Mevish Jaffer
When it comes to current issues affecting a woman’s self-esteem, body size and shape are usually areas of major concern. Many women are dissatisfied with the way they look and are now taking action to improve their appearance. With the popularity of cosmetic surgery rising each year, more and more women are opting for elective procedures, such as breast augmentation surgery to enhance both the size and shape of their bust. Breast augmentation surgery, also known as breast enhancement or breast enlargement surgery, is commonly achieved through the usage of implants. The breast implants used in this type of surgical procedure are usually made from one of two materials: silicone or saline.
Prior to consenting to any type of surgical procedure, including breast enhancement, it is important for patients to be aware of what the process entails, the overall cost, and the potential complications that can occur.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Many women opt for breast enhancement surgery based on both cosmetic and medical reasons. A few of the aesthetic motivations for this procedure include the feeling that some women have about their breasts being too small or un-proportional with the rest of their body. In some cases, a woman’s breasts can actually develop unevenly and breast augmentation surgery can serve to correct the imbalance. Women who have had to remove their breasts due to illnesses, such as cancer often choose to have breast implants for the purpose of restoring their bust line. It is also common for some women to turn to breast enhancement or breast lift surgery after pregnancy in order to restore their former size and shape.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size
One of the major factors that can affect how natural the results of breast enlargement surgery will appear is the size of the implants that are chosen for the procedure. So how exactly is this decision made? Well, there are a number of aspects that can determine the best breast augmentation size for women, including the following:
- Height
- Weight
- Body shape
- Skin elasticity
It’s also important for patients to understand that breast implants are not sized in the same way as bras are, which makes a big difference is selecting the right size. This is because the companies that manufacture the breast implants usually base the size on cubic centimeters, which makes up the amount of saline or silicone the implants are composed of. The best way to ensure the appropriate implant size is to discuss the available options with experienced plastic surgeons. It can also help to have a general idea of the size and shape that is desired through magazines or Internet visuals that portray the patient similarly in body weight, height and overall body shape.
Does Insurance Provide Coverage?
Due to the cosmetic nature of breast augmentation surgery, most health insurance companies do not provide coverage for the procedure. However, there are other means to receive financial support and assistance, including medical loans and payment plans. The total cost of breast enhancement surgery varies based on factors such as the particular hospital and surgeon chosen to perform the procedure. On a general basis, breast enhancement surgery can cost patients anywhere from $5,000 - $10,000 and up. Additional fees that may be associated with the overall cost for breast implant surgery include surgeon’s fees, clinic costs, anesthesia, and aftercare expenses. Click here to learn more about the Cost of Breast Implants.
Post Surgery Expectations
Every woman has a different tolerance level when it comes to pain. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the fact that patients usually experience different degrees of pain and discomfort during the breast augmentation recovery period. Although it varies for every woman, it is common for most to experience soreness, tenderness and fatigue after surgery. All of these risks and complications should be evaluated with the doctor prior to surgery for the purpose of prevention and a pleasurable post surgery experience.
Removing Breast Implants
There is also risk for other types of complications to occur post surgery. For example, implant deflation or rupturing can occur with silicone or saline filled breast implants. Patients can also develop hematoma after surgery, which causes them to lose a great deal of blood. Although these risks are atypical, patients can always undergo Breast Implant Removal surgery.
[page updated December 2008]