What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as breast enlargement, augmentation mammoplasty, or colloquially as a "boob job," is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This is the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery in the United States, Australia and the top 5 cosmetic procedures globally. It is often sought by individuals who wish to restore breast volume lost due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It's also popular for those who naturally have less breast tissue than they would like, to feel more cosmetically pleasing and proportionate to their bodies.

The procedure typically involves the use of breast implants, which vary in size, shape, and projection (the distance the breast extends from the chest). These implants are either filled with silicone gel or saline (sterile saltwater) and are inserted through small incisions. Common incision sites include around the nipples (periareolar), under the breast (inframammary fold), or in the armpit (transaxillary). Once inserted, the implants are positioned either beneath or above the pectoral muscle. Your surgeon will work with you to select the implants that best suit your physical characteristics and desired outcome.

An alternative method, known as breast fat transfer, involves removing excess fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts. This method is sometimes combined with implants to achieve a more natural look by softening and concealing the implant edges.

For individuals concerned about sagging, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift. This additional procedure raises the breasts and repositions the nipples to create a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Breast augmentation is a general term for enhancing the shape of the breast area. There are various methods of enhancing the breast using a variety of different techniques and materials.

What is the cost of breast surgery?

Internationally, breast surgery costs vary widely, but some countries are known for offering more affordable options while maintaining quality. Turkey and Thailand are often cited as leading destinations for affordable breast augmentation, with average costs ranging from $2500USD to $5000USD. In contrast, the USA, UK, and Canada tend to have higher costs, with average ranges of $8,000-$15,000, £3,000-£6,000, and CAD 10,000-CAD 16,000, respectively.

Factors influencing breast surgery costs:

• Surgeon's experience and expertise: More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees.

• Geographic location: Costs can vary significantly between countries and even within the same country.

• Procedure complexity: More complex procedures, like breast lifts or reconstructions, will generally cost more.

• Anesthesia and facility: The type of anesthesia used and the facility where the surgery is performed can impact the overall cost.

• Pre- and post-operative care: The duration and type of follow-up care provided by the surgeon and their facility can influence the total cost.

• While cost is a factor, it's crucial to ensure the quality of medical facilities and the surgeon's experience.

How to Prepare for the procedure

Your journey begins with a consultation with one or more plastic surgeons. Opting for a board-certified specialist in breast surgery ensures you'll be under the care of a skilled and experienced professional.

During the consultation, the surgeon will conduct a physical exam, which includes measuring your chest wall and breasts. They'll discuss their surgical recommendations, such as incision locations, explain potential risks, and outline the recovery process and timeline.

For breast implants, your surgeon will guide you in selecting the ideal size, type, incision site, and placement to achieve your desired results. Some surgeons use 3D imaging technology to help you visualize the outcomes of various implant options, while others let you try on implants in your bra to get a sense of their weight and appearance.

How is breast augmentation surgery is preformed?

Breast surgery is usually preformed under general anesthetic or local aesthetic with IV sedation. The procedure will vary depending on what type of surgery is being performed.

Breast Augmentation with surgery

The surgeon makes an incision, typically under the breast, armpit, or around the nipple and creates a pocket for the implant. The implant is then inserted and positioned, and the incision is closed with sutures.

Breast surgery with fat transfer

Breast augmentation with fat transfer surgery involves harvesting fat from one area of the body (like the hips or abdomen) using liposuction, processing it, and then injecting it into the breasts to increase volume and to improve shape.

Breast surgery with breast lift

Breast augmentation with a lift, also known as augmentation-mastopexy, combines breast lift and augmentation procedures into one surgery. It involves raising, enlarging, and firming the breasts by using implants or harvested fat and removing excess skin. The procedure aims to restore breast volume and shape and can also address sagging and/ or unevenness.

Risks and Possible side effects of breast surgery

While being a generally being a safe procedure, particularly if you're in the hands of a board certified physician, breast augmentation surgery carries several risks and potential side effects that it's important to be aware of. These include; infection, bleeding, capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant), and implant rupture. Your physician should discuss these with you prior to your surgery because in some cases, the only remedy is secondary surgery. Other risks include changes in nipple and breast sensation, asymmetry, malposition, and, in rare cases, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Some possible risks from a breast fat transfer are but not limited to:

• Cysts

• Infection

• Microcalcifications (hard lumps)

• Necrosis (death) of fat cells

• Possibility that some of the transferred fat cells will leave the breast area, this is known as fat migration.

How long do results from breast augmentation last?

Breast implant surgery results typically endure for at least a decade. It's commonly said that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years but this is in fact a misconception. However, it's important to note that they are not designed to last forever. According to a 2011 FDA report, approximately 20% of women with silicone implants require revisions within 10 years due to issues like capsular contracture, leaks, or other complications.

Without such complications, modern implants may last as long as 20 years or in some cases even longer. Fat transfer results can often persist even longer, but breasts will naturally age and change in size with weight fluctuations. With time, they also have the potential to sag as skin loses elasticity over time. This is why many patients consider revision surgery after roughly a decade.

How long is recovery for the procedure?

Full recovery from breast augmentation surgery typically takes about 6-8 weeks, allowing time for the body to heal and for swelling and bruising to subside. While some women feel relatively normal within a week and can resume some of their normal activities, it's important to avoid any strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least the first six weeks to avoid any complications.

First week:

Swelling and bruising are most pronounced at this stage. Patients may experience soreness and fatigue, but many can return to light daily activities during this stage.

First few weeks:

Swelling and bruising gradually begin to reduce, along with a lessening of pain. Many patients can return to work and their normal routines, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should still be strictly avoided.

Weeks 4-6:

Swelling should be significantly reduced, and patients can begin to resume more moderate activities. However, it's still recommended to avoid activities that put strain on the pectoral muscles.

Weeks 6-8:

Full recovery is typically achieved during this stage, with most patients able to resume all normal activities, including strenuous exercise.

Can you still breastfeed with breast surgery?

Breastfeeding with implants is generally safe; however, there is research that indicates that any breast surgery, particularly procedures involving nipple incisions, may have an affect on milk ducts and lead to reduced milk production.

In contrast, fat transfer breast augmentation poses a lower risk to breastfeeding capability, as long as no additional nipple surgery is involved.