Purposes
of Breast Augmentation
If
statistics is to be followed, more than 30,000 breast implant surgeries are
performed in UK every year. Breast implants are mainly used for two primary
purposes:
Ø Breast reconstruction: Done on the patients after they
have undergone mastectomy (removal of breast through surgery, generally used
for treating breast cancer)
Ø Cosmetic surgery: Done on the patients who want to
enhance the appearance of their breasts.
Cost of
Breast Augmentation
The breast augmentation cost varies from one clinic to another but it
generally ranges between £3,500-5,000.
However, any cost associated with consultations and follow-up care might be
added.
Decisive factors concerning the surgery
Before
undergoing a breast implantation surgery, one should consider both the
potential health risks as well as financial costs associated with the surgery.
One should have a thorough discussion with her cosmetic surgeon regarding the
expectations, procedure and risks of the surgery. It is always a better idea to
take enough time to decide whether to go for the surgery rather than rushing
into it.
Breast
Implant Types
Artificial
prosthetic implants are mostly used as breast implants. There are mainly two types
of breast implants. They include:
Ø Silicone implants like gel, liquid or solid (almost
like plastic)
Ø Saline implants like sterile salt water
Silicone
implants are preferred over saline implants by most people; however, both of
the implants have their own pros and cons.
Breast
implants generally stay for around 10 to 15 years, after which they are needed
to be replaced.
The Procedure
General anesthesia is administered to perform a breast augmentation
surgery. It takes around 60 to 90 minutes for the surgery to get over. In
course of the operation, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin. The
patient will be made aware of the specific location where the incision will be
done before the surgery.
Once the incision is done, the implant will be strategically positioned
somewhere between the chest muscle and breast tissue or in some cases behind
the chest muscle. It is followed by stitching and dressing of the incision. The
patient can go home on the very day but most surgeons recommend the patient to stay
for at least a night for thorough monitoring. Normal activities can resume
within four to six weeks. The augmented breasts might look unnatural in the
beginning but that is temporary.
Potential Risks
Every procedure comes with a few possible complications and so is
breast augmentation. Some of the potential risks include:
Ø There are chances of bleeding and infection after the
surgery.
Ø There can be visible scarring.
Ø The scar tissue might shrink around the implant (This
is called capsular contracture).
Ø The implants might split or rupture in some rare
occasions.
Ø The implants stand a chance of getting folded or
creased.
Ø The nipples might undergo temporary or permanent
sensational change.
Ø Further surgeries are often needed to cure various
complications.
