Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Some women opt for breast augmentations to enhance naturally small breasts. Others opt for the procedure to restore volume and shape to breasts affected by age, pregnancy, or nursing. Breast augmentation might significantly affect your happiness, self-confidence, and general quality of life. However, you must also remember that it’s a major surgical procedure with results that might last a lifetime.
This article highlights the potential pros and cons of breast augmentation to help you make this crucial decision.
Pros of Breast Augmentation
#1. Improved Confidence and Happiness
Some women feel self-conscious about their naturally small or “flat” breasts. And some women lose their natural volume and shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding, leading to a flat or deflated appearance that causes self-consciousness. Whether you have naturally small breasts or you’ve experienced a loss in shape or size due to pregnancy, a breast implant can help you achieve the desired contours. Studies suggest that women often feel more confident and happier after their breast augmentation procedures.
#2. Breast Implants are Durable
Breast implants, saline OR silicone, don’t last forever. However, they can last a decade or more with proper care before needing replacement. In some cases, women change their breast implants before their complete lifespan to make further adjustments to the shape or symmetry. However, you can also make them last a decade or more if you choose, making breast augmentation an incredibly durable procedure.
#3. Personalized Cosmetic Surgery
Breast augmentation is an incredibly personalized procedure that addresses your specific concerns and goals. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss your expectations, concerns, and goals to find the ideal implant type, style, shape, and size for your specific needs. This allows you to achieve the ideal silhouette.
#4. Looking Better in Clothes
Women with small breasts often have trouble filling out their tops to create a voluptuous silhouette. The chest area often looks baggy and unflattering. However, after getting breast implants, women often find that they look and feel a lot better in clothes. Breast implants significantly increase your clothing options.
#5. Natural Texture and Sensation
Silicone breast implants accurately mimic the natural feel, texture, and bounce of natural breast tissues. As such, you don’t need to worry about unnatural sensations.
Cons of Breast Augmentation
#1. Downtime
Breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure with considerable downtime. Most women need to take at least one week off work and social events to recover from the procedure. You may even feel uncomfortable for a few days after your surgery, though pain medications can significantly reduce the discomfort. Even after you resume your daily activities, you’ll need to avoid strenuous workouts for several weeks or months.
#2. Complications
Trained and skilled plastic surgeons minimize or eliminate the risk of complications. However, all major surgeries carry an inherent risk of complications, such as bleeding or infections. Breast implants also carry the risk of capsular contracture, loss of sensation, and asymmetries. As such, you must weigh these concerns and choose the highly-skilled and reputable surgeons with a sufficient track record.
#3. Incorrect Choice
Some patients are unhappy with their implant choice. You might be unhappy with the shape, size, or texture of your implants. In some cases, saline implants lead to rippling underneath the skin, which is visible on your breasts. Some women choose over-sized implants that lead to back pains and other concerns. However, you can avoid this problem by taking your time, researching your options carefully, and finding a surgeon who provides correct guidance.
Most of the cons of breast implants can be overcome with proper research and experienced surgeons. Please schedule an appointment with our surgeons at Criswell & Criswell to discuss your options.
