Breast augmentation can be a life-changing experience for women who have concerns about their breasts.
Breast augmentation, or a “boob job” as it’s commonly become referred to, can completely redefine a person’s appearance, giving them newfound confidence in their appearance. But before you prepare for breast augmentation, there are some things you should know about the procedure.
Here are 5 things you should know before getting a breast augmentation.
Size isn’t everything
When people think of breast augmentation, they usually only think of size as being the only factor. But if that were the case, everyone who received a procedure would be walking out with the same size implants, and this isn’t the case. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of variations for breast implant sizes, symmetry, and shapes – as well as an assortment of types such as saline implants, silicone implants, and fat transfer augmentation.
The form, size, and shape of augmentation you require will vary depending on your overall body shape to best suit your needs and appear the most natural. It is essential to listen to a surgeon you trust and maintain reasonable expectations about the cup size you wish to achieve. Remember that bigger isn’t always better.
Breast Augmentation Is Generally Not Covered by Insurance
This is fairly obvious, but insurance is very unlikely to cover this optional cosmetic surgery unless you require breast augmentation for medical reasons such as reconstruction or tuberous breasts.
Breast Augmentation Doesn’t Just Mean Implants
Fat grafting is a breast augmentation that takes fat from a donor area (usually an unwanted part of the body such as thighs or love handles) and redistributes it to the breast. This can increase the volume of one’s breasts and provide a more natural layer above implants to prevent noticeable signs of rippling. Fat grafting is also an excellent way to solve asymmetry among the breasts. However, the procedure does have its drawbacks when performed on its own in that it is not the best procedure for increasing volume alone, nor providing a “perfect” shape as implants do.
Implants Affect Breastfeeding
There have been no evidence or studies to show that receiving breast implants impacts a woman’s ability to breastfeed, nor does it pose any risks to the child. This is because implants are inserted under the pectoral muscles, away from any glands that help create milk production. As the procedure does not sever any of these glands or nerves, the breast remains wholly able to continue to produce breast milk and mothers to feed their child without interrupting the flow.
However, it is essential to note that some breast augmentations also entail nipple and areola seizing and relocation. In these cases, incisions may be made to the areola, and nerves may be severed, making the area numb to physical sensation. These sensations are what help trigger milk production, and in these cases, production may be affected.
Different Breast Augmentations Feel Different
Not every type of augmentation has the same feel.
Saline implants, for example, feel more “implant” and are more easily determined by their feel and appearance of rippling during activities such as exercise, jumping, or bending. Silicone implants, however, feel much more realistic, firmer, and do not ripple during movement. In both cases, fat transfers can be performed over the implant for a more natural appearance and feel.
