Getting Physically, Mentally and Emotionally Prepared For Breast Augmentation

Posted November 26, 2014 in Breast Augmentation

Bigger and Better

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic/plastic surgery procedure for women who simply want “bigger and better” breasts. The surgery uses a prosthesis in the form of a silicone bag that is inserted into the breasts to create a better and fuller breast shape.

The silicone bag or implant is then expanded by filling it up with a saline or silicone gel solution, this is what gives shape to the breasts. However, there are other newer types of implants like gummy bear implants that no longer need to be filled as they're semi-solid and already shaped.

The Purpose of Breast Augmentation

As mentioned earlier, the main purpose of breast augmentation is to give women their desired breast shape and size. In short, women often wish to undergo this surgical procedure for cosmetic reasons.

However, while it's mainly for cosmetic purposes, breast augmentation also plays a big part in breast reconstructive surgery for women who may have lost one or both breasts. This usually happens when a woman develops breast cancer and she has to undergo a mastectomy, where the breast/s is removed along with the tumor and cancer cells.

How to Know If You CAN and CAN'T Have Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a highly invasive procedure and complications can be inevitable if a patient doesn't have a thorough understanding of what can happen. Assessing yourself and having a doctor assess you first before any type of cosmetic surgery is extremely important.

How do you start your own personal self-assessment? Here are a few points to guide you:

YES

• Over 18 (for saline implants) or 22 (for silicone implants) years old
• Great overall health
• Close to or at their ideal/normal weight
• Full understanding of the procedure
• Realistic in regards to the results

NO

• Unhealthy lifestyle/lifestyle habits, ex. smoking, anorexic/bulimic tendencies, etc.
• Just wants to get surgery due to being pressured by other people
• Teenagers because their bodies are still developing
• Unrealistic expectations, ex. thinking getting the breasts augmented can fix a bad relationship, help acquire a promotion, etc.
• lacks understanding of the procedure at hand

The Procedure/What Happens During the Surgery

When the doctor finally gives you the green light for breast augmentation, you'll then discuss a few important points before settling a surgery date. These important points to discuss include some of the following:

• Your desired breast size/shape
• The type of implants to use

○ Saline

○ Silicone

○ Gummy Bear

○ Round

○ Smooth

• The type of anesthesia to use

○ General anesthesia

○ Intravenous Sedation

• The type of incision to make

○ Periareolar

○ Inframammary

○ Transaxillary

○ Tuba

• The placement of the implants

○ Submuscular

○ Submammary

The procedure often depends highly on these points you and your doctor will discuss. Even if you'll mainly have to go for the doctor's recommendations, getting your opinion or informing you is still necessary for you to know what'll go on.

Afterwards, the two of you will set the most suitable surgery date. On that day, the surgery will then go as follows:

1. The surgeon administers either general anesthesia or local anesthesia/intravenous sedation to make sure you are comfortable throughout the surgery.
2. Once the anesthesia kicks in, the surgeon makes the incision.
3. The prepared implants are then inserted through the incision.
4. For saline or silicone implants, these are inserted empty and are then filled up with the solution through a small tube.
5. When the implants have been placed and filled properly, the surgeon closes the incisions.
6. The surgeon applies the necessary dressing/bandages, and you'll be transferred to a recovery room.

After Effects of Breast Augmentation

Due to the surgery's nature, the recovery period will require you to take it easy for the next few weeks. Make sure you've settled a few days of leave from work,and you have people to take care of you back at home.

To give you a better idea on what can happen after having your breasts augmented, here are a few examples of post-surgery syndromes/experiences:

• Any type of surgery (although planned) brings shock to the body, it's common to feel fatigued for the first few days as your body copes with the shock.
• Soreness, redness and swelling in the chest area are also common post-augmentation instances. However, if these are accompanied by a high fever, taking too long to recover and are extremely painful/getting worse, see your doctor immediately.
• Since the skin becomes a little stretched in order to adjust to the new implants, you can also experience a “tight” feeling in your chest.
• Depending on the situation, the surgeon may require you to wear a compression bandage or postoperative bra. Sometimes, the surgeon may even ask you to not wear a bra at all for a few days after your surgery.
• Even the simple task of lifting your arms can become difficult, so refrain from doing strenuous activities especially during the first few days after your surgery.

Breast Augmentation NYC

There are a great number of plastic surgery clinics in New York City that have breast augmentation as part of their services. Dr. Michael A. Fiorillo's clinics is among one of the best you can find in NYC.

Dr. Fiorillo is known as the “breast and body expert” due to his extensive experience in the field of cosmetic surgery, especially breast augmentation. He's a double board certified cosmetic surgeon who is affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital in New York and Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

Set a consultation date with Dr. Fiorillo, and don't forget to also do some good research on the breast augmentation procedure. Remember all the stuff indicated here as well. This helps you become mentally and emotionally prepared, which is just as important as being physically prepared!