Breast Augmentation Facts

Breast augmentation is strictly an elective procedure and one should never be rushed into it. Since the procedure is costly and you will be paying for it, select your surgeon well and talk to colleagues who have had the procedure.

At the initial consultation, your surgeon will assess your health and examine your breasts. The surgeon will determine the best implant or procedure for you.

At the first consult you should discuss and ask all your options, Ask about the risks, complications and the post surgical care.

Be realistic in your expectation but do not be pushed into the surgery. Understand what the procedure will involve and what to expect after the procedure.

Find out where the surgery will be done, either in a hospital or in a clinic and what type of anesthesia. Ask who will give the anesthesia, whether it will be a nurse or a physician.

Determine the final costs as most breast augmentation surgery is not reimbursed by medical insurance

Be sure to let your surgeon know your health issues, whether you smoke and if you take any medications

There are no extensive preparations required for breast augmentation but one should:

- avoid smoking for at least 3-4 weeks before the surgery

- avoid a suntan at least 4 weeks prior to the procedure

- discus with the surgeon when to stop your medications, esp. if you are on a blood thinner

After the surgery, you will require someone to drive you home and assist you for the next few days

Prior to your surgery, the surgeon will make you sit up and mark the site of the incisions.

Photos may also be obtained in the operating theater so that comparisons can be made afterwards.

The surgeon will always try and make the incisions small and hide them from view. Typically the incisions for breast implants are either made in the crease below the lower edge of the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit. Sometimes an implant is passed upwards via a small incision near the navel

Breast augmentation can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. Once the implant has been inserted, the incisions are closed and dressing is applied.

The dressings are usually removed by the physician in a few days

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