New developments in the way implants are made has changed the way augmented breasts look and feel. The results nowadays are more natural looking than ever before.
If you are thinking about undergoing breast augmentation surgery, there are some things you need to understand about the implants themselves and the procedure in general before going forward.
No. 1 It Takes Time
You won’t leave the operating room with perfectly perky breasts. It takes time for your body to recover from the procedure. For example, in the first week or so after surgery, you might need to wear gauze or a bandage around the area. There might be stitches and scarring or drainage tubes inserted in the area.
As you heal from the surgery, there might be some swelling which makes the breasts look larger than you had wanted. The swelling will go down, though. It might be a full year before you see the final results from your surgery.
What that means is that if you want implants for a big event in your life, such as your wedding or 30th birthday, it’s a good idea to plan in advance. Talk to your surgeon about the optimal timing for the surgery, so that you look as great as you feel on your big day.
No. 2 Size Matters
Everyone’s body is different and not everyone has a body that’s suited for a D cup. Not everyone has perfectly symmetrical breasts. Before you settle on an implant size, it’s a good idea to give them a test run. During the consultation at the Bitar Institute, you can try on several different implant sizes in your bra, wearing a shirt that shows off your silhouette. You might have thought you wanted to size up to a D, but after the session decide that a C cup is a better fit. Or, you might find that one breast needs a C cup sized implant and the other a B cup, due to unevenness.
Trying on the implants before the surgery reduces the chance you’ll feel disappointed after it. At the Bitar Institute, you have a second chance to try out the implants, right before surgery, to make sure you’re happy with your pick.
No. 3 Location Matters
During the surgery, the doctor can place the implant either above the muscle or below it. Under the muscle is often the preferred location, as it reduces the risk for certain complications or visual deformities. It also provides a more natural-looking and natural-feeling result.
The location of the incision and scar is another thing to think about when considering breast augmentation. Typically, surgeons prefer to make the incision under the arm or in the crease under the breast.
Another option is to make the incision around the areola or at the belly button. An incision around the areola isn’t ideal, as it is more visible and it can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Making an incision at the belly button makes the surgery take twice as long to perform and increases the risk of damage to the implant, as the implant is pushed through a tube from the naval area to the breast.
No. 4 It’s Not Just Size That Might Change
When you get breast implants, it’s important to know that it’s not just the size and shape of your breasts that might change. Based on the location of the incision and the positioning of the implant, it can affect your ability to breastfeed if you later decide to have children. If you plan on having children after your surgery, you should discuss your concerns with the doctor beforehand. In some cases, it might be a good idea to put the surgery off until you’re finished having children.
No. 5 You Might Have to Replace the Implants
Some things last forever, but that can’t really be said about breast implants, whether they are made of silicone or saline. While it’s possible to have the same implants for years or decades, they do begin to shrink in size with time. The FDA recommends replacing the implants as needed and monitoring them to detect any changes.
You might also change your mind as you get older and decide that you want the implants completely removed or that you want a smaller or larger size. Plan on having additional surgeries in the future to adjust or remove the implants as needed. You might not need the surgeries, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Women who get breast implants often report a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem after the surgery. If you are considering breast augmentation, it’s important to discuss the surgery and your expectations with a board certified, experienced surgeon. At the Bitar Institute, Dr. George Bitar and Dr. Larry Lickstein have years of experience with the procedure. To discuss your options and expectations, call their office at (703) 206-0506 to schedule your in initial consultation today.
George Bitar, MD, FACS is an award-winning, board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, the Founder and Medical Director of Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Virginia. He specializes in the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques to scar management and reduction. Dr. Bitar is involved in groundbreaking research and education in plastic surgery and has authored numerous articles, abstracts, and chapters.
