Getting the Facts about Breast Augmentation
Since it was founded in 1968, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been recognized throughout the medical community as one of the Southeast’s premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery centers, and over the course of those nearly fifty years we have seen trends in plastic surgery evolve a great deal. However, one thing that has almost always remained constant is the popularity of breast augmentation surgery. In the last year alone, nearly 300,000 women chose to undergo surgery to increase the size of their breasts and, even more significantly, the procedure has maintained an extremely high satisfaction rate, with 98% of women surveyed reporting that their results met or even exceeded their expectations. However, despite its widespread popularity, many people still have misconceptions about this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. At Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., we believe that optimal plastic surgery results and satisfaction are best achieved when we educate our patients as much as possible about every aspect of their procedures, and so here are some important things that you should know about breast augmentation procedures.
FACT: Silicone Breast Implants are extremely safe.
Despite rumors back in the 1980’s and 90’s that the silicone gel commonly used in breast implants might cause various medical problems, extensive testing performed on thousands of women led the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to conclusively state, in 2006, that this was simply not true. Even in extremely rare cases when a breast implant ruptures as a result of trauma to the device itself, the sterile saline or silicone gel inside the breast implant does not interact negatively with the body, nor has it been shown to cause an increased risk of disease or autoimmune disorders.
FACT: Breast Augmentation is for women of all ages.
While many believe that only young women undergo breast augmentation surgery, this is actually not true. Nearly one third of all cosmetic breast augmentation procedures in the United States are performed on women over the age of forty. In fact, since almost 90% of the women who have breast augmentation wait until after they have had children, the average age of women undergoing the procedure is thirty-four years old. Finally, breast implants are also commonly used in women of all ages during breast reconstruction procedures, where the breast mound is rebuilt and restored after a mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer.
FACT: Breast Augmentation does NOT necessarily require breast implants.
While the surgical implantation saline or silicone breast implants is certainly the most common breast augmentation method, it is not the only option available. Technological advances have made it possible for women to achieve larger and fuller-looking breasts through the use of fat transfer techniques alone. Excess fat, removed via liposuction from the patient’s thighs or abdomen, can be purified and reinjected into the breasts, increasing volume without extensive surgery and with no risk of triggering allergic reaction. In some cases, fat transfer is also used to further refine and supplement the appearance of standard breast implants for more natural looking results.
FACT: Breast Implants do NOT interfere with a woman’s ability to breast feed.
Many women have the mistaken belief that getting breast implants will make breast feeding impossible or that the implants could potentially transfer harmful chemicals to the infant, but there is no cause for concern. Most surgical procedures used to place breast implants specifically do not involve the ducts or glandular tissue necessary for breast feeding, and so there is no anatomical reason why breast implants should interfere with a woman’s ability to do so. In fact, many women choose to undergo specialized mommy makeover procedures, which may include breast augmentation, as a way to help restore the appearance of their bodies after pregnancy.
Every patient’s body is unique, and so it is important to consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon specialized in breast enhancement procedures in order to determine whether or not a procedure like breast augmentation is right for you. If you are interested in talking to one of our board-certified plastic surgeons about your options in breast surgery, viewing before and after pictures, and learning about the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we can provide in order to assist you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices.
