Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation

By Beverly Thomas

Breast implants, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, or simply breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for various reasons:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
• To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
• To correct a defect in the development of the breasts, such as having breasts of unequal sizes.
• As a reconstructive procedure following breast surgery.

Breast implants are the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures followed by liposuction and nose reshaping.

The popularity of breasts augmentation is fueled mostly by women's desire to look the sexiest they can be (and breast implants do result in attracting more appreciative stares from men). Celebrity breast implants are also a big factor, particularly for teens and young women who try to emulate their idols.

There are many different options for you to consider when choosing to have breast augmentation, starting with the many types of breast implants available. The information available can be overwhelming, but once you have chosen a plastic surgeon you can discuss with them the pros and cons of each implant and find out what which would be best for you and your anatomy.

Most surgeons have their own preference of make and style of implant they use. Rather than try to choose which implant would be best for you ask a plastic surgeon for his recommendation and the reasons why. Remember what shape and style looks and feels great on one patient may not look and feel as good on you.

Before you decide to go forward with breast implant surgery, you should also consider the following:

• Many of the changes to the shape of the breast after implantation are irreversible.
• Removal of the implants may leave unacceptable dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes to the breast.
• Breast implants may affect your ability to produce milk for breast feeding.
• Breast implants make routine screening mammography more difficult.
• Implants cause alteration of nipple and breast sensation.
• Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist following breast implant surgery.
• Blood and other fluids can pool around the implant causing hematoma and infections. You may end up back in the operating room so that your doctor can find the cause of the bleeding.
• Breast implant surgery carries the same general risks as other surgical procedures.
• Insurance will most likely not pay for the procedure, if it is not medically necessary.

Take these risks into consideration, consult with your doctor and make sure you are making a fully informed decision before you proceed with breast augmentation.

Also see: Cellulite Remedies

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