Top 5 Questions to ask before Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation/breast enlargement remains to be one of the top cosmetic procedures performed today. In 2007 alone, a total of 347,524 women had breast implant surgery.

Going under the knife to improve the look of the breasts is a major step for many women. And often, this step is a positive one.

Studies have it that breast augmentation can help in boosting self-esteem, body image, and improve one’s sexual satisfaction. However, like other medical procedures, there are things that you need to think about it.

If you are contemplating of having breast augmentation, then you may want to ask the following questions to your cosmetic surgeon:

1. How much does breast augmentation cost?

Breast augmentation cost is certainly one of the things you need to ask, as there may be a need to plan carefully to afford the procedure.

Breast implant surgery is not cheap. It can cost you over SGD$9000 depending on the type of breast augmentation you want to have. While price is a factor, it should not be the only consideration when choosing a surgeon. Surgical expertise and surgical room safety should still be the prime consideration.

2. What would breast augmentation surgery be like?

Undergoing breast augmentation surgery can be both a thrilling and intimidating experience. However, knowing what to expect before, during, and after the surgery can help in alleviating the fear and anxiety. It can make you feel more excited than anxious about the procedure.

Before the surgery:

There will be consultation with your surgeon before the procedure. During the consultation, your doctor will explain the entire process of the breast implant surgery. You will be asked for your preference regarding the size, the type of breast implant, and the shape. Depending on your choices, your doctor will recommend whether to place the implant above or below the muscle.

There are some surgeons that offers 3D Imaging for the patient to allow the patient to have a look at the post-op result of the breast implants according to the models selected. This imagining tool allows a patient to view their “new” breast in 3D environment. Patients can select different sizes and see the results in 3D view. This is a relatively new system and not many surgeons are offering this. Some will even charge an additional fee in order to render the 3D images.

If you’re a smoker, you’ll be asked to refrain from smoking at least six weeks before your scheduled surgery. Smoking is a major risk factor for postoperative complications. It can affect the administration of anesthesia, delay wound healing, and can affect the overall outcome of the surgery.

Aside from smoking, you’ll also be asked to refrain from taking blood-thinning agents such as aspirin and heparin, supplements, and multivitamins as they can increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure.

On the day of surgery:

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. It can be done in a day surgery center.

On the day of your surgery, it would be best to wear comfortable clothes and to have someone with you who can drive you home after the procedure.

Breast augmentation is done under anesthesia; hence, you will not be feeling any pain during the whole process of it. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make a cut or incision in one of these places: in the crease under your breast, around your nipple, or under your arm.

The surgeon will create a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall. The implant will be inserted in this pocket.

When the implant has been in place, the incision will be closed with sutures and will be bandaged using skin adhesive and surgical tape.

After the surgery:

You will be taken to the recovery room until the effect of anesthesia wears off and your vital signs are stable. Before you will be discharged from the facility, you will be given instructions and information regarding your take-home medications (your surgeon will most likely prescribe you with pain meds), possible side effects, and activity.

Soreness, swelling, and bruising may occur a few weeks after surgery but they won’t last for too long. Some may be recommended to wear compression garments or sports bra for extra support and positioning for your breast implants.

As for the activity, you will be advised to avoid any strenuous activity such as contact sports or anything that would cause jarring movements of your breasts for a few weeks after the surgery.

3. How long is breast augmentation recovery time?

For 3 to 7 days after the surgery, you will be required to minimize your physical activity. You can gradually increase your physical activity though over time.

Breast augmentation recovery could vary. The downtime is largely dependent on where the incision was placed, the size of the implant, and where the implant was placed – whether it’s placed above or below the pectoral muscle.

4. Will breast augmentation scars fade completely?

Breast augmentation scars are dependent on the method of incision used. There are ways though to make them as subtle as possible. Scar massage, the use of silicone sheets or scar gels, fractionated laser therapy, and the use of sunscreen can help in preventing the scars from darkening and can help in making them barely visible after a considerable amount of time. Surgeons are constantly looking out for ways to minimise the scar of the incision. There are some unique techniques developed to minimise the scarring.

5. Will breastfeeding ruin the implants?

If you’re having a breast implant surgery that’s compatible with breastfeeding, you may be wondering if nursing your child would ruin the implants.

The good news is, breast implants would not affect breastfeeding if the correct method is selected.

According to a new study*, women with breast implants shouldn’t worry that breastfeeding will cause sagging. What usually causes breast sagging is the hormonal change that happens after pregnancy. So, there’s nothing to worry about if you’re planning to breastfeed after having breast augmentation.

Shens Clinic in Singapore consist a highly trained and well-experienced surgeon in the field of cosmetic surgery alongside a dedicated team of nurses and staff. Dr Shens has renowned skills and expertise in breast augmentation. We take pride in our top-notch services and quality of care before, during, and after the surgery. Regular reviews will be provided to ensure the smooth recovery of the patient.For consultation, you can book an appointment with us here.

*disclaimer: please note that outcomes from studies are from clinic trials and results vary from person to person because everyone is unique and biologically different.