Do you find yourself wondering, “Is breast augmentation right for me?” Every woman’s decision to undergo breast augmentation is deeply personal and influenced by many factors—whether it’s the desire for a more proportionate figure, enhanced self-confidence, or to restore what pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations have altered.
The following are some questions you should think about as you consider this procedure.
Will Breast Augmentation Achieve My Aesthetic Goals?
Breast augmentation can enhance your breast size, balance out asymmetries, and contribute to a more youthful upper body silhouette. However, If sagging is your primary concern, a breast lift may be a more appropriate procedure for you.
In some cases, breast lift and augmentation are performed together for a comprehensive transformation. This combination increases size and improves the overall shape and positioning of the breasts for a fuller, perkier appearance.
Is My Body Ready for Surgery?
Good general health is essential to minimize surgical risks and complications. Factors such as blood pressure, heart health, and even your body’s ability to heal post-surgery are all considered during the consultation phase.
Additionally, your current body weight may affect how well you recover and your satisfaction with the results. If you plan on losing a significant amount of weight, it’s best to be at or near your goal weight before the surgery. Weight loss after augmentation could lead to changes in breast size or shape that may not align with your aesthetic goals.
If you’re considering pregnancy in the near future, it may be wise to postpone breast augmentation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can result in changes to breast tissue, which could impact the appearance of your implants.
Do Implants Affect Breastfeeding?
Most women can successfully breastfeed with implants. However, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon during your consultation so your procedure can be tailored to preserve your ability to breastfeed. For instance, the incision type and implant placement can be strategically chosen to minimize interference with the milk ducts.
Am I Prepared for Future Implant Care?
While breast implants can last up to 15 years or even longer, they’re not lifetime devices. Individual factors such as lifestyle, body changes, and the natural aging process can all contribute to the longevity of breast implants.
Additionally, if you opt for silicone breast implants, it’s important to be aware that they require ongoing monitoring to ensure their integrity over time. The FDA recommends periodic evaluations using ultrasound or MRI starting at the 5-year mark post-surgery and continuing regularly after that. These imaging tests help detect silent ruptures or other potential issues that may require surgical intervention.
Schedule a Consultation
Breast augmentation can be an empowering step toward achieving the body you’ve always dreamed of. The procedure has positively affected the lives of countless women, boosting self-esteem and enhancing body image.
If you’d like to speak with a board-certified surgeon at Southeastern Plastic Surgery, call our office today at (850) 219-2000 or request a consultation. Read our blog post, 5 Questions to Ask at Your Breast Augmentation Consultation, for more information.