What Is A Breast Augmentation And Why You Might Consider It

When considering any kind of cosmetic surgery such as breast augmentation, it’s important to understand the entirety of the procedure and to be certain it is something you are ready to do. After all, your body will be altered permanently, even if you consider in future to try and reverse the surgery. According to research, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations are performed a year in the U.S, coming in second for the most popular procedure.

What Is It

Breast augmentation aims to increase the size and fullness of the breasts, whilst lifting them and ultimately giving them a rounder look. Surgeons achieve this look by making an incision usually below the nipple depending on the desired look, then placing a silicone or saline implant within the breast. They then meticulously stitch and seal it with surgical tape to ensure the safety of the stitching. 

It can take anywhere between 60-90 minutes and you should be fine to go home as long as you are accompanied by someone who can get you home safe (you may still be on anaesthetic for 48 hours post-op therefore driving is not recommended). You can also return to work on average 2-3 days following the procedure.

Pro’s 

Done with the correct qualified surgeon and implant, breast augmentation is not a quick fix and can last between 10-15 years before needing a new one. Some may even last a lifetime with the correct care and checkups with the surgeon. Maintenance is extremely low compared to other popular cosmetic surgeries of today such as fillers. Once they’re in and recovered, you get to enjoy your new look instantly! Another major benefit of the surgery is the confidence boost patients gain from their new breasts. 

Many patients who opt for the procedure initially have felt very self-conscious and have thought about the procedure for many years. People with smaller chests, pregnant women who have lost fullness post breastfeeding, or even in some cases patients who have suffered deformities from incidents, have all benefited from breast augmentation. Overall, the feeling of femininity is an undeniable after-effect. Those sexy outfits for your next date night will look better than ever with your new assets!

Con’s

As mentioned, over time there’s a need for replacements. There is no definitive answer as to how long they will last but the minimum a good implant should last is 10 years. Some research has shown that they can last a lifetime, lucky for the people saving their money! However, I wouldn’t rely on that fact and therefore you have to also be realistic with the financing side of things. The cost can range anywhere from £3,000 to £8,000, sometimes even more. 

London, Birmingham, and breast augmentations in Manchester seem to be the most popular areas to get surgery in the UK so it would be worth comparing quality and cost across the three. Please keep in mind that you should not find the cheapest practice offering the procedure, often this means you will have to pay more for complications from the poor work further into the future. As difficult as it is to predict where you will be in 10 years, it’s important to factor in this cost. You may consider starting to save a small portion monthly towards the second procedure if committing to the first and all goes well. 

The final and potentially more detrimental thing you should think about is the after-pain and overall recovery after the surgery. Like any surgery, there’s always a risk of health complications. Despite the low risk, you should prepare for any infections and most certainly prepare for swelling. It is also recommended you do not drive for at least 3 days after the procedure. 

Do Your Research 

With all of these points in mind, it is very much an individual’s choice whether to take the plunge. If you are looking into getting it done to please anyone but yourself, you are doing it for the wrong reason. As much as the right surgeon of choice will hold your hand through the process, it all comes down to you. Make sure you do your research, figure out if it would really be an investment in yourself, and if everything makes sense, double-check again! You want to get it right the first time and avoid risking your health and money rushing into the decision. Hopefully, these points have offered some guidance and will help you with your research and decision-making.