Breast augmentation is a highly personal cosmetic surgery. It also is one of the most popular. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2018 more than 313,000 breast augmentations were performed in the U.S. Despite its obvious favor among female patients, it may be surprising to learn that, unfortunately, some women are not considered to be good candidates for this procedure.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY are leading experts in the field of breast augmentation, having treated countless Long Island area patients. Their tremendous knowledge and experience performing breast augmentations make them uniquely qualified to determine who is suited for this transformative procedure - as well as who may not be.
The basics of breast augmentation
Also called augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation works to increase and improve the size, volume, and shape of one or both breasts. In most cases, silicone or saline implants are surgically placed beneath the muscles of the chest or below the breast tissue. Incisions generally are made in the crease below the breast (known as the inframammary fold), around the nipple, or in the underarm area, through which the implant is inserted. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after they are placed, while silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel in a variety of sizes. Once the implant is placed, the incision is closed.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
There are numerous reasons why women in the Long Island area opt for breast augmentation. Quite often, it is performed for cosmetic purposes. Some patients wish to increase the size of their natural breasts or improve their symmetry. Following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, others want to restore or improve their breast size and shape. In other instances, women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery following treatment.
After surgery, it is not unusual for breast augmentation patients to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness for several weeks. Most women find it helps to wear a sports bra or compression bandages as they heal and the implants settle into place. Strenuous activities, including exercise, should be avoided for approximately two weeks following surgery. Depending on the physical demands of your job, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery may give you the green light to return to work within a week or more of your procedure. Scars will result from breast augmentation, but these should fade over time.
Ideally, candidates for breast augmentation are nonsmokers whose general health is considered to be good. They should follow a proper diet and exercise regime since these can help speed up the recovery process. It also is important to maintain a healthy weight. Long Island patients should have the ability to fully understand what the surgery involves, such as its costs as well as the benefits that can be achieved. This may include an enhanced figure and an improved sense of self-confidence about their appearance. They also should be capable of setting and maintaining realistic expectations for the aesthetic and other outcomes of their surgery. While augmentation changes the size, firmness, and symmetry of the breasts and can make you look younger, it should not be relied upon solely to improve the quality of personal relationships or other life experiences.
Who is not a candidate for breast augmentation?
There are several factors that can cause patients to be deemed as not well-suited for breast augmentation. These may include:
Age - Women under the age of 18 usually are not considered good candidates for breast augmentation. This is due to the fact that the breasts of most females continue to develop through adolescence and into their 20s. When surgery is performed before this development is complete, enhanced breasts may become deformed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding – It is advised that most elective cosmetic procedures should be avoided during pregnancy. As part of breast augmentation, changes are made to the tissues in the breast that are responsible for secreting milk. Likewise, mothers who are actively breastfeeding should postpone augmentation surgery until at least six weeks after they have weaned.
Emotional or mental concerns - Patients in the Long Island area who struggle with low self-esteem or mental instability related to issues not directly associated with the appearance of their breasts may not be good candidates for augmentation. The procedure should not be viewed as a distraction for those suffering from depression or mood disorders, who are reeling from a recent life crisis, or are in search of a replacement for professional therapy or counseling. Likewise, prior to all elective cosmetic surgeries, those who battle body image disorders should obtain assistance from a licensed mental health provider. The self-esteem boost that often results from this surgery is usually only temporary and is not likely to correct the psychological causes associated with poor body image. Finally, breast augmentation should not be undergone in an attempt to preserve a struggling marriage or other personal relationships.
An infection - Despite the fact that it most often is performed for cosmetic reasons, it is important to remember that breast augmentation is considered major surgery. Therefore, it is vitally important that a patient is in good general health prior to the procedure and free of infections that could impact the healing and recovery processes.
Unrealistic expectations - Cosmetic surgery can be the spark that initiates a person to make substantive changes in their life. However, it is not a good idea to undergo breast augmentation if you expect the procedure to produce major changes in all aspects of your life. Doing so may result in long-lasting, negative psychological consequences that can have an impact on your mental health and self-confidence levels.
A lack of education about the procedure - As with any cosmetic surgery, it is critical to educate yourself about breast augmentation prior to your procedure. Be aware of any risks involved, as well as what is to be expected during the recovery process and beyond. Being educated about breast augmentation is one of the best ways to ensure that your surgery is a success and that you are able to enjoy your excellent aesthetic results for years to come.
To learn whether you are an outstanding candidate for breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY. Long Island patients can be certain that they will receive top-level, expert care as well as the enhanced figure and confidence boost that they desire through breast augmentation.
