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Women's Health

Breast Augmentation: Consultation, Treatment, and Risks

By Gloria Pattrick | Updated: Monday, 16 November 2020 14:42 UTC
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Breast Augmentation: Consultation, Treatment, and Risks
Breast Augmentation: Consultation, Treatment, and Risks

Having breast augmentation carried out has increased considerably since the past decade. This has to do with the possibilities in the field of body correction on the one hand, and on the other hand, because having such a treatment performed has become more accessible. Not only in financial terms, but also when it comes to the number of clinics that offer these cosmetic procedures and social acceptance to increase the breasts.

There are a variety of reasons why women choose breast correction. Creating more volume and better proportions between the breasts is a common argument. Women who are unsure about their cup size or are not satisfied with how their breasts have developed from puberty can benefit significantly from breast augmentation. However, it does not always have to be that the breasts naturally have a small or less firm shape. Sometimes this is a result of pregnancy or age. Also, the size of the breasts may decrease after weight loss.

The first consultation at a clinic

Having a breast augmentation carried out does not happen, of course, just like that. If you believe that your breasts are uneven or too small and you are considering to have them enlarged or corrected, making an appointment at a clinic is the first step. During this consultation, you can make your wishes and ideas known, and the reason for wanting larger breasts is considered.

The plastic surgeon naturally puts the interests that you have in the treatment first, and naturally, all possible questions that you have about the procedure are answered. Because every woman is different, you will also receive advice tailored to your personal situation with regard to the shape, size, and placement of the breast implants.

In the run-up to the actual procedure, the plastic surgeon also pays attention to how you can best prepare for breast correction or enlargement. For example, stopping smoking is recommended. This is because nicotine can have a negative effect on the recovery of the wounds.

Treatment method for breast augmentation

There are several ways to adjust the size of the breasts. The best known is the introduction of implants or prostheses by means of a so-called 'inframammary breast augmentation.' This treatment consists of making an incision of approximately five centimeters on the underside of each breast. The implant can be inserted by making room in the glandular tissue.

There are two methods for this, namely placement of the prosthesis above the chest muscle or placement partially below the chest muscle. Which way is preferred depends to a large extent on the thickness of the skin and the amount of glandular tissue present in the breasts. The placement of the implants partially under the chest muscle is, for example, advised for women with thin skin and less glandular tissue.

Otherwise, there is a risk that the breast implants become visible. In addition to the shape and size of the breasts, the location of the nipple can also be adjusted during the treatment through a breast lift. You can indicate your possible wishes in this regard during the consultation.

Possible risks of breast correction

Side effects, such as infections and capsular contractures, are pervasive in this process. The risk of infection is very obvious but decreases even further if you have stopped smoking temporarily or entirely. After breast augmentation, the body forms a connective tissue layer around the implants. This is a natural reaction of the body to foreign material.

Haircut contracture is a complication after breast augmentation. Haircut contractures are more common after infection and bleeding. The degree of contracting/shrinking may vary. Shrinking of the haircut can cause pain, changed shape or hardening of the breast, and sometimes a new operation is required.

Women who have undergone breast augmentation treatment sometimes also report a loss of feeling on the underside of the breasts or a change in feeling in the nipples. To exclude all risks, an intensive post-treatment program is followed.

The safer alternative to implant

I personally, never suggest any lady go through a surgical procedure. This is because I have seen various cases where women face serious side effects, even breast cancer, although after investing thousands of dollars in the procedure. My personal advice is to go with herbal breast enlargement supplements or home remedies like a healthy diet, exercises, and massage.

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