Women Health Matters

Breast Augmentation: A little pain for a wonderful gain

There are several women who do not have full breasts. This may happen as a result of several reasons. At times some women are naturally endowed with small breasts, there are others who tend to lose out on their breast size when they are on a weight reduction scheme or after pregnancy. So if you are not happy with your breast size, you can go for a breast augmentation process to get the desired shape and to restore your self-confidence.

Breast augmentation can make your wish for having enhanced breasts possible. This surgical procedure is also known as augmentation mammaplasty.  Often patients of breast cancer also go for breast enhancement surgery to get the appearance of the breasts back in shape.

The entire process is divided into the following stages-

• Counseling and consultation- Breast augmentation is made possible through breast implants.  It takes a lot of time to arrive at a decision of breast augmentation and involves intense sessions of counseling and consultations, both before and after the surgery.  These include taking a decision about the size of the implants as well as the place where the incision would be made.  The surgeon lays down a set of guidelines for the patient and she has to adhere to them religiously.
• Administration of anesthesia- Breast augmentation surgery is like any other surgery where the initial step is that of administering anesthesia.  This is done to numb the patient so that she does not feel the pain of the procedure.  The type of anesthesia that is to be administered is decided upon by the cosmetic surgeon who might choose either a general anesthesia or an intravenous sedation, as thought fit for the patient.
• Making the incision -The next step in the process is that of making the incision.  The determination of the correct location for the incision is an important aspect of the entire procedure. This is decided during the consultations prior to the operation. It is necessary to make the incision in an area that is hardly noticeable to ensure minimum visible scarring. Incisions are not same for all. It varies depending upon the nature of the implant, respective body type, the preference of the patient and the doctor and the extent to which enhancement is required. There are two different kinds of implants namely silicone implant and saline implants.
• Placement and sealing of the incision- Following the incision, the implant is placed in the pocket either in the area behind the breast tissue on the top of the pectoral muscle or beneath the pectoral muscle. Then the incision is closed by making layered sutures in the breast tissue. Skin adhesive and skin tape is also required to seal the incision. As the healing process begins, the marks of the incision slowly fade away. You need not wait long to see the results of the breast augmentation procedure. It is visible just after the surgery is over.
• Breast Augmentation is possible only if you are physically healthy and fit.  It is not a way to realize unrealistic expectations. There are many who do not have fully developed breasts due to various reasons. This enhancement surgery can work wonders for women who wish to have fuller breasts and restore their lost confidence. They will feel the difference in the way they look and feel.