If you are tired of not liking what you see regarding the shape or size of your natural breasts, then it might be the right time to consider breast augmentation. This process can seem daunting, so it is important to address all of your most burning questions with an expert plastic surgeon who is well-versed in this transformative procedure so you can make an informed decision. Whether your natural breasts have changed with age, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy, or you were just born with an undesirable size, breast augmentation can be life-changing and a boost to your self-esteem.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, can help as you begin your journey toward breast augmentation. It is their mission to provide patients with superior cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery treatments, including all forms of breast augmentation. Utilizing the latest technologies in cosmetic procedures, our highly skilled plastic surgeons will assist you in making your aesthetic goals a reality.
Below, our plastic surgeons answer seven of the most common questions asked regarding breast augmentation. They aim to fully educate patients on all aspects of this cosmetic procedure, arming them with the most up-to-date knowledge on what to expect before, during, and after.
1. What can breast augmentation achieve?
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S., giving women immediate results when it comes to reshaping and resizing their breasts. Thousands of women undergo this cosmetic procedure every day, and as a result, are left with more voluminous and shapelier breasts. Patients in the Jacksonville, FL area can rely on the board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery to provide them with a surgical plan to address their specific needs when it comes to breast augmentation, whether it involves breast implants or breast implants combined with a breast lift. Typically in most breast augmentation procedures, saline or silicone breast implants are used and are placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle -- all of which will be discussed during your consultation.
2. Why would I need to get breast implants?
Patients in the Jacksonville, FL area, have many personal reasons for considering breast augmentation with include:
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Small chest, so clothes or bathing suits don't fit right and patients are self-conscious about their small breast size
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Weight loss, pregnancy, or age has changed the look of their natural breasts
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Reconstruction due to a mastectomy
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Want to look and feel better about the appearance of their chest area
Thanks in part to today's advancements in breast implants devices, there are several different options when it comes to the type, size, shape, and material.
3. How do I know what size breast implants to choose?
One of the most common questions asked by women when it comes to breast implants is, "what size should I get?" The trend in implant size has shifted slightly to be a bit smaller as women become more aware or concerned about looking too big or unnatural. Many women are also becoming fitness-focused, so they are more aware of having breasts that will not hinder or interfere with their active lifestyle. Each breast augmentation procedure performed by the plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery is customized for each patient’s aesthetic and physical needs. Your body type as well as your height, weight, and current chest size are all factors taken into account at your consultation to determine the best implant size and type for you.
4. Is one type of implant superior over the other?
The choices are numerous, and it can seem like a challenging decision as to which type of implant to choose. Silicone implants are still the most popular for their natural feel and look. Saline implants are also a desired choice for their sterile saltwater solution and their ability to be filled inside the body once inserted. There are also teardrop-shaped, or "gummy bear" implants that also contain silicone but look more natural in shape.
Some patients opt for a more natural choice when it comes to breast augmentation with fat grafting, or a fat transfer procedure, where an implant is not used. This innovative technique extracts unwanted excess fat from another area of the body via liposuction and injects it back into the breasts to boost the appearance of their chest in a less invasive option. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Jacksonville, FL area can help guide you towards the right implant style.
5. Will I lose feeling in my nipples?
Some patients do have sensory changes after breast augmentation, especially in women who get larger implants. Although not uncommon to lose some sensation, in most cases, it returns within 6-12 months after the procedure or sooner. If it happens at all, this side effect varies by patient.
6. Are "post-surgery" blues a reality?
While doing your research on breast augmentation, you may have seen this condition mentioned. It does occur in some patients who struggle after surgery. When prominently changing an aspect of your body, such as with breast augmentation, patients may have too high immediate expectations. Days after the surgery, they begin to worry about the final result. Some patients even question if they did the right thing at all. The key to any cosmetic procedure is to be patient and let your body heal properly. It takes months for the body to get back to normal and for your new implants to "settle in." The concerns will dissipate, and eventually, you will settle into and love your new look.
7. What is recovery from breast augmentation like?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, so planning ahead of time is essential for a smooth and easy recovery. Patients who do their due diligence before surgery can give their body time to heal and avoid unnecessary complications. Most patients will need to take time out from work and regular daily activities and have full time help the first 48-72 hours post-op. Make sure your recovery space is ready, and all your medications are available upon your arrival home. Take adequate time off work, the gym, and other obligations to allow your body time to heal.
Deciding to change your appearance cosmetically is a big decision. Doing your homework before any type of plastic surgery procedure will only make you better prepared. When it comes to breast augmentation, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Cosmetic Surgery in Ponte Vedra, FL, offer the skill and experience needed to deliver your desired end results. If you still have more questions about how a breast augmentation can benefit you, we invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons. Following a comprehensive exam, all your questions about this transformative procedure will be addressed and a customized breast augmentation plan will be formulated just for you.
