Take some tips from the pros – women who have gone through their breast augmentation process and are ready to share their knowledge about the life-changing journey.
- Your first breast augmentation probably will not be your last.
While you can expect your new breast implants to last for a decade or longer, they are medical devices, not meant to last forever. The incidence for leakage and rupture is low, but can occur. Additionally, many women decide, over time, that a different size implant will better suit their lifestyle and image. - You will be able to return to work in five to seven days.
You may be sore, tired, and not yet 100% for a couple weeks after a breast augmentation. However, in general, most women are back to their normal work life in less than a week. - Your implants will feel a little different to the touch than “real” breasts.
Do not be surprised if your “new” breasts feel different than your “real” boobs. Saline implants are firmer to the touch, while silicone implants are the most natural-feeling. It is still OK if you detect a difference in feeling, especially if you are going up in size from smaller breasts. - There is a chance of losing sensation in your nipples after surgery.
Loss of sensation in the nipples can be temporary, or in a few cases, long-lasting. Over the first six months post-op, as the breasts and incisions heal, most women find the sensations return. - If you smoke, you are not a good candidate for a breast augmentation.
Never lie to your surgeon about your cigarette habit. Nicotine decreases the oxygen supply in the blood, causing delayed wound healing. Smokers have a higher chance for scarring and necrotic tissue. - Never place your trust in a plastic surgeon that is not board certified.
There are many doctors out there performing breast augmentations without appropriate training and experience. By choosing a board certified plastic surgeon, this will ensure the physician has had six-plus years of specialized training after medical school, has passed rigorous examinations, and participates in annual continued education. - You can choose to have your nipples resized or reduced during surgery.
Speak with your surgeon if you are unhappy with overly large nipples, as this is something that can be corrected during a breast procedure. - Do not expect to be a specific cup size after your surgery.
Cup sizes are not a standard measurement of breast size. This denotation is relative to bra brands and manufacturers, so will vary according to the lingerie maker. Your goal should be proportionate breasts that achieve your desired look, not the cup size on a bra’s label. - Your breasts do not have to be a minimum size for a reduction procedure.
Again, the best size breasts for you will be proportionate to your build. A breast reduction, lift, or augmentation may be required for women of any natural breast size. Schedule a consultation to find out what procedure best fits what you hope to achieve, no matter how large or small you are at the present moment. - Your breasts may change size or shape after your breast augmentation.
Over the years to come, your body will go through changes. Skin can lose its elasticity, making the breasts sag. Future pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and illness can also alter the breasts, even with implants in place. Depending on your individual situation, you may or may not decide one day that a second breast augmentation is right for you.
You will never be short of breast augmentation advice, from just about everyone who has been there and even those who have not. You just need to know who to listen to, and what to “take with a grain of salt”. Women who have been in your shoes before, and have had their breast implants in place for several years, may have some very constructive advice. However, it is best to lean on a board certified plastic surgeon, because they will use their experience, skill, and knowledge of your particular situation to steer you correctly through the breast augmentation process.
Just getting started? Begin with patient testimonials and online doctor reviews. Next, move on to Before and After photographs, so that you will understand the benefits and limitations that can be expected for someone of your shape and size. Then, when the time comes for a consultation appointment, contact Houston’s Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery at (281) 407-7428 to arrange for a free visit, or simply fill out our online Contact Us form.