Breast Augmentation Is Common, While Its Reasons Are Varied

The reasons for breast augmentation are many. Some women feel that their breasts never developed as fully as they wanted. Other women may want a more balanced figure - making one undersized mammary more full to match the other.

Some may do it to improve the fit of clothing and swimsuits. Many women do it to improve their self-image and confidence. Still other women may feel a loss of volume because of aging or weight loss. These are countless reasons that women opt for this procedure.

Individuals considering augmentation should know that the medical procedures can bring improvement, but will not bring perfection. Augmentation should only be performed when growth of the breasts is complete and the individual is mature enough to understand the medical procedure which she will undergo and her personal reasons for having the surgery done.

Cosmetic surgery is not a cookie-cutter process. Each surgery is tailored to the patient's individual needs and desires and the doctor's individual preferences. Typically, there are three incisions in procedures on the breasts - underneath the bosom, in the armpit and on the lower edge of the areola. The surgeon then creates a pocket behind the breast gland or under the pectoral muscle for insertion of an implant.

There are more options than ever before when having this procedure done. There are several different types of implants and what type and size is right for you should be discussed with your physician. Most implants are round or countered and filled with saline or silicone. Covering of the implants are often a silicone or textile solution. A plastic surgeon will be able to work with you to find the implant that is right for you.

Certain risks exist with any surgery, including this one. In augmentations, patients run the risk of a build-up of scar tissue, causing firmness that could need corrective surgery to fix; implant deflation, which occurs in just under 6 percent of surgeries, according to a University of Minnesota study; and infections from surgery, that normally can be treated with antibiotics.

Mammograms are more difficult on women with implants, so women who have had breast work should inform the mammogram technician prior to the exam being performed. Such knowledge will likely require the technician to use a higher dose of radiation for the x-ray, but the risk of more radiation for a very short period of time is far outweighed by the benefit of a more detailed x-ray in the mammogram.

A key consideration in determining your breast augmentation physician is his or her training and certification. Ensuring that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery means the surgeon has five years of surgical training and a plastic surgery residency after medical school. During training, the surgeons develop their skills and judgment as they perform surgeries on the face and other areas of the body. Make sure that you have confidence in your surgeon before moving forward with any procedures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson