Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Many women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts have breast augmentation surgery. Basically, silicone or saline implants are inserted into the breast after the cosmetic surgeon makes an incision in the breast. There are three possible places for this incision; under the breast, around the areola – the pink part – or under the arm.

While the surgeon must assess your particular body shape before deciding, most women have the incision under the fold of the breast where the scar cannot be seen. In any case, scarring is not a matter to worry about. The scars are not very noticeable and as they heal they become even less so.

Do it for yourself, not someone else

Before you decide on this kind of cosmetic surgery, you need to ask yourself why you want it and what you expect to gain from it. It’s important to only have it if you make the decision for yourself. Don’t be pushed into by someone else who is not satisfied with your body shape. It is your body and the only person who should want to change it is you.

Since it is easy to deceive yourself by thinking you should have something for someone else’s sake, some women consult a psychologist to ensure that they are on the right track with their motivation and their final decision.

Have it done at a hospital

It is important to choose a cosmetic surgeon that will do the procedure in a hospital. Many do it in their clinic, but if something goes wrong they don’t have the facilities to get it attended to quickly. In fact, in a clinic it is possible that large doses of ‘twilight’ anaesthetic will be given and this can actually lead to the heart stopping. If the procedure is done in a hospital, general anaesthetic is used and less of that is needed for the same result. All these things need to be taken into consideration before making a decision on breast augmentation.

The difference between cosmetic and plastic surgeons

Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons are not the same, but in Australia anyone with a medical degree can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon – and perform cosmetic surgery. A plastic surgeon has 7 years extra training after getting their medical degree, so who is likely to be the best for the job? Choose a surgeon with the initials FRACS after their name. This proclaims that they are a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Even so, they may not have the kind of experience you need. That is why it is important to ensure they have practiced in the field of breast augmentation. Your GP may be able to refer you to someone they know has the right experience and qualifications.