Thinking about getting breast implants? You’re not alone. Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure and the latest statistics show more women than ever are opting for breast enhancement surgery. That’s true in Kentucky, too, as we’re seeing more breast augmentation patients in Louisville and Lexington, KY.
But where do you start when researching the procedure and plastic surgery practices? It can be a bit overwhelming for many patients who may not know the difference between saline and silicone breast implants. In this blog post, we’ll address what we think are 5 of the most important things to know about breast augmentation. Armed with these facts, you can go into a consultation with more confidence about what you want and with a greater understanding of the type of plastic surgeon you need.
- Board-certification matters. A lot. Be sure to double-check the credentials of surgeons who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons.” Physicians who are general surgeons can refer to themselves as cosmetic surgeons, but not plastic surgeons. True plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and have far more training and experience than general surgeons and must pass a rigorous test to earn that distinction. Cosmetic surgery boards exist, but only ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which is the largest physician-led specialty certification organization in the United States.
- Going from tiny to huge is not realistic. Choosing the size of breast implants can be both exciting and a bit stressful. Too small? Too big? An experienced plastic surgeon can help you choose the implants that will accomplish your cosmetic goals and look natural for your body type, which is what the majority of women want from breast augmentation. Choosing the size of implants isn’t an exact science, so beware of surgeons who promise very specific results—they may fall short of delivering on it.
- Breast implants can affect posture. It’s important to choose breast implants that are proportional to your body’s frame. Overly large breasts can not only affect your posture, but may cause neck or shoulder pain and headaches. It’s also important to consider your lifestyle when choosing implants. If you’re a runner, for example, large breasts may be a hindrance to your active life.
- It will hurt—and recovery takes time. If a surgeon downplays the discomfort involved with the recovery after breast augmentation surgery, seriously consider getting a second opinion. Advanced surgical techniques have reduced the recovery time needed, but expect some pain. Most women take 3 to 5 days off work for recovery, and more time is needed for a full recovery before you go back to regular activity.
- It will take time to see the true results. You need to be patient after your breast augmentation. Your breasts initially will seem to sit high on the chest and may look unnatural. As the swelling and bruising resolve and the tissues soften, implants begin to look and feel more natural. A vast majority of women are extremely satisfied with the appearance of their breasts after getting implants.
You can see the types of results our patients enjoy by browsing our gallery of before-and-after photos. If you’re looking for a breast augmentation specialist in the Louisville area, contact us using the online form to request a consultation or call us at (502) 899-9979.
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