As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in America, breast augmentation is now considered a fairly “routine” procedure. However, with the increasing number of underqualified surgeons offering breast augmentation, it is more important than ever to be vigilant about selecting an experienced and knowledgeable physician to perform the surgery. To help better determine whether breast augmentation is right for you, and to choose the best provider, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and the team of medical professionals at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ discuss 6 questions to ask your plastic surgeon:
1. What is a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation, commonly referred to as a “boob job,” is a surgical procedure that utilizes synthetic implants, usually composed of saline or silicone, to enhance the volume or size of the breast.
2. Who needs a breast augmentation?
There are a variety of reasons that women may seek out breast augmentation surgery in Tucson, AZ. A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Arun Rao has performed countless successful breast augmentation surgeries for incredibly diverse patients. Some of the most common concerns that lead to patients seeking breast augmentation include:
Less than ideal breasts after childbirth: Arguably the largest group of women seeking breast augmentation are mothers that have gone through pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Each of these stages of motherhood can take a toll on the natural breast tissue and shape, and breast augmentation can be an effective tool for restoring a more youthful and natural contour once a woman is done having children. Breast augmentation can be performed on its own or as part of a mommy makeover.
Significant weight loss: In many cases, Tucson, AZ breast augmentation patients seek the procedure after experiencing a significant amount of weight loss. After losing a large amount of weight, patients may have excess skin, fat, and tissue in the breast area that is unresponsive to diet and exercise. Breast augmentation and various complementary procedures – including breast lift – can be highly effective in these cases.
Naturally small breasts: While many women experience a loss in breast volume over time due to childbirth, weight loss, or aging, some women have naturally small breasts due to genetics and heredity. In these cases, breast augmentation is a fabulous solution for attaining natural-looking, youthful, and larger breasts.
3. What is the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
Probably more prominent in popular culture, breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures nationwide. With the ability to increase and enhance breast volume, breast augmentation is certainly a valuable transformative tool. A breast lift, though slightly less prominent, is equally as popular and arguably just as valuable as breast augmentation.
While breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to increase breast size and volume, a breast lift is a repositioning of the natural breast tissues and structures to obtain a more youthful, higher-sitting, and “perkier” appearance. In many cases, breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are performed simultaneously, greatly enhancing a patient’s final results.
4. What can I expect from the procedure?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rao and the expert medical team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care and service possible from consultation, to surgery, and throughout recovery and maintenance. Your Tucson, AZ breast augmentation will be performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours depending on the complexity of the case and any complementary procedures that may be simultaneously performed.
As with any invasive surgical procedure, incisions are required which will ultimately result in scars. However, with a qualified and skillful plastic surgeon like Dr. Rao, scars can be minimally visible, if at all. By strategically placing incisions within the natural lines and folds of the patient’s anatomy, many scars can be concealed completely. If a patient is not satisfied with the appearance of their scar after recovery and healing, the caring team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can recommend a number of treatments to help reduce the appearance of the scar.
5. What is the recovery from breast augmentation like?
Though breast augmentation has become more common, it is important to remember that it is still a serious and invasive surgical procedure. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with verbal and written post-operative instructions following your procedure, and it is imperative that you follow them diligently in order to achieve your ideal results and to avoid any possible complications or adverse side effects.
In general, patients should plan to have full-time help for at least the first several days after the surgery. This is especially important for patients with young children, as moderate to heavy lifting is usually strictly off-limits in the immediate post-operative period. While recovery time varies from patient to patient, most women generally undergo breast augmentation when they are able to take at least 2 weeks off of work and/or have significant at-home assistance.
Patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and tenderness, but symptoms are usually well-controlled with pain medication and behavioral modification. While patients will certainly see a difference in their chest size and contour immediately after surgery, final results can take up to a month to realize.
6. Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
There are many factors that can determine whether breast augmentation may be right for you. The best first step is to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tucson, AZ such as Dr. Rao. In general, ideal candidates for breast augmentation are in good health, are non-smokers, are done having children, and have been at an ideal and stable weight for at least six months.
If you are considering breast augmentation, call the office of Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how you can restore a more youthful shape to your breasts, boost your confidence, and change your life.
Tags
* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.