Breast augmentation surgery remains the number one requested cosmetic surgical procedure, but not everyone’s motivations for change are the same.
Women pursue implant surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from the need to correct congenital or developmental anatomical abnormalities, to the desire to restore breasts to a more youthful shape and position. Other women might simply want to increase the size of their bust and cleavage, bringing it into alignment with their overall body shape.
Augmentation may also be needed to reconstruct a damaged or missing breast following injury, illness or mastectomy. Each motivation carries with it a unique importance to the affected individual, and it’s therefore imperative you’re honest with yourself and your surgeon in order to maximise the chances of a positive outcome.
Because everyone differs not only in their goals and motivation for change, but also in their physical appearance, so too do they require an individual surgical plan. Prior to the surgery, your doctor will explain all the options so you can make informed decisions about all the different factors involved in a breast augmentation.
Realistic expectations
The psychology behind the decision to have breast augmentation is a significant facet of the procedure and will have a bearing on whether you are ultimately satisfied or dissatisfied with the results. An ideal candidate for breast implant surgery understands the reality of what surgery can achieve, has a thorough understanding of the procedure’s limitations, and is both mentally and physically secure.
Most surgeons spend a great deal of time evaluating patients to decide whether they are suitable candidates for breast augmentation. It’s important to remember that preparation for surgery is not just physical. You must also be emotionally and mentally ready for the changes that are about to take place, and ensure that you are mentally and emotionally stable prior to the surgery.
Your consultation
Before your breast augmentation, the initial consultation with your surgeon gives you the opportunity to ask important questions and for the surgeon to carefully evaluate your goals and expectations. It is important to make sure you are confident in the surgeon you have chosen and are comfortable discussing your concerns with them.
The surgeon should be able to answer your concerns, while providing all relevant information before your surgery. They will discuss a number of important options, including the location of incision, the size and type of breast implant and where it will be located. These decisions will generally be dependent on your anatomy and personal preference.
When deciding to have a breast augmentation, you may also be required to undertake an additional procedure, such as a breast lift. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon during the consultation.
Reaching decisions
Before surgery you will need to make a number of important decisions. With the help of your surgeon, you’ll need to decide on the size, shape and type of implant, where it will be positioned and where the incisions will be made. Each of these decisions depend on your anatomy, body size, chest measurements and end-goal.
The majority of patients who request a breast augmentation are looking to increase their cleavage. The amount of cleavage achieved depends on the shape of the breasts and the diameter of the breasts pre-operatively as well as the degree of breast augmentation and the amount of breast tissue. For example, women with minimal soft tissue and widely separated breasts are unlikely to achieve a well-defined cleavage without causing the risk of implant visibility and palpability post-procedure.
Choosing your ideal implant
There is more to choosing the right implant for you than just the cup size. It is essential you choose a breast implant that suits your unique body shape and size.
Temporary sizers are available to help you eliminate uncertainty and anxieties while determining a final breast size that you are happy with. The final result depends on your existing breast size, the width of the soft tissue that covers the breast, the bulk of the muscle and the tightness of the skin envelope.
