Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Hundreds of thousands of women across the globe undergo surgery every year. Breast augmentation enhances the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. This is ideal for women who have had children or have recently lost a significant amount of weight. An augmentation is also great for women who have naturally small breasts. Improving the look of your breasts can boost your confidence. Women often report feeling like themselves again after surgery. There are two options you can choose from when getting a breast augmentation. This includes an implant or a fat transfer breast augmentation. You may wonder, should you get implants or fat transfer breast augmentation? Below, you will find helpful information to guide you through the decision-making process.
Should You Get Implant or Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Implant and fat transfer breast augmentation offer unique benefits. The type that is right for you depends on your unique aesthetic goals. Deciding what type of augmentation you want depends on several factors. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine which type is right for you.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Factors
A fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat to enhance the breasts. Depending on where you store fat, it may be taken from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks using liposuction. Once the fat is harvested, it is purified and strategically injected into the breasts. Consider the following benefits to see if a fat transfer breast augmentation is right for you.
Natural Enhancement
A fat transfer breast augmentation offers a softer and more natural look. Your breasts also feel more natural as the fat is taken from your own body. Your breasts will appear enhanced without looking overdone. Many women who have been pregnant or lost a lot of weight prefer this type of augmentation. This is because it restores the look of your breasts.
Subtle Size Increase
A fat transfer augmentation offers a subtle size increase. In many cases, you can expect up to a one-cup increase in your breast size. This results in a natural look that is not overly large. Because the fat is taken from your own body, you are able to avoid the introduction of foreign materials into your breasts. It also results in less scarring.
Implant Breast Augmentation
An implant breast augmentation involves inserting silicone or saline implants into the chase. This increases breast volume and gives a more dramatic result. Silicone and saline breast implants offer different benefits depending on your aesthetic goals. Silicone implants are made up of a cohesive gel that feels similar to natural breasts. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and feel slightly less natural. Implants are placed either under or above the chest muscle. Consider the following benefits to see if an implant breast augmentation is right for you.
Noticeable Increase in Breast Size
Implants offer a significant increase in size depending on how large of a cup you choose. It is more predictable in terms of the implant size as compared to a fat transfer augmentation. This is beneficial for women with minimal natural breast tissue. It offers an increase in size and projection, resulting in clear, noticeable outcomes after surgery.
Customization Benefits
Implant augmentation provides more options for customizing your results. This includes the size, shape, and profile of your breasts. While the surgeon cannot guarantee exact results, implants offer considerable flexibility in achieving your aesthetic goals. It is important to consider the long-term maintenance of implants, as they need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Before moving forward with the procedure, it is necessary to schedule a consultation. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon can help determine which type of augmentation procedure is right for you. Come prepared for the consultation with your aesthetic goals. This can help your plastic surgeon create a customized plan that meets your unique needs. Feel free to ask any questions, as your plastic surgeon will fully prepare you for the procedure so you are ready to go on the day of surgery. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you will be provided with preoperative instructions. Follow these accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you will be able to go home the same day. Be sure to have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from the appointment. You will need the extra support for the next few days as you recover. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. An augmentation takes about one to two hours. However, your surgeon will keep you for a short time after surgery to ensure you are recovering well after anesthesia.
Recovering From Breast Augmentation
Recovering from plastic surgery can be a seamless process. However, it is critical to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions. Right after surgery, you will experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. This is completely normal and should subside as you recover over the next couple of weeks. Most of the symptoms you experience after surgery can be easily managed. Focus on taking your prescribed pain medication, resting, and applying cold compresses to your chest. Each patient is uniquely different, so it is important to listen to your plastic surgeon.
It is best to take one to two weeks off of work so you can focus on recovery. However, you should be able to get back to your routine by the two-week mark. During the first two weeks, it is helpful to do some light walking. This can help reduce the risk of clotting and promote recovery. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least one month. Talk with your plastic surgeon for clearance if you want to partake in any intense physical activities. You can discuss this at your follow-up appointments.
Plastic Surgery
If you want to improve the look of your breasts, contact the team at Elise Min Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation!
