What to Consider Before Your Breast Augmentation
Many women consider undergoing breast enhancement or breast augmentation surgery to increase the size of their bust-line and improve their overall self-image. If you’re considering breast augmentation, then there a number of factors you’ll want to consider before scheduling surgery with your plastic surgeon.
Candidacy and Benefits
The first thing to consider is whether you are a candidate for breast augmentation. Candidates for breast augmentation should be in good physical and mental health, with realistic expectations about the final results. You’ll also want to consider the benefits of a breast augmentation to ensure that it meets your needs. Some of the benefits include increased self-confidence, more proportional body figure, and restoration of breast volume following weight loss or pregnancy.
Type of Implants
Once you have determined your candidacy for the procedure, you’ll want to consider the type of implants. Breast augmentation is done using saline or silicone implants. Saline implants consist of an outer silicone shell that is filled with sterile salt water solution, whereas silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel.
Incision Area
Another factor to take into consideration is the placement of the incision. The four basic incisional methods utilized for breast augmentation include:
- Inframammary: located within the natural crease below each breast.
- Transaxillary: hidden under the arm or within the armpit.
- Periareolar: created around the nipple.
- Transumbilical: hidden within the navel.
Recovery Period
The last thing you’ll want to consider before undergoing a breast augmentation is the recovery period. Most patients find that they can return to work 3-7 days following the procedure if the implants are placed above the muscle, and 5-10 days if placed below the muscle. Exercise and strenuous activity can be resumed approximately 2-4 weeks following the surgery. There is typically no bruising, and the final results are evident within 1-4 months.
Are you ready to enhance the size of your breasts? Dr. Heather Rocheford with Rocheford Plastic Surgery is a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in the St. Paul area. Give our office a call at 651-739-1100 to set up a consultation.
