5 Things to Consider if You’re Thinking About a Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation surgeries are popular all around the world, leaving most patients feeling much more confident about their bodies after. During a breast augmentation procedure, the surgeon makes an incision at an inconspicuous location under your breasts and inserts an implant into a surgically created pocket, increasing the size of the breast and possibly adjusting the shape. The results will last decades, though eventually, the implants may have to be removed or replaced.

Women receive breast implants for lots of reasons from medical to purely cosmetic. Whatever your motivations for receiving breast augmentation, we suggest that you acquaint yourself with the risks and recovery timeline involved so that you are ready to handle the long process ahead. It all starts with the initial decision: should I receive this procedure or not? With the breast augmentation procedure facts below, we’ll try our best to help you out at this phase in your journey.

Breast Augmentation Facts You Need To Know

Breast Augmentation Fact #1. Breast Augmentations Don’t Fix Sag

For that, you’d need a breast lift. Breast augmentations are designed to increase the size of the breasts. Breast lifts, on the other hand, restore droopy breasts to perkiness, raising the position of the nipple. Depending on your unique wants, your doctor may recommend one or both of these procedures to you.

Breast Augmentation Fact #2. Two Main Types Of Implants Are Available

Breast augmentations are low-risk procedures, but they are not without their risks and inconveniences. Both of the currently existing FDA-approved implant types, saline and silicone, have their unique pros and cons. A saline implant consists of a silicone outer shell filled with saltwater. The shell is inserted on its own first, then saline solution is injected into the implant throughout the course of several visits. If such an implant ruptures, the solution will be absorbed into the body with no negative effects.

In a silicone implant, both the outer shell and inner filling are made from silicone. It has the benefit of looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue, though, if there is a leak following the breast augmentation procedure, the filling is not absorbable and the leak is difficult to detect without an MRI. Your doctor will schedule regular MRI scans with you.

Other types of implants, such as the gummy bear implant, are gaining popularity, but they are still new on the scene.

Breast Augmentation Fact #3. Implants Don’t Last Forever

No matter which type of breast implant you choose to get, there’s one breast augmentation fact that you should keep in mind: the breast augmentation procedure is not designed to last forever. Both saline and silicone breast implants will last anywhere from a few years to a decade or two, eventually requiring removal due to leakage, natural wear, or other reasons.

Breast Augmentation Fact #4. The Risks Are Not Completely Understood

Risks are not a very fun topic to cover when preparing for plastic surgery, but they must be addressed. The risk of post-op complications and eventual leakage have been documented heavily, making it possible for you to have realistic expectations going in. Other risks haven’t been studied as extensively. Currently, scientists are studying possible links between breast augmentation procedures and:

• Higher toxicity levels in breast milk
• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
• Neurological symptoms such as memory loss
• Autoimmune diseases

So far, no causal link has been established between breast implants and any of these health concerns. You can take comfort in knowing that breast implants are one of the most-studied cosmetic procedures out there and that your chances of a seamless surgery and recovery are high especially if your surgeon is very experienced and well-reviewed.

Breast Augmentation Fact #5. Healing Takes Time… And Patience

Breast augmentation procedures are usually outpatient procedures, meaning that you can usually go home on the same day after your breast augmentation. However, an inconvenient breast augmentation fact is that the recovery process will be far from a breeze. On the day of the procedure, for instance, you will need to recover from general anesthesia, and you’ll need a ride home from the hospital. If possible, you should also arrange for a friend or professional caretaker to monitor your health for that first night if not a few nights after surgery.

After a breast augmentation procedure, the healing process itself will require at least a month. Soreness, swelling, and bruising will last for a few weeks, you may have to wear drainage tubes for a few days, and you may have bandages to change frequently. A nutritious diet and minimal exercise, such as walking, will be recommended to you, while strenuous or large movements will be cautioned against. You will be able to go back to work in a week or more, and activities will mostly be back to normal after two months.

Get Professional Care During Recovery

From the first visit to the surgeon’s office to the day you feel at home with your new breasts, a breast augmentation procedure can be a taxing process. Pearl Recovery Retreat and Wellness provides a luxurious pre- and post-op recovery care option for those seeking the best in comfort. Our all-female staff of nurses attend to your daily and medical needs 24/7. Should you want to speed up the healing process, you can try our optional services such as our hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, IV therapy, Kreation juice cleanses, and nutritious in-room meals. You will also have 5-star hotel amenities including a gym, spa, and luxurious king-sized bed to enjoy. No matter what your recovery style, our facilities can make you feel pampered and restored.

Do you know all your breast augmentation facts and still want to go through a breast augmentation procedure? Feel free to call us or fill out our online form to find out how we can be a part of your recovery!