Breast augmentation is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery. While many of these women find a great deal of satisfaction in their new size and shape, it should be remembered that any kind of surgery carries a modicum of risk with it. And not everyone is happy with their cosmetic surgery for one reason or another. Here are some of the things you should be aware of before undergoing breast implants.
- Implants don’t always last forever. Some develop leaks and need to be replaced. Or scar tissue can develop, making the size and shape of the implant different from what you expected. 25% of women who have this surgery need to have more surgery done within 10 years.
- The shape and size of your new breasts could change if you lose weight or fall pregnant. Another reason why more surgery may be necessary.
- Depending on where the cut is made for the insertions, you could lose the ability to breastfeed your babies.
- It is also possible that your nipples could become numb, although they will still respond to stimulation or cold. You just won’t feel it.
- Your breast tissue will not feel the same as your breasts did before surgery, although silicone implants do give a similar feel. If you had only small amount of breast tissue beforehand, the implants will be more noticeable. However implants placed behind the muscles are harder to detect – but more painful at first.
- You cannot tell the surgeon what type of breast implants you want and where to make the incisions. He has to examine you first, to find out what is best in your case. He will discuss the options with you and you will make the decision together.
- If your breasts are very small, you should not go to large in just one surgery. It may require two or more surgeries over the course of a few years to work up gradually to the size you want.
- If you smoke, are obese or have a history of breast cancer in the family, you may not be cleared for this surgery. Each of the above increases the risks inherent in surgery.
- There are two choices for implants; saline and silicone. Most people use the silicone implants since they look more natural, but it is more difficult to tell if they have ruptured. If saline implants rupture there will be ripples in the breast and it will decrease in size.
- You should make sure your surgeon is board certified and trustworthy, with plenty of experience for the best result. They should be able to show you ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of the surgeries they have done.