Breast Augmentation - A Popular Procedure for Improved Appearances
Breast augmentation, also referred to as mammoplasty, breast enhancement or enlargement, implants, or reconstruction, is the process of surgically redesigning the chest area to create larger, more symmetrical or appealing breasts. The reasons that women seek this procedure vary greatly from one woman to the next. In some cases, there are medical reasons such as a mastectomy, while others simply want a more appealing or larger chest. There are many different advancements that have been made in the world of breast implants and surgical reconstruction, and patients can now even choose the shape of their breasts.
The shapes available in breast augmentation include anatomic (natural), teardrop, and round. There are also the textures of smooth or fuzzy to choose from, allowing everyone to get the exact style of implant that they desire so that it matches their desires and the rest of their body in some cases. Saline has been the implant material of choice for more than 20 years, and is still the primary material used. There are experimental fillers that are available, such as soy, but none of these have been FDA approved as of yet.
Anyone considering a breast augmentation could be contemplating it because of small breasts, uneven placement, disproportionate breasts, or even sagging and deflated breasts due to age, childbirth, or other issues. In most cases, the reasons for breast augmentation are purely aesthetic, although some patients will seek them for medical or other reasons that have nothing to do with appearance or sex appeal. This procedure takes about 2 hours, is done with general anesthesia, and requires about a week of recovery with no strenuous activity.
The newest technique that is used is known as the Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation, or TUBA. This process is much less risky, involves a shorter operation and recovery, and lowers the risk of injury to the nipple and breast nerves. Plus, there is only one scar that is left behind. A surgical bra is required to be worn for a short period after surgery, and there is no drainage needed. Patients will be able to go home after several hours and they will likely be weak for 10 days after the procedure. Pain is expected, but should be moderate for the most part. Swelling is going to be moderate and the initial result will appear high on the chest. Over time, the breasts will settle into their natural state and look much more realistic than they did right after the procedure. After a few weeks, everything can go back to normal.