Every woman wants her breasts to be proportionate and symmetrical. But many women have breasts that are very small, uneven, or disproportionate to their bodies. This reduces their self-confidence and makes them more self-conscious of their appearance. Breast augmentation will help these women become more confident and self-assured by making their breasts look fuller and get them closer to their ideal bodies, which is why more and more women are opting for breast augmentation surgery.

The popularity of this procedure means that it is very important for you to get more information about it as there are many misconceptions about breast augmentation in popular media. In this blog, we have discussed what breast augmentation is, who is the ideal candidate, how to choose the right surgeon, the types of implants, the risks, and other information you need to have before undergoing the surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation, also known as “augmentation mammoplasty” or “boob job”, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that increases breast size. It is done by placing implants (either saline or silicone) under the chest muscle or behind the breast tissue.

Why Do Women Undergo Breast Augmentation?

The following are some of the reasons why women choose to get breast implants:

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Breast Augmentation Surgery?

You are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation if:

You are physically healthy
You are a non-smoker or are willing to quit smoking for the prescribed period of time
You are not pregnant or currently breast-feeding
Your breasts have fully developed
You are unhappy with the appearance, size, or shape of your breasts

Before choosing to undergo breast augmentation, it is necessary to be well-informed about the procedure, the results, and the risks. To ensure that you’re fully satisfied with the results, it is crucial to carefully select the surgeon and the facilities and to ask as many questions as possible.

How To Select The Right Surgeon?

Breast augmentation surgery involves many choices. The first and most important choice is choosing the right plastic surgeon.

You can use this checklist to make an informed choice while selecting a surgeon:

Qualifications:- The qualifications of the surgeon should include M.Ch in Plastic Surgery.
Experience:- The surgeon must have many years of experience in plastic surgery. The more experience the surgeon has, the easier it is to trust them.
Infrastructure:- Make sure that the clinic is well-equipped and the surgeon uses the latest technology for the procedures. This makes sure that the results of the surgery will be satisfying.
Reviews:- Go through the reviews and testimonials of the surgeon’s past patients. This is the best way to understand the quality of his/her work and understand what the results will look like. Most patients will leave reviews on social media sites, Google, or the website of the surgeon.
Cost:- The cost of breast augmentation surgery will also play a role in your decision. It is very important to select an accredited and experienced surgeon that falls within the budget range.
Comfort Level:- One important factor that a lot of people ignore is their personal feelings about their surgeon. It is essential to choose a surgeon that you trust completely and are comfortable with. This will affect your overall satisfaction with the results of the procedure.

Dr. Ashish Davalbhakta is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the Chief Aesthetics Surgeon for Advanced Aesthetics, Pune. He has performed more than 5000 cosmetic surgeries for patients from all over the world. His priority is ensuring that the patient will be satisfied with the surgery results and he will guide you through every detail of the procedure and answer all your questions. To book a consultation, click here.

What Happens During Consultation?

The time spent with the surgeon during the consultation is invaluable. It is important to use this time to build a rapport with the surgeon, set realistic expectations of the results, and understand the procedure.

During the consultation, measurements and pictures of your breasts will be taken. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, your general health status, and any tobacco and drug use. It is important to be forthright during these discussions as this information is necessary for your surgeon to make a treatment plan suitable for you.

Your surgeon will also discuss what you want from breast augmentation surgery, your expectations, and your desired outcome. He/She will inform you about the different types of breast implants, and help you make an informed choice about which type will best meet your expectations.

During the consultation, your surgeon will also discuss the potential outcomes and risks of the surgery, and advise you accordingly. Take this opportunity to ask any questions and clear any doubts that you may have.

Below is a list of questions that you can ask during the consultation:

Am I a fit candidate for this surgery?
What should I expect from the surgery?
What steps should I take to prepare in the days leading up to the surgery?
What will be my expected recovery time?
What care should I take to get the optimal results from the surgery?
What steps will I need to take to maintain my breasts after the surgery?
Are there any risks or potential complications I need to be aware of?
How will complications be handled?
What is the cost of breast augmentation surgery?
Will the shape of the breasts change after pregnancy?

What Are The Different Types Of Implants?

Each type of breast implant has different advantages and different costs. The selection of the type of implants depends on your personal preference and desired outcome.

The main types of breast implants are:

Saline Implants:- Saline implants have silicone outer shells filled with sterile salt water. They provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel to the breasts. In case of leakage, the salt water will be absorbed by the body and then naturally expelled through urine.
Structured Saline Implants:- Structured saline implants are an upgraded version of traditional saline implants. They are also filled with salt water, but they have a more well-defined internal structure. This structure lets the implants blend in more naturally with the breasts.
Silicone Implants: Silicone implants have silicone outer shells filled with silicone gel. Silicone implants have a more natural feel than saline implants, which makes them more popular. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel will stay in the shell or will escape in the breast implant pocket. If a silicone implant leaks, it is important to consult your surgeon immediately as silicone will not be naturally absorbed by the body.
Cohesive Gel Silicone Implants:- Cohesive gel silicone implants are an upgraded version of silicone implants. Like structured saline implants, cohesive gel silicone implants have a well-defined internal structure which makes the breasts appear fuller and rounder. These implants also have a thicker consistency of the gel, which makes them leak-proof. That is why cohesive gel silicone implants are one of the most popular choices of breast implants today.

While selecting the type of implant, you will have to consider the shape and size of the implants as they also determine how the final result will look.

Breast implants have two main shapes:

Round Shaped:- Round-shaped breast implants are the most popular because they give the breasts a rounder, fuller look with a considerable increase in size. There is less risk of round-shaped implants moving or rotating out of the breast implant pockets. As they have a symmetrical shape, they give the breasts the same level of fullness. That is why round-shaped implants are preferred by women with narrow breasts.
Tear-drop Shaped:- Tear-drop shaped implants (also called form-stable or Gummy Bear implants) are cohesive gel silicone implants. They have more volume at the bottom and taper towards the top, which gives them a more natural look. They are firmer, softer to touch, and they maintain the shape even if the implant collapses. Because of this, these implants are incredibly popular.

Breast implant sizes are the next thing to consider while selecting the implants. The most important thing to remember is that breast implant size is different from cup size. Breast implant sizes are measured in volume and diameter. The volume and diameter of the implants need to be in balance because if the volume is too large there is a greater risk of the implant moving within the breast implant pocket whereas if the diameter is too wide the implants will look flat and won’t project outwards.

These days with the help of technology like 3D sizing, it has become easier than ever to choose the perfect implant for you. Click here to learn more about breast implants and the techniques that we use to help you choose the most appropriate implants for your needs.

What Happens Before The Procedure?

Before the procedure, you may be required to:

Undergo routine blood and urine tests
Take a mammogram to establish a baseline
Stop smoking (if you are a smoker)
Stop taking or adjust certain medications
Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs as they may increase bleeding

What Happens During The Procedure?

General anesthesia will be administered for your comfort and safety.
After the anesthesia is administered, an incision will be made. The position of this incision will be determined by your surgeon and you during consultation. The three places where an incision can be made for a breast augmentation procedure are – the areolar curve (beneath the nipples), the inframammary fold (the area beneath the fold of the breasts), and the axillary area (the armpits).
Once the incision is made, the implant will be placed directly under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue. The position of the incision, the type of implant, and the position of the implant will be unique to each patient since each patient has different needs and expectations from the surgery.
Once the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, skin adhesive, and surgical tape.

Over time, the scarring will fade but not completely. The amount of scarring and the size of the implant pockets are determined by the position of the incision.

What To Expect During Recovery?

The recovery period determines the effectiveness and longevity of breast implants, so it is vital to follow your surgeon’s instructions during this period.

You will be discharged after the surgeon deems you fit to go, which mostly happens within the same day provided there were no complications. While you are leaving, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your speedy recovery and follow-up appointments. You must follow these instructions to avoid possible complications after the surgery and to get the best possible results.

You will be given support bands and elastic garments to wear during the recovery period. You will also be prescribed medications for pain management and to improve your health during this period.

You will probably have soreness and swelling for a couple of weeks but that is perfectly normal and both will subside with time. You will likely be told to rest until you get permission to increase the amount of physical activity. Generally, it is advised to resume physical activity after 4-6 weeks, but your specific recovery period will be determined by your surgeon.

What Are The Possible Risks Of Breast Augmentation?

Just like any other surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. It is necessary to be aware of these potential risks before going through the procedure.

Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Collection of blood that may cause swelling, pain, and bruising, perhaps requiring surgical draining (Hematoma)
Collection of blood that may cause swelling, pain, and bruising, perhaps requiring surgical draining (Hematoma)
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation
Poor scarring
Wrong or faulty positioning of the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
Formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (Capsular Contracture)
Formation of calcium deposits in the surrounding tissue, possibly causing pain and hardening (only a risk with silicone implants)
A rare and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BIA- ALCL)
Fluid accumulation (Seroma)
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Persistent pain
Interference with mammography readings
Unsatisfactory results

To reduce the chances of these complications, it is important to carefully discuss the procedure with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions to the letter, both before and after the procedure. To be satisfied with the results of the surgery, it is essential to have realistic expectations. You can read more about the possible risks of breast augmentation and breast implants here.

What Is The Cost Of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Unfortunately, breast augmentation surgery is not covered by health insurance.

The cost of the surgery can be divided into two categories:

The insertion cost (which includes the procedure)
The implant cost

In India, the insertion cost may range from ₹ 80,000 to ₹ 120,000 depending on what technique is used during the procedure, while the implant cost (which depends on the manufacturer) may range from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 80,000.

One of the most important factors that affects the cost is the skill and experience of the surgeon.

It is essential to select a surgeon who is not only qualified but also has years of experience in the field. He/She must fully understand your wishes and needs and create a treatment plan suitable for you. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, who has access to and can use the latest technology, can help you achieve your desires as closely as possible.

Breast augmentation can improve the appearance of breasts to give a more balanced look. Most patients who have gotten breast implants are more comfortable with their bodies after the procedure. They have more confidence, which improves every aspect of their lives. But to achieve this, it is very important to have realistic expectations from the surgery and what breast augmentation can do for you. We hope this blog has given you more insight into the procedure. Communicating with your surgeon with full honesty about your needs and desires and being aware of the possible outcomes and risks of the procedure will help you get the most out of breast augmentation surgery.