The stigma of cosmetic surgery has been gradually wearing off throughout the years and that’s probably a good reason more and more women have been getting breast implants. Not to mention, breast augmentation is not nearly as tedious and dangerous a process as it used to be! So if you’ve been wanting to fit nice and snug into a bigger bra, here is some information that will be crucial to you. Just as you’d want to be adequately informed about a car you’d buy, you want to be even more informed about the products you buy that directly affect your body. So what are the pros and cons of breast implants? Who’s getting them? Are they safe? Is plastic surgery really for you?
Of all the cosmetic surgeries out there, breast augmentation is the third most common (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). That means that almost 300,000 people got breast implants in 2005 alone. So if you want to increase the size of your breasts, you are certainly not alone in that desire.
The popularity of breast implants is pretty remarkable considering that they were quite undeveloped up until the 1990’s.
What are the types of breast implants?
There are two basic types of breast implants that surgeons use today and many different ways they can insert them into a patient. They are saline and silicone gel implants. Saline implants are not a doctor’s favorite to work with as they carry the most risk. However, those with significant breast tissue to begin with can benefit from them and saline implants are sometimes advantageous, because if they rupture (which is hardly uncommon), the saline can be safely dissolved in the body. Still, silicone gel implants really are the industry standard as they are safer in other respects. Silicone implants were invented in the 1960’s and ever since, they’ve been quickly evolving; with every passing year, breast augmentation surgery becomes safer and safer and the end product is always more natural and aesthetically pleasing than before. The upcoming generation of silicone gel implants are said to have an almost “gummy bear” texture; they’re already being successfully used in other countries.
Is surgery safe? What are the risks?
There is still a lot of debate as to whether or not breast augmentation can lead to adverse long-term effects to a woman’s health. Overall, studies have implied different results, but it’s very difficult to distinguish whether the health trends are a result of plastic surgery or the already established demographics of those who sign up for plastic surgery. Essentially, research is immature and hasn’t been tremendously helpful yet – but even if there are heightened risks of some diseases post-operation, they are still likely very low.
But what about the short-term risks and other more clearly researched problems that breast implants can lead to? Breast surgery complications include hematoma (or post-operative bleeding) and seroma (which results when blood vessels rupture), infection, pain, wrinkling, and more. And of course, if the breasts implants are not inserted properly, you may have to have another operation to correct any mistakes, as you could end up looking worse after the surgery, than before. Another major risk a woman takes when she has breast augmentation is that it can interfere with breast feeding if she later has a baby.
But once you’re off that operating table and functioning normally, you’re still probably going to have to have at least one more surgery down the road. Breast implants are not permanent, especially saline implants. But even silicon gel implants are likely to rupture later on.
There are also the risks of scarring, which is a pretty typical consequence of many surgeries, including cosmetic surgery. As you might expect, with implants, you might have different sensations in your breast and nipple – maybe even chronic pain – after surgery.
All these risks, however, at least individually, are not terribly high. You only have a 1-2% chance for a good chunk of these complications. And fortunately, most of them can be easily taken care of with reconstruction surgery, etc.
It’s crucial that you go over all your concerns with your plastic surgeon and get a clear idea of what to expect during and after your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation and it’s best that you take his or her word for it and not insist on surgery if you’re told that you are at a heightened risk for developing serious complications.
Who’s getting breast implants?
It’s not just the Hollywood starlets paying for bigger boobs and thus bigger roles in films – in fact, every day, that becomes less and less true. Medical records show that those who are the primary customers of plastic surgery, breast augmentation in particular, are young, healthy, and wealthy. It’s speculated that this group of people are under a lot of pressure to have a good physical appearance and many suffer from self-esteem issues before going into surgery. And more importantly, they have the extra money to afford breast augmentation!
Fortunately, most plastic surgery patients are satisfied with their new breasts and thus, their quality of life, after the surgery. This is despite the fact that complications might have occurred!
If you are thinking about breast augmentation, make sure that your chosen surgeon is certified with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and is in tune with both your wants and your needs.
It’s estimated that about 44% of American woman have a B cup and 28% of them have a C cup. So if you’re included that pool, it might be comforting to know you’re about average! However, if you think it would improve the quality of your life to have a little more up top, and especially if you have an A or AA cup that you’ve disliked all your life, then breast implant surgery may be a good option for you. Just make sure you as informed as possible about all the risks and complications at hand.
Breast implants aren’t just something Pamela Anderson and her cohort buys these days. They are becoming an increasingly popular addition to many women’s lives and as long as surgery is handled by an experienced and skilled professional and approached by the patient with a healthy dose of skepticism and preparation, they can be greatly advantageous. Whatever your motivation for increasing the size of your breasts, whether you want a D cup or more modest B cup, just don’t be surprised if your first breast surgery isn’t your last and be cautious as to recognize any side effects or complications!
Breast implants aren’t for everyone – but they aren’t just for movie stars, or even just for men either! With cosmetic surgery, it is vital that you carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure the risk is worth the reward. As mentioned earlier, the majority of post-operative women are more than happy with their new wardrobe and new life. That could be you too, but breast implants aren’t something you buy on a whim.
