Breast Augmentation

breast-augmentationBreast Augmentation is the most Popular cosmetic surgery.

Breast augmentation is the latest tool in this long series of breast manipulation and modifying techniques.

Breast augmentation also known as augmentation mammoplasty, has long been at the center of debate and controversy in general, political and scientific circles.

Yet its popularity in masses continues to rise. An estimated 1 to 2 million American women have had breast implants. According to statistics collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgery 355,671 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the U.S in 2008. These statistics point to the fact that breast augmentation has considerable social acceptance and approval.

Like all cosmetic surgery procedures, the group of patients seeking breast augmentation is quite diverse. However due to the large number of breast augmentation surgeries being carried out, it is possible to estimate the general demographics of patients seeking breast augmentation as well as those subsets of patients for whom the surgery will be quite satisfying and for those for whom there will be risks and difficulties.

The average candidate for breast augmentation is in her early 30s and is secure and successful in most of her activities, except the concern and dissatisfaction about her breast shape and size. They are usually affluent, are married and have children.

You will be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:

  • You have realistic expectations. The best candidates are those looking for improvements not perfection.
  • You understand the options, benefits and risks of breast augmentation surgery completely and thoroughly.
  • You understand that although the results are permanent, but they are not life long and you may need additional surgeries for correction or removal of implants.
  • You understand that outcomes in cosmetic plastic surgery cannot be predicted with 100 % accuracy.
  • You understand that you will have to follow up with your cosmetic surgeon over a prolonged period .This follow up period can be life long.
  • You have no mental health issues and have a stable family and social life.

You should avoid breast augmentation surgery if you have:

  • Poor health
  • Deformities of chest wall. These may be present from birth or may have been acquired as a result of trauma or disease.
  • To breast feed your child
  • Strong family history of breast cancer
  • HIV or Hepatitis
  • Pregnancy

You will not be a good candidate also if you are:

  • In your teens
  • Having mental health issues
  • Emotionally unstable
  • Trying to please some one else
  • Having any medical condition that would increase the risk of anesthesia and surgery
  • Unwilling or unable to miss work for 5-10 days
  • Having vitamin or nutritional deficiencies or eating disorders
  • Unwilling to accept that despite medication, there will be some amount of pain to bear
  • Having problems with gender identity

Why do Women Undergo Breast Augmentation surgery?

Cosmetic facial and body surgery is a very personal issue. Patients who undergo these procedures are a very diverse group. A significant portion of the women that desires breast augmentation does so for cosmetic purposes. These include:

  • Women who want to enhance their bust because they feel their breast size is inadequate and small.
  • Women who want to correct a reduction in breast size that has occurred after pregnancy.
  • Women who have asymmetrical breasts and want to correct this by augmentation.
  • breast surgery and want to correct the defect.

The importance of this procedure to their sense of wholeness and self-esteem is usually very deep and intense and it may be difficult for even their family, loved ones and personal physicians to truly gauge their personal need in this matter. The social attitudes towards breast augmentation are complex. An adequate bust is sexy and attractive if natural but is thought to be somewhat frivolous and vain if it is achieved through breast augmentation surgery.

These women are usually aware of these social attitudes towards breast augmentation but they proceed with the surgery in spite of that. This demonstrates the power of this desire as well as the improvement in quality of life these interventions may be bringing.