Breast augmentation is more than just a “boob job.” While it may be used to increase the size of your breasts, breast augmentation may also be used to make the breasts look more symmetrical or fuller—particularly for women who have lost a lot of weight or given birth.
Using fat or implants, plastic surgeons perform “augmentation mammaplasty” for women seeking to improve the size, shape, and perkiness of their breasts. Here is a look at how the procedure works, and the risks and costs associated with it.
How It Works
For the most part, preparing for breast augmentation surgery is just like preparing for any other surgery. Know what medications you normally take that should be avoided in the days leading up to the procedure, and be prepared not to eat after a certain time the night before. Avoid smoking, and be sure to follow any additional instructions from your doctor (such getting as any required health tests). Have a driver, as augmentation surgery requires an anesthetic.
It is necessary to receive some incisions for this procedure, although your surgeon will seek to make minimal scarring. Incision options include:
- Periareolar incision: The incision is made around the bottom half of the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple).
- Inframammary incision: The incision is made at the base of the breast.
- Transaxillary incision: The incision is made at the top of the armpit.
Which type of incision is appropriate will depend on the exact procedure details, your build, and what you and your surgeon prefer. If an implant is being used, it will be placed either under or over your pectoral muscles. The incisions are then closed up, and your breasts will be noticeably different as soon as you wake up!
Take any medication your doctor prescribes, keep your breasts wrapped or in a sports bra for the first couple of weeks, and follow any directions regarding cleaning. Plan to spend a few days not being as active as normal. Swelling and soreness is normal.
Breast Augmentation Cost
On average, breast augmentation surgery runs just under $4,000. While that sounds pretty reasonable for surgery, that’s all it is—the actual cost of the surgery on average. Which means, depending on exactly what you’re expecting from your surgery, it could be a little less, but it could also be a bit more.
Additionally, you have to factor in the cost for anesthesia, the performing hospital’s time and resources, any tests or medications (during or post-surgery) that might be needed, and any additional fees your surgeon may charge. Remember those numbers are liable to change depending upon geographic locations, your particular surgeon, implant type, and other factors.
Breast Augmentation Risks
It is important to note that breast augmentation surgery will not solve all your woes. First of all, depending on the circumstances, a breast lift or other procedure may be necessary in tandem with the augmentation to receive the desired results. Additionally, although breast augmentation surgery may help you feel more confident about your breasts, it’s not a miracle cure. The normal surgical risks associated with such procedures (infection, bleeding, anesthesia problems, medication reactions, etc.) will of course be present.
Additionally, your breasts may not turn out exactly as you’d hoped. Reduced sensation in the nipples is a potential problem as well. Scar tissue may form, fluid accumulation or chronic pain can be an issue, and some circumstances require a second surgery to fix issues. Your doctor should go over all the potential risks with you beforehand. If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, make sure you discuss any concerns you have before you’re on the operating table.
