Breast Augmentation Without the Compromises

Women deal with stress every day. Whether it comes from your responsibilities in the workplace or the demands of family life, stress seems to be almost unavoidable. However, there is no reason that it needs to be associated with plastic surgery. It is normal for cosmetic procedures such as breast surgery, a tummy tuck, or liposuction to contribute to anxiety in some patients. Proactively working towards your cosmetic goals should make you feel excited and optimistic, but many women end up feeling nervous instead. You can put a stop to the anxiety about a breast augmentation before it even begins. Do your best to educate yourself—understanding your options for breast implants will put you in the right direction towards calming your nerves.

Consider Your Implants

If you are concerned about a lack of breast tissue, breast symmetry, or want to return to your pre-pregnancy breast volume, you should research the different breast implant options available. With research and technological advances, breast implants are safer than ever. The FDA strictly regulates all breast implants to ensure they are safe medical devices for patient use. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to which type of implant you choose, but there are certain drawbacks to both saline implants and silicone gel implants that are important to consider.

• Saline Implants – Saline implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women 18 and older. These implants are similar to a water balloon filled with sterile salt water. They provide a firm, uniform shape, and if they leak, you have no need to worry about adverse effects on your body. Saline implants can tend to wrinkle, and some people believe they do not closely resemble the feel of natural breast tissue. 

• Silicone Gel Implants – Silicone gel breast implants are FDA-approved for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery in women 22 and older. A silicone gel-filled implant looks and feels more like natural breast tissue because the silicone gel is more viscous than saline. These implants are the most popular choice for women in America because of their realistic appearance. However, because of the risk of silent rupture, women should be aware of the need for periodic MRIs or ultrasounds to check for implant leaks in the future. 

Talk It Out

When you feel comfortable with your choice of implant, there may still be other factors contributing to your anxiety. Thinking of your post surgery pain and recovery can also cause concern. If you can, speak with a friend who has already had breast augmentation. First-hand accounts of what to expect with your surgery will give you more information and ideas about what to discuss with your doctor. Next, talk to your doctor and share your concerns so that your surgeon can explain your expected recovery, pain, and the final results from your surgery. Sometimes what we fear the most is the unknown, so doing your due diligence will help to ease your mind. 

Consider the Results

Remembering your reasons for wanting plastic surgery can also help calm your nerves. What motivated you to pursue breast augmentation in the first place? Whether you think your breasts are too small, asymmetrical, or disproportionate, it all comes down to having the desire to like the way you look. Feeling satisfied with your appearance can do wonders for your self-confidence. Visualize yourself with the results you hope to see after your procedure. If adding volume to your breasts is something that would help improve the way you see and feel about yourself, it is well worth the surgery and recovery to achieve your cosmetic goals. 

Once you have a vision of the look you want, do your best to communicate it clearly to your plastic surgeon. Simply telling your doctor you want a natural look may not be the best way to convey your goals. A better way to describe your desired outcome is to bring photos of breast enhancement patients whose results you like. Be sure to choose photos of women who closely resemble your own body type. Some surgeons ask patients to bring a bra that fits their ideal breast size to their consultation appointment. Do some thinking about how you want to look and feel after your procedure, and be ready to discuss it thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. 

Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline 

Knowing what to expect after your surgery can help you feel relaxed as you prepare for the big day. You will also be able to better determine which situations might warrant a call to your doctor. Every woman’s healing process is different, but in general, you can anticipate the following stages after your breast enhancement procedure.

• Immediately After Surgery: Breast augmentation is performed with the use of general anesthesia in most cases, so afterwards you will wake in a recovery room. You may feel tired, but pain should be minimal. If you experience side effects from the anesthesia, your nurses will work to control any discomfort. Most patients are able to go home after about an hour in recovery.
• The First Few Days: Your surgeon will likely schedule a post-operative office visit for one of the days immediately following your procedure. It is essential to follow all of your doctor’s instructions, from taking your prescriptions to refraining from strenuous activity. The first three to five days of breast enlargement recovery are when women feel the most discomfort. Soreness, swelling, and tightness are common during this time, so don’t be afraid to use the pain medication your doctor prescribes.
• One Week: One week after your breast augmentation, your discomfort should be minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. You should continue sleeping on your back for at least the first several weeks. Most patients will have returned to work by this time, as long as no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is required. You should feel better each day, but if you notice anything concerning (such as severe pain), do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. 
• The Next Few Weeks: You will continue to visit your plastic surgeon’s office to have your results monitored. Swelling and soreness may persist during the first four to six weeks of recovery. Many doctors clear their patients for light exercise that does not involve the upper body or cause excessive movement of the breasts. Your breasts may continue to appear high and tight during the first few weeks of your recovery, but should gradually drop and soften over the next several weeks. It is also not uncommon for one breast to drop and appear lower than the other temporarily. This should resolve within a few months as your body continues to heal. 
• Three Months Post-Op: By six-to-eight weeks, breast augmentation patients are typically considered healed and are cleared for a full return to their normal activities. However, the breasts will continue to settle over the next six months to one year. Additionally, mild swelling can last up to several months. Scars will also fade gradually over this time period, assuming patients care for them properly.   

The most important piece of advice you can apply to your breast enlargement journey is to strictly follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions. Doing so will help you avoid complications, heal more quickly, and get the best results possible. It is also essential to not rush too quickly back into your normal routine. If you are tempted to do things like vacuum your house or pick up a heavy bag of groceries, stop and ask yourself whether it is worth a potential setback to your recovery. Let someone else help you with chores and other demanding tasks – you won’t regret it.

Benefits of Breast Enhancement

With so many factors that can affect the way breasts look, it’s no wonder breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in America. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight loss, and heredity all contribute to unwanted changes in breast appearance. With a deflated or disproportionate looking bust, it can be hard to find flattering clothing and swimwear. Adding volume to your chest with implants is an effective way to enhance your appearance and increase your confidence. Having plastic surgery is about making physical changes to achieve your personal cosmetic goals. If you feel pressured to have a procedure or are doing it to please someone else, you should rethink your decision. However, when done for the right reasons, breast enhancement can be a healthy way to boost self-esteem. 

Consider Your Doctor 

Getting ready for breast enlargement is exciting, but don’t rush through your selection process when it comes to finding a plastic surgeon. A well-qualified, experienced surgeon can make all the difference in not only your results, but in your health, safety, and comfort as well. Friends’ recommendations and online reviews can be a helpful starting point, but your research should go further to ensure you are getting the best level of care. Here are some of the steps breast augmentation patients should take to find the right doctor:

• Check for license suspension or revocation on your state’s Board of Medicine website.
• Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 
• Review your doctor’s before and after photo gallery 
• Ask about the amount of experience your surgeon has with your procedure. 
• Go with your instincts – even if a surgeon looks good on paper, it is ok to walk away if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
• Evaluate the quality of your plastic surgeon’s office staff. Are they prompt and helpful?

You have heard about the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, but do you know why It’s so important? A board-certified plastic surgeon has graduated from medical school, completed years of surgical training, completed additional training for plastic surgery, and passed both oral and written exams. These surgeons are required to operate in an accredited facility. An experienced and certified doctor is the foundation to having the best possible experience with your plastic surgery. Having confidence in your plastic surgeon’s training, certification, and experience goes a long way in easing anxiety about your breast augmentation. To learn more about why you should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, watch the video below.

Breast Enlargement Experience You Can Trust

Plastic surgery doesn’t need to cause fear or anxiety. When you understand your options for breast implants in Lubbock, it gives you the freedom to look forward to and enjoy your breast enhancement. Dr. Jane Rowley has more than 20 years of experience performing breast augmentation. She will explain your procedure and recovery expectations thoroughly, giving you clear information about your surgery and what to expect. You can put your mind at ease knowing that at Rowley Plastic Surgery, you are in the best possible care. Call today to schedule your no-obligation