Over the last few decades, the breast augmentation procedure has continued to be one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market, and that operation is currently being carried out hundreds of thousands of times every year.
The primary goal of breast implants is to increase the size of the patient’s breasts, but this procedure can provide you with a wide array of other benefits as well. In addition to helping you sculpt the body of your dreams, breast augmentation surgery could also restore your confidence. If you are unhappy with your body because of undersized or asymmetrical breasts, then it might be time for you to take a closer look at plastic surgery.
What Can Be Treated With Breast Implants?
Most people understand that breast implants are going to increase the size of the breasts, but that isn’t the only benefit of those medical devices. Over the course of a lifetime, many different variables can impact the size, shape, and placement of your breasts. After having children or nursing, you might notice that your breasts are no longer as perky as they used to be.
Some women also struggle with asymmetrical breasts that aren’t proportionate with one another. A breast lift can address some of those issues, but breast augmentation surgery is the only treatment that will fully restore lost volume.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Once you have decided that you are interested in this type of plastic surgery, you will need to spend a little bit of time researching the materials that are placed in implants. Both silicone and saline implants can be effective in certain situations, but there are a few key differences that all patients need to think about.
- As a general rule, silicone implants look and feel just like natural breast tissue. The biggest drawback of that material is the fact that the implants must be completely filled before they are inserted into the breast cavities. That usually means the incisions are going to be slightly larger.
- Saline implants are very popular as well, and those devices don’t need to be filled until they have been inserted into the patient’s body. The saline material will also be naturally absorbed by the body if the implant ever ruptures or becomes damaged. Saline implants tend to feel slightly harder than silicone implants, but many patients still prefer that material.
Your Procedure and Recovery
This operation usually only takes two or three hours to complete, but it might last longer if you are having a breast lift carried out as well. If you are relatively healthy and would like to remain asleep throughout the entire procedure, then your surgeon will most likely use a general anesthetic.
Once you have been sedated, the surgeon can then make one small incision near both of your breasts. They will then insert the implants and suture the incisions shut. To minimize swelling and discomfort, your surgeon is going to place a compression bandage over the breasts before you head home.
Your recovery depends on many different factors, and that includes your age as well as your overall health. The average patient can begin moving around on their own after two or three days as long as they are very careful. They can also return to work within a week or two if they don’t have a physically strenuous job. As long as the patient is healthy and not struggling with any post-op complications, they should be able to resume all activities within five or six weeks.