If you’re like many women across the country, you may have considered getting breast implants at one time or another and even begun researching the surgery. With the growing popularity of breast augmentation, the amount of information available about the procedure can be overwhelming. The dedicated team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James N. Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, is committed to helping Long Island, NY patients understand the pros and cons of breast implants and, ultimately, decide whether a breast augmentation is right for them. To better determine how a breast augmentation may benefit you, it is important to first understand some basics about the procedure.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery designed to increase the volume of the breasts through the placement of artificial implants or a fat transfer to the breast.
Why get implants?
There are many reasons that prompt women to pursue breast augmentation, some of the most common include:
- Desire larger breasts
- Want to feel more feminine
- Restore lost breast volume after having children
- Achieve natural contour after mastectomy for breast cancer
- Correct breast asymmetry, possibly due to trauma
- Boost self-confidence
Regardless of your personal reason for wanting breast implants, the caring surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery can help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
Are breast implants safe?
Both saline and silicone gel implants are FDA approved for use in breast augmentation procedures and are widely considered to be extremely safe by patients and surgeons alike. As with any procedure, there are some surgical risks associated with breast augmentation, including anesthesia risks. However, most healthy patients tolerate the procedure very well without complications. Some of the additional risks associated with breast implants specifically include:
- Implant rupture
- Acute or chronic implant pain
- Temporary or long-term loss of nipple sensation
- Asymmetry
- Dissatisfaction with results
- Breast implant-associated illness, such as BIA-ALCL
While the risk of postoperative complications is low, choosing a highly qualified and experienced surgeon to perform your breast augmentation remains essential to ensure your best possible chance for a successful procedure and beautiful results.
How long do breast implants last?
Although breast implants are not designed to be life-long devices, most women are able to enjoy their implants for about ten years before needing a replacement. The most common reason that a patient will require an early replacement is implant rupture, which can occur as a result of trauma or, in some cases, for unknown reasons.
What are the pros and cons of getting breast implants?
The majority of points that could be considered pros or cons regarding breast implants are subjective and center around the lifestyle and personal preferences of each patient. With that in mind, here is a brief breakdown of some of the common cited positive and negative aspects of breast implants:
Pros of breast implants
- Transform your figure
- Restore lost breast volume
- Boost self-confidence
- Help clothes fit better
- Multiple sizes, shapes, and materials to choose from
- FDA approved
- Long-lasting
Cons of breast implants
- Foreign body
- May need replacement
- Some association with BIA-ALCL, though extremely rare
What should I expect from the recovery after a breast augmentation?
Once you have made the decision to get breast implants, there are seemingly endless things to think about. Imagining the different styles of clothing you’ll be able to wear and picturing your new look can be exciting, to say the least. However, you’ll also want to begin thinking about your recovery and make sure you plan ahead for the postoperative period.
For the first 1 – 2 days after surgery, patients can expect some level of discomfort, grogginess, and swelling. Your doctor will prescribe medications and recommend at-home methods to help relieve these symptoms. In the next several days, you may begin to feel a little bit more mobile, but it is important to remember that your ability to lift or move your upper body freely will likely be severely limited. For this reason, it is highly recommended that patients arrange to have around-the-clock help for the first 3 – 4 days after breast augmentation. For patients with young children, extended help will be needed.
Most women return to work after about two weeks, provided their job does not require any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Some patients may be able to return to light desk work after about 7 – 10 days if cleared by their doctor. While each patient’s recovery may be slightly different, there are a few things that can help make the process as easy and comfortable as possible, including:
- Get plenty of rest
- Plan to have help
- Follow your doctor’s guidelines
- Take all prescribed medications
- Wear supportive undergarments
- Go to all of your post-operative appointments
- Sleep on your back, partially propped up
- Avoid lifting or strenuous physical activity
- Eat a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t rush your recovery
How do I find the best breast augmentation surgeon in Long Island?
If you are interested in learning more about how breast implants can help you achieve the stunning physique you have always wanted, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified, board-certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. Call the convenient Huntington, NY office of Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. James N. Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev today, and begin the exciting journey of enhancing your look with breast implants.
