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People putting themselves forward to cosmetic surgery has increased greatly in the past few years.
Having cosmetic surgery is now far more accepted than twenty years ago, and because of the increase in demand, more and more clinics are appearing across the country.
There are so many procedures available, some invasive and some not, some requiring anaesthesia and some not. One of the most steadily popular types of cosmetic surgery are breast augmentation procedures.
There’s lots of things to consider before going for surgery, so let’s look at a few things you should think about before going for surgery.
What Is It?
Breast augmentation is more colloquially known as a ‘boob job’. It is having surgery to change the breasts in some way. Whether that be making them larger, reducing the size or making them more symmetrical.
Breast augmentation surgery usually involves implants of some description, whether that be larger or smaller than the size you currently are, and implants can also help with symmetry.
Why Have Breast Augmentation?
Many people have breast augmentation surgery, and each person has their own individual reasons for going ahead with surgery.
Always consult your surgeon before going for surgery, more than one consultation may be needed to ensure you are comfortable. There are so many to take your pick from, like the surgeons at the Masri Clinic, you may want to visit their clinic in Birmingham.
Women may feel that their natural breasts don’t fit their body shape, or they are very unhappy with the size.
It is very natural for women to have different sized breasts. Normally the difference is very subtle, but in some women one breast can be markedly smaller than the other, which can make the individual feel extremely self conscious.
Breasts continue to change throughout life, and as an individual ages, breasts start to sag, many women prefer to have surgery to reverse the effects of aging. The same goes for post pregnancy bodies, breasts tissue goes through a myriad of changes throughout pregnancy, and afterwards, they can lose some volume, which can be corrected with breast augmentation surgery.
What Are The Implants Like?
The implants themselves come in different sizes, materials and shapes. Which you and your surgeon select depends on the results that you want.
The main two materials used are silicone or saline encased in silicone. The shape is usually round or pear shaped, and there are many different sizes.
What you decide on depends on the volume, projection and lift that you are looking for.
Who Can Have The Surgery?
Breast augmentation procedures usually involve a general anaesthetic, so you have to be deemed healthy enough for an anaesthetic.
This means you will need to be in good health, not have any current illnesses like an infection, not be obese, and over 18 years of age.
How Long Does It Take?
Breast augmentation surgery is done in a hospital setting, and usually involves an overnight stay.
The surgery itself normally takes around two hours, although this can be shorter or longer depending on a number of things.
The surgeon will make an incision under the current breast, and create a pocket for the implant to sit in, this is often under the muscle to give the implants a more natural look.
The surgeon will then suture the wound closed, and bandage the area to help reduce swelling.
As an incision is made, there will be some scarring, but a good surgeon will try to make this as minimal as possible.
What’s The Recovery Like?
In the few days following surgery, expect to experience some pain, but this can be minimised with painkillers your doctor prescribes for you.
It is wise to book around two weeks off of work after the procedure to let yourself heal, and you can expect to feel fully healed in 6-8 weeks. A doctor will guide you on what activities you can carry out and when.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Any surgery or anaesthetic comes with risks. Your doctor will discuss all the possible risks and side effects before going ahead with surgery.
Some common side effects are bruising and swelling, pain, infection and scarring.
Implants usually need replacing approximately every ten years, this is worthwhile knowing before going ahead.
Ensure you discuss everything with your preferred surgeon at your consultation.
Choosing Your Surgeon
Always choose your surgeon with care. Ensure they are experienced, licensed and regulated by the appropriate body in your country.
A good surgeon will be honest with you about what they can achieve, and set realistic expectations for you both.
Trust in your doctor will really help the whole process, so make sure you feel comfortable with them.