According to statistics gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most requested cosmetic surgical procedure are breast augmentations. If you are considering getting this procedure done, it is important that you know how to prepare before you go through with the surgery. Here are some of the things you may not know about getting a breast augmentation.
It may not be your last.
Many women believe that when they undergo breast augmentation, it will be their first and only procedure. Unfortunately, about 25% of women still require another surgery after 10 years because the implants they choose don’t tend to last forever. Over time, the implant could start to leak or even develop a “scar shell” around it. As a result, the implant could result to a warped shape and may require new implants so it will look natural again. Some of the factors that may require you to go through a second breast surgery include pregnancy, weight loss, and change in preference.
You won’t have enough time to recuperate.
It’s likely that you will request time off from your workplace just so you can recuperate from the operation. Unfortunately, you’ll only be given five to seven days off work when you get the procedure. And even with that amount of time, you won’t be able to feel 100% better and like your old self. In addition, there are women who opt for having the implant placed behind the muscle compared to on top of it. As a result, you will be feeling sore for a longer time and will recover longer. The result, however, is that you’ll have a more realistic look and have lesser chance of a scar shell forming later on.
You’ll be able to try different sizes.
Before you get breast augmentation, your surgeon will give you a chance to try on different breast sizes so you can find the one that you’re happy with. This is done by stuffing “sizers” onto your bra to give you an idea of how it will be like.
Implants do not feel the same as the real thing.
You have to remember that when you get implants, your breasts will no longer feel the same way. Even though modern science has already been able to manufacture silicone breasts to feel similarly to real breasts, they won’t feel naturally to the touch. Because of this, there are women who opt to have smaller implants placed below the muscle. This makes it harder to detect the implants and produce a natural feeling when touching the breast.
You won’t be able to get your breasts bigger at one time.
Contrary to common belief, you won’t be able to increase your breast size from small to huge at one time. Before you decide to get a breast augmentation, you need to speak with your surgeon to set realistic goals on what you’re trying to achieve. The reason for this is that your body and skin will need to adjust to the big changes that are happening to your body. This is why a professional surgeon will likely recommend that you go up a couple of cup sizes at first before you can increase the size after a few years.
You might lose sensation in your nipples.
One thing you may not know about breast augmentation is that you may lose sensation on your nipples after the procedure is done. This will depend on factors such as your surgery type and breast shape. But even if you lose feeling on your nipples, they will still respond when it is cold or when it is stimulated. You may not feel it but they will get hard.
You won’t get to exercise as much.
If you have a pretty active lifestyle, you may not be able to do some exercises after your surgery. This involves cardio activities that will require bouncing up and down. After your breast augmentation procedure, you’ll have to wait up to 12 weeks before you can start doing light cardio exercises once again.
Your posture will be affected.
When you get a breast augmentation, your breasts may affect your posture the same way the weight of natural breasts would. This is why surgeons will recommend you to pick an implant size proportional to your frame so you will see small effects on your posture. Otherwise, you will definitely feel the effects if you pick large implants.
It is better to get the procedure after you have kids.
If you are planning to get pregnant and have a breast augmentation, your surgeon may strongly advise you not to do it. This is because getting implants will tend to be more comfortable once it is done postpartum compared to having it before you have any kids. If the implants are placed under the muscle, your discomfort level will increase too.
If you’re serious about getting a breast augmentation, the best way to prepare for the procedure is to speak to your surgeon about your options as well as what to expect after it.
Dr. Gregory H. Croll is the owner of his own practice, and the leading doctor for breast augmentation in Columbia, MO.