Breast augmentation surgery has been available in the United States for more than forty years. If you aren’t happy with your bust for some reason, you may be thinking about a breast lift or implants.
The basics: breast augmentation surgery can be performed at any age after the breasts are fully developed. There are restrictions on the use of implants in women under the age of eighteen.
Implants are inserted through an incision made just above the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit. The implant is placed into a pocket behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. This adds volume and can enhance the shape of the breast. Implants are often chosen for small or underdeveloped breasts, or to restore volume lost through weight loss, childbirth, or aging.
A breast lift removes skin to elevate and reshape the breast but does not make the bust larger. A breast lift is often chosen to repair a loss of skin elasticity or to lift and firm breasts that have been changed through weight loss, pregnancy, or breast feeding. Breast augmentation with implants can be performed at the same time as a breast lift.
Benefits of breast augmentation surgery include:
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Enhanced self-esteem
- A proportional figure
- Ability to wear clothing designed for women with a particular shape
The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are women who are looking for improvement, but not perfection. While implants or a breast lift can enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence, the surgery may not make your body match your “ideal” image. Talk to your surgeon about your hopes and expectations before making a final decision on the surgery.
Remember that every surgical procedure does come with some risks. A person may experience a reaction to the anesthesia used. Infection and/or poor healing of incisions are also a risk. With breast augmentation, keep in mind that your implants are not permanent medical devices. You will need to see your doctor every few years to make sure your implants are still in good shape.
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More information about implant revision and replacement.