Professional Health Blog

Because an individuals body build is determined for the most part by genetic influences, women may not be able to achieve the look they want through diet and exercise alone. Those women with small, underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts may chose to change the shape of their breasts by opting to undergo breast augmentation.

In this procedure, specially designed materials are implanted beneath the breast or chest wall muscles to increase bust size. The choice of size and type of implant used, route of implantation, and position of implant placement are specific to each individual patient and these factors are determined in patient/doctor conjunction.

Plastic surgeons focus on plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation using both saline breast implants and silicone breast implants.

Patients seeking breast augmentation may do so for a variety of reasons. A woman may desire larger breasts to enhance her body contour or if she feels her current breast size is too small. Breast augmentation may also be performed in order to make corrections after pregnancy or to balance the size of the breasts. Correcting these can also help to strengthen self-confidence, leading patients to seek breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation uses breast implants which are either filled with a saline solution or silicone gel. If saline implants rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly reabsorbed into the body and the implant can be replaced.

Breast augmentation is a very individualized procedure in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your plastic surgeon. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed. Once your goals have been determined you will set a date for this procedure and will be given instructions about how to prepare.

When the date for your breast augmentation has arrived, you may select from a variety of methods for inserting the implants. Implants can be inserted through several locations including the line where the breast and body meet, the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), the armpit, and even the naval. The patient should discuss with the physician and determine which location is best to minimize the visibility of any scarring that may occur.

After the procedure, patients often experience soreness for a few days but are back into their normal lives within a day or two. Pain following the surgery can be minimized by medications. All procedures are performed with anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or pain.

It is important to follow any instructions your physician may have following your breast augmentation. Patients should be aware that soreness will be present after the operation and that physical activity following the operation should be avoided for a period of time. Scarring from the operation does occur but will fade away gradually, although scars may never disappear completely.

Dave Stringham is the President of www.LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery procedures. Learn more about breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures.