can give you the boobs you want; however, not all of them are qualified to do this type of risky procedure.
Before you go under the knife, make sure that your chosen doctor has a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
They should also be a member of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These associations have high-standards for their criteria before they accept any doctors.
Aside from this, your potential surgeon must be experienced in the field of breast augmentation. They should also be able to prove such experience through their portfolio. Otherwise, move on to the next. You can also ask for a recommendation from your general physician, as well.
14. You Should Be Comfortable Before You Go Through Your Surgery
It’s not enough that you know everything about breast augmentation.
Before you go through this procedure, ask yourself why you want this type of procedure. Think about how excited you are to go through the process.
You should be able to remind yourself of the possible risks, complications, and missed work, which should not bother you that much if you are prepared ahead of time.
You should be comfortable and willing to go through the process. If you feel any apprehension, worries, or fears, talk to your doctor on how to handle them. Who knows, this could change your mind.