For some women, the one thing that they really do want for Christmas, or at any other time of the year, is to change an aspect of their appearance. And right at the top of the wish list for many is to have bigger breasts.
If you’re one of them, there could be many different reasons why you would like breast augmentation surgery. You are almost certainly unhappy with the size, shape or symmetry of your breasts… or all three.
You might feel as though your breasts are not in proportion with the rest of your body. Or your breasts may have changed as a result of ageing, gravity or breastfeeding. Sometimes, if you lose a lot of weight your breasts can be affected.
Benefits of breast augmentation
Having a breast augmentation procedure will give you firmer, fuller, more youthful looking breasts but over and above this it will change the way you feel about yourself and the way others perceive you. Ultimately, the main benefit is likely to be a boost to your self-confidence and this could impact many different areas of your life, not just the way you look.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a satisfaction level of 98% among women who have had this type of surgery in a study published in its official medical journal in May 2013.
Different types of breast implant
If you are seriously considering undergoing breast augmentation surgery there are different type of implant that you can have.
Silicone gel implants are the type that most people are familiar with. The benefits of these implants are that they look and feel most like natural breast tissue and have less of a tendency to ripple than saline implants. On the down side, you will need a slightly longer incision than with saline breast implants which will leave you with a slightly more obvious scar.
Rarely silicone implants leak into the surrounding breast implant pocket. Such ruptures can be difficult to detect. Silicone breast implants are only available in a round shape rather than a teardrop shape which is the most anatomically correct. With this type of implant you will need periodic MRI screening to ensure the implants are functioning correctly.
It is a concern for many women considering silicone implants of a higher risk of breast cancer. Silicone implants are not, however, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, although a rare form of cancer (BIA-ALCL) has an association with the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around them. Current evidence on breast implants still states they are safe to use in patients. This is a topic that will be discussed with your surgeon at your initial appointment, to put your mind at rest.
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Highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants are filled with a thicker and firmer type of silicone than conventional implants. The benefit of this type of implant is that it may perform better in the long-term, with less chance of rupturing, and it may maintain a better shape. These types of implants are available in both round and teardrop shapes. The latter gives a more natural looking result and avoids bulging in the upper part of the breast.
The cons to this type of implant is that they are firmer to the touch than regular silicone implants and require a slightly longer incision. There is also a slight risk of malrotation which requires surgery to correct it.
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Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They give the classic Baywatch profile and can be used to correct asymmetrical breasts. They require a smaller incision than silicon implants and if rupturing occurs it is easier to detect.
Saline implant feel slightly firmer and less like natural breast tissue and are generally less popular than silicon implants. Because they weigh more than silicon implants, they can sometimes settle due to gravity, which may need surgery to correct it.
There is plenty to consider when you are thinking about this type of surgery.
So, whether Santa decides to cover the cost of your breast augmentation or you make the decision to treat yourself in the New Year, it’s a good idea to discuss the options fully with your cosmetic surgeon before going ahead.
“Having my breast augmentation has changed my life rapidly. I absolutely love it 🙂 I am very confident and so happy.
I was so grateful Mr Misra made sure I would be happy with the final result by showing him the pictures and “rice measurements“.
I would recommend it to everyone who is thinking about having breast augmentations done and Mr Misra is the person you would want.” MM, Feb 2016
Read more Patient Stories of their experiences with Riverside Clinics
