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From a very early age, women are
subjected to ideals regarding the size and shape of
their breasts. Modern media – glossy magazines and
movies - tell us how big and what shape they should be.
Many women consider and eventually have breast implants
in order to conform to these opinions but while there
are advantages to having this done there are still some
concerns and many questions that need answering.
Not all cosmetic surgery is carried out on women who
simply want bigger breasts. Many face psychological
problems because the size or shape of each breast is
different. Breast cancer sufferers consider
breast-rebuilding treatment to try and get their lives
back on track.
Gone are the days where the only surgical procedure
available for women was breast enlargements. There are
numerous surgical procedures for various areas of the
body although the breasts remain a firm favourite for
women. You can now have breast augmentation, breast
reconstruction, breast implants, a breast lift and a
breast reduction.
You should always consider every view and get the full
facts before you consider any surgery, least of all
cosmetic surgery.
For most forms of breast implants a small incision of
approximately 1.5 inches is made in the fold under the
breast, around the areola or in the underarm. For saline
implants, a pocket is then created and the implant
inserted. Once inserted the implant is then inflated
with the saline solution.
More information about the surgery.
The procedure itself usually takes between an hour and
two hours and dressing and bandaging is worn for the
proceeding 24 to 48 hours. After this a support bra is
worn for around 3 weeks although patients can normally
be up and moving within 24 hours of the operation. It is
advised that strenuous activity and heavy lifting should
be avoided for about a month after surgery.
You will suffer bruising and swelling around the breasts
that should disappear with time, and also a firmness in
the breasts that will disappear with time. You will more
than likely feel a little discomfort for several days
following the procedure; if this discomfort continues
you should consult the clinic where you underwent the
operation.
What are the possible side effects of breast implant
surgery?
Current research shows no heightened risk of systemic
disease or breast cancer in patients, however, as with
all surgery there are risks attached. Unfavourable
scarring may occur leaving nasty marks around the
incision area or around the implant. Infection may occur
as with any surgery. Bleeding, excessive firmness,
rippling, deflation, asymmetry and a change in nipple
sensation may also be encountered but breast
augmentation has the highest satisfaction rate of any
cosmetic surgery.
What implants are used?
Currently, in the United States, saline implants are
used for breast augmentation; these are a silicone
rubber shell filled with saline (salt water) during
surgery. They are available in a wide choice of shapes
and sizes. If a patient has significant problems and
saline implants would not be the best solution then gel
implants may also be used.
The advantage of saline implants that if you are one of
the unlucky 1% of people who’s implants deflate, the
body absorbs the salt-water solution and the implant
deflates at a rate that means the body can cope with the
amount of salt water being absorbed.
How much will breast augmentation cost?
Obviously this will differ dependant on exactly what
procedure you want, the incision type your require and
where you have the procedure done. It is obviously not
advised to plump for the cheapest option as this may
lead to using an inefficient surgeon and complications
with the procedure. As a very rough guide you can expect
to pay between $4000 and $10000 for breast augmentation.
There are probably cheaper and more expensive options
available, but I wouldn’t advise either. The price you
pay also takes into account the availability of plastic
surgeons in that area and the qualifications and
expertise of the potential surgeon.
If you are certain you want breast implants but feel
that the price is a little too high for your budget, you
will be pleased to hear that many surgeons will offer
credit agreements to spread the cost over time.
You should always be very careful when picking a clinic
or surgeon. Make sure they are professionally certified
and be aware that this is a prime example of you get
what you pay for; the price you pay is usually
indicative of the qualifications, experience and
expertise of your surgeon.
Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon for testimonials
from satisfied clients; any professional worth his salt
will be able to supply them and will be only to pleased
to do so.
At the end of the day, you must have confidence in your
surgeon. And the only way to achieve that, is to do your
research.
©2005 Jenna Keys Jenna Keys is Editor of
http://www.change-your-breasts.biz
, an online resource for breast surgery information.
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