Breast Augmentation Surgery: What it is, Types, & Recovery
Enhance the Beauty That’s Uniquely You!
For many, the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is deeply personal. It may be impacted by a desire to enhance self-confidence, restore balance to one’s figure, or recover shape and volume lost over time. Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) offers various options tailored to individualistic goals and body types.
Understanding the types of implants used, surgical approaches, the recovery process, etc., is essential to making an informed choice and feeling prepared for the journey ahead.
Dr Zeeshan Ahmad, known for his empathetic approach and skilled expertise, provides personalized breast augmentation procedures that prioritize your unique needs and desired outcomes.
He also specializes in breast lift surgery, helping patients achieve youthful, lifted, and well-contoured breasts by addressing sagging and improving symmetry. Additionally, Dr. Zeeshan is highly experienced in facelift procedures, restoring a refreshed and youthful appearance by tightening the skin and reducing visible signs of aging, ensuring natural and long-lasting results.
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a widely performed procedure designed to enhance or augment the size and contour of the breasts. It typically involves inserting breast implants or using fat transfer beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles to achieve the desired results.
For many, breast augmentation can be a means of enhancing self-confidence, while for others, it may play a role in breast reconstruction following certain medical conditions.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. Understanding the types of breast augmentation, the full scope of the procedure, breast augmentation incisions, and recovery, including potential risks, complications, and post-surgical care, will help you make an informed decision.
Types of Breast Implants Used
Breast implants are the most popular options for breast augmentation, with two main types available:
Saline implants: Filled with sterile saltwater, these types of implants are designed so that, in the rare case of a rupture, the body can naturally absorb and safely eliminate the saline solution.
Silicone implants: These implants contain silicone gel, which closely mimics natural breast tissue. Nowadays, most surgeons use this variant of breast implant for breast augmentation purposes. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel may either stay contained within the implant shell or seep into the surrounding breast tissue. Regular follow-up appointments with our surgeon are often recommended to ensure silicone implants remain intact and functioning as intended.
How should one prepare for the surgery?
To prep-up for your breast augmentation surgery, our surgeon may recommend several steps, such as:
- Undergoing a blood test
- Taking prescribed medications or adjusting any current ones.
- Quitting smoking.
- Avoiding specific foods and drinks.
- Steering clear of aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs to minimize bleeding risks.
- Stopping the use of recreational drugs.
It’s essential to carefully follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by our surgeon. Sticking to these guidelines can help you accomplish a smoother procedure and support a healthy recovery.
What does the procedure for breast augmentation surgery involve?
To insert the breast implant, our plastic surgeon will begin by making a single incision in one of the three areas:
- Beneath the breast crease, known as the inframammary approach.
- Around the edge of the nipple, called the periareolar.
- In the underarm area, referred to as transaxillary.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully separates the breast tissue from the chest’s muscles and connective tissue, creating a pocket either behind or in front of the pectoral muscle. The implant is then positioned within this pocket, centered behind the nipple.
Saline implants are inserted empty and are then filled with sterile saline solution once in place, whereas silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel before surgery.
After the implant is properly positioned, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures and covers the area with skin adhesive and surgical tape.
Breast Augmentation Recovery and Post-surgery Expectations: What do you need to know?
Immediately after your breast augmentation surgery, the doctor will move you to a recovery room for monitoring as you awaken from anesthesia. You’ll be discharged once you’re stable, which generally takes about an hour. To manage or tackle any discomfort as the anesthesia effect wears off, pain medication is provided.
Absorbable (dissolvable) sutures will typically dissolve within six weeks. However, if non-dissolvable sutures or drainage tubes are used, a follow-up visit will be scheduled to remove them.
Before discharge, the medical team will provide instructions on:
- Caring for the breasts post-surgery
- Using prescribed medications
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
- Knowing when to reach out to your doctor
If you notice any indications of infection, such as fever or redness and warmth in the breast area, or if you experience chest pain, unusual heartbeats, or shortness of breath, consult the doctor right away.
It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities for about six weeks to support healing. Your doctor may also recommend gentle post-operative exercises, like arm movements, to ease discomfort, along with guidance on the best type of bra to wear during recovery.
What about breast augmentation scars?
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process following breast augmentation incisions and surgery. The visibility and size of scars majorly depend on the type of incision used, your body’s healing response, and how well post-operative care instructions are followed. Incisions are typically placed in less noticeable areas, such as under the breast crease, around the areola, or in the underarm, helping to minimize visible scarring.
In most cases, scars will gradually fade over time. To promote optimal healing, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s advice, which may include avoiding direct sun exposure to the incision sites, using recommended scar treatments, and maintaining a healthy diet to support skin repair.
What are the benefits of breast augmentation?
Below mentioned are some of the top benefits of breast augmentation surgery:
- Enhanced breast size: Augmentation can enlarge one or both breasts, restoring volume lost from pregnancy, weight changes, or aging.
- Better breast symmetry: Augmentation can balance differences in breast size or shape.
- Refined breast shape: While increasing size, augmentation doesn’t address sagging or nipple positioning.
- Boosted self-esteem: Many find that breast augmentation enhances confidence and body image.
- Restored femininity: Breast augmentation can rebuild feminine contours post-mastectomy.
- Supports gender identity: Augmentation can play a role in expressing gender identity.
- Mental health benefits: Research shows breast augmentation may offer psychological benefits.
How much does breast augmentation surgery cost?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery can vary widely, influenced by factors like location, surgeon experience, type of implant, and the complexity of the procedure.
The total price typically includes several components:
- Surgeon’s fee: Surgeons with extensive experience or specialized training may charge more.
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is usually required, adding to the overall expense.
- Facility fees: Hospital or surgical facility costs can vary, depending on location and amenities.
Post-operative care: Follow-up visits, medications, and any required post-surgery garments can add to the total cost.
Elevate Your Silhouette with Breast Augmentation Surgery.
Consult the expert in the field, Dr Zeeshan Ahmad
Ready to embrace a more confident and beautiful you?
Breast augmentation surgery can help you achieve your desired look. With the expert guidance of Dr Zeeshan Ahmad, you can undergo a safe and effective procedure tailored to your specific needs.
Get in touch with him to transform your body and boost your self-esteem.
