Ten Things Women Should Know About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed throughout the country. There are numerous reasons why patients opt for this surgical enhancement, including loss of breast volume due to pregnancy or fluctuating weight, and the appearance of significant asymmetry between breasts. Breast augmentation provides women additional shape and volume to their natural breasts to create a more balanced profile.

There are many choices involved in breast augmentation surgery, including selecting the type of breast implants, and if breast lifts may help you reach your goals. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao can address your questions and help you make important decisions during a one-on-one consultation in Tucson, AZ. The experienced team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery will make you comfortable at their premier facility, which offers breast augmentation, as well as numerous other body-contouring procedures. Read on to learn more about breast augmentation and some of the topics that should be discussed at your appointment.

Ten things women should know about breast augmentation

1. There are different types of breast implants

Patients usually opt for silicone or saline breast implants. Implants are composed of a silicone shell that is either filled with saline (sterile water) or a cohesive silicone gel. Saline implants can be filled to the desired size once they are placed in the pocket beneath the muscle, which allows for smaller incisions. Silicone implants are a popular choice for women wanting a more natural and softer feel to their breast implants.

2. Breast implants come in various shapes

Breast implants come in different shapes. Teardrop implants provide a more natural-looking fullness as they mimic the downward slope of a woman's breasts. Round implants are generally chosen by women wanting an overall substantial volume increase and lift to their natural breasts.

3. Breast implants are available in different sizes

Silicone and saline implant sizes are determined by the number of ccs (cubic centimeters). Dr. Rao will use biodimensional measurements to look at a patient's native breast tissue and work with each patient in Tucson, AZ to determine the appropriate and comfortable size to achieve their goals.

4. Breast implants can change your profile

A woman's profile will be affected by how her breast implants project outward from the chest. Women with broader shoulders or chests often see better aesthetic results with low or moderate implant placement. In contrast, a higher placement is a good option for women with narrow shoulders.

5. Breast augmentation will leave scars

Like most surgeries, breast augmentation will leave scars. However, Dr. Rao places his incisions in inconspicuous locations. Over time, scars will fade and flatten out. The majority of breast augmentation patients agree that the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the scars.

6. There are surgical risks involved with a breast enhancement procedure

Although rare, there are potential risks that patients should be aware of, such as:

• Infection
• Capsular contracture (excessive scar tissue) after augmentation
• Potential breast implant leaks or ruptures

7. Candidacy requirements for breast augmentation

Candidates for saline implants must be 18 years or older. Candidates for silicone implants must be at least 22 years old. An ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery lives a healthy lifestyle, is at a stable weight, and has realistic expectations. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not ideal candidates.

8. Breast lifts can enhance the results of breast augmentation

Breast augmentation addresses the fullness and size of the breasts. A breast lift raises the breasts and removes any excess skin. In some cases, women need both to achieve the right aesthetic outcome. During a consultation, Dr. Rao will determine if a breast lift will be needed in conjunction with augmentation.

9. Learn about other cosmetic options during breast enhancement surgery

With plastic surgery breast enhancement, it is common for patients to undergo other cosmetic procedures to consolidate their surgical costs and have one recovery period. With breast augmentation, women can add a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of both, commonly known as a mommy makeover.

10. Finding the right plastic surgeon is crucial

Choosing a knowledgeable and skilled plastic surgeon who is aware of the latest technologies and procedures, like Dr. Rao, is an essential factor in achieving the outcome you desire. Knowledgeable plastic surgeons meet with you to answer questions, explain procedures, address your concerns, and work with you to both put your mind at ease and also to make your aesthetic goals a reality.

What is next?

Call today to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ. Let Dr. Arun Rao and his excellent team help you have the body you always wanted. Bilingual Spanish speaking staff is also available.