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Deciding to enhance your breasts can be an exciting step toward achieving the look you've always wanted. However, breast augmentation is a permanent change, and you should be well informed before moving forward with the surgery.
This guide will help you understand the six key considerations you should think about before committing to breast augmentation surgery.
Your Motivations and Expectations
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, you should be able to clearly define your motivations. Breast augmentation is a personal choice, and you must be making it based on your desires, not to meet the expectations of others.
It's equally important to manage your expectations. While breast augmentation surgery can enhance your appearance, it's not a solution for deeper self-esteem or body image issues. You should aim for realistic outcomes and understand that the surgery will make you feel more confident in your appearance, but it won't solve every insecurity.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery requires time and patience. The procedure itself typically takes one to two hours, but the recovery process can last for weeks. After the surgery, you'll need time to heal and may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising.
You should plan for a few weeks of limited physical activity, including time off work. You might need additional time off if you have a physically demanding job. Following your surgeon's post-op care instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Potential Complications
As with any surgery, breast augmentation comes with risks and potential complications. These may include infection, excessive bleeding, scarring, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. One specific risk with breast implants is that the scar tissue near the implant can harden, potentially distorting the breast's appearance. This complication is called capsular contracture.
Other complications may include implant rupture or asymmetry in the breasts post-surgery. You should discuss all potential risks with your surgeon so that you can take steps to minimise complications.
Long-Term Maintenance
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, meaning they may need to be replaced or removed over time. The average lifespan of implants is between 10 to 20 years, but other factors can also affect their longevity, including your body type, lifestyle, and whether complications arise.
Understand that breast augmentation may require future surgeries to maintain the look of your breasts. This could involve implant replacement, repair of any issues that develop, or additional cosmetic surgeries to preserve the aesthetics. Routine check-ups with your surgeon are also essential to ensure your implants are in good condition.
Emotional and Physical Preparedness
Breast augmentation surgery is not just a physical experience but an emotional one as well. It's natural to feel a mix of emotions before and after the procedure—excitement, nervousness, or even anxiety.
Preparing yourself mentally is just as important as being physically ready for surgery. You may need to adjust to your new appearance, and it might take time to fully appreciate the results as swelling subsides and the implants settle into place.
Breastfeeding and Sensitivity
If you're considering having children in the future, you should discuss with your surgeon the potential impact of breast augmentation on breastfeeding. Some women may experience changes in their ability to breastfeed after augmentation, depending on the placement of the implants and the type of surgery performed. Although many women can still breastfeed without complications, you should know that there is a small risk of diminished milk production.
Additionally, changes in breast or nipple sensitivity are common after surgery. Some women experience temporary numbness, while others may have long-term changes in sensation. Your surgeon can provide more information on how to minimise these risks and what to expect during recovery.
Consult a Plastic Surgeon
Before making any final decisions about breast augmentation surgery, you must consult with a plastic surgeon. A consultation will allow you to explore your options, ask questions, and get a professional opinion on what's best for you.
A good surgeon will evaluate your medical history and goals and guide you through the different implant options (saline vs. silicone), incision techniques, and placement options (under the muscle or above). They will also discuss procedure variations like breast augmentation using fat transfer or hybrid procedures combining both fat and implants.
During your consultation, be open and honest about your expectations, health concerns, and lifestyle. This will help your surgeon tailor the procedure to meet your goals and ensure you're fully prepared for the process ahead.
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Singapore
Breast augmentation can be a transformative procedure, but it's wise to carefully weigh all factors before deciding. At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we help women achieve the body they desire with personalised breast augmentation procedures.
Our plastic surgeons in Singapore work closely with each patient to understand their goals and provide guidance on the best implant type and technique. Book a consultation now.
