Breast Augmentation Basics: What to Know Before Consenting

Breast augmentation is a surgery that increases breast size using implants or fat transfer. Read more: https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/breast-augmentation-surgery-singapore/.

Many people choose breast augmentation in Singapore for cosmetic reasons. However, you can also be approved for the procedure for medical reasons.

No matter the reason, before getting the procedure, you must understand the risks, benefits, and recovery process. This way, it will be easier to achieve the best results and avoid regrets. On this page, we will cover the basics you need to know before consenting.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that enhances breast size and shape. It is one of the most popular plastic surgeries worldwide.

Globally, it ranks as the second most performed cosmetic procedures. Some people choose it to increase confidence.

Others undergo the procedure after weight loss, pregnancy, or breast cancer surgery. Breast augmentation shouldn’t be confused with breast lift.

They’re very different procedures in the sense that a lift corrects sagging but does not increase size. Depending on your unique needs, you may want to combine both procedures for better results.

The two main types of breast augmentation are implants and fat transfer. Each option has advantages and drawbacks.

The main types of breast implants are silicone and saline implants. Silicone implants feel more natural but require regular check-ups for leaks.

Saline implants contain sterile salt water. They are safer if they rupture but may feel less natural.

Fat transfer breast augmentation removes fat from other body parts and injects it into the breasts. It is a more natural option but may not provide a significant increase in size.

The good thing is that you can choose different implant shapes, sizes, and textures. The right choice depends on your body type and personal goals.

Are Breast Implants Safer Now?

Safety is a key concern when it comes to procedures like breast augmentation. So it is just natural that one of the most asked questions about breast augmentation is; are breast implants safer now?

The answer is, breast augmentation is safer now, thanks to the massive strides that have been made in cosmetic procedures. However, like all surgeries, breast augmentation still has risks.

A good plastic surgeon will ensure you understand this risks before proceeding with the procedure. Short term risks of breast augmentation include:

• Pain and Discomfort: Patients often experience moderate to severe pain, tightness, and soreness in the chest area. Depending on your tolerance levels, you may need pain medication and several weeks of recovery for relief.
• Swelling and Bruising: Post-surgical inflammation can cause noticeable swelling and bruising around the breasts. This may take weeks to subside, potentially impacting appearance and comfort during daily activities.
• Infection: Bacteria can enter through incisions. This may cause redness, warmth, pus, or fever, requiring antibiotics or, in severe cases, implant removal to prevent further complications.
• Hematoma (Blood Accumulation): Blood pooling around the implant can cause painful swelling and discoloration. It may require drainage through needle aspiration or additional surgery to prevent complications.
• Seroma (Fluid Accumulation): Clear fluid may build up around the implants. This may cause swelling and discomfort, sometimes requiring needle drainage or additional procedures to prevent further complications.
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: This is rare. However, it is important to note that some people may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or, in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions due to the general anesthesia used during surgery.
• Incision Healing Issues: Poor wound healing, often influenced by smoking, diabetes, or infection, can result in delayed recovery. You may also be left with scarring, or even wound breakdown that requires medical intervention.
• Temporary Numbness or Sensation Changes: Nerve damage during surgery may cause temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the nipples or breast tissue. These changes may leave lasting effects on sensation.

There are also potential long-term complications you will need to be aware of before signing on that consent form. The most notable ones to be aware of are:

• Capsular Contracture: Over time, scar tissue around the implant may harden. This effect may cause pain, breast distortion, and firmness. Depending on severity, you may need a revision surgery to remove or replace the implant.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Silicone or saline implants may break due to aging, trauma, or pressure. The rupture may cause pain, shape changes, or silent rupture (in silicone implants) that may require surgical correction.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some people report fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other systemic symptoms linked to their implants. Scientific evidence regarding BII is still inconclusive though.
• Implant Displacement or Bottoming Out: Implants can shift due to gravity, poor surgical technique, or weak tissue support. Because of this, you may experience an unnatural appearance and sometimes even require corrective surgery.
• Rippling or Wrinkling: Thinner patients or those with insufficient breast tissue may experience visible implant rippling under the skin. As you’d imagine, this development may impact the aesthetic outcome and sometimes require fat grafting or implant replacement.
• Breastfeeding Issues: Some women may experience reduced milk production. Some may also experience difficulty breastfeeding, depending on the incision type and implant placement.
• Chronic Pain: While quite uncommon, there have been reports of patients experiencing long-term chest, back, or shoulder pain. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to implant weight, nerve damage, or muscle strain, which may not resolve without correction.

What to Expect During Breast Augmentation 

Breast augmentation is a quite simple process. Before the procedure, you will meet with a qualified surgeon.

During this appointment, you will have the chance to discuss your expectations and medical history. The surgeon will ask you a host of questions which you will need to answer truthfully.

These questions will also touch on your lifestyle. In fact, you will be advised to stop smoking if you do. Also, you’ll be asked about medications and supplements you’re currently using.

You may need to stop certain medications before surgery. The procedure itself takes 1 to 2 hours.

Before the procedure, you will be treated with a general anesthesia as part of the preparation meaning you will be asleep during the procedure.

Once everything is in place, the surgeon makes an incision under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. The implant is placed under or over the chest muscle. The incision is then closed with stitches.

You may feel pain, swelling, and tightness. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications.

A special bra may be needed for support. As for the restrictions, you will be required to avoid any form of heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

Importantly, you will need to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on the breasts. Some swelling and bruising are normal as you heal.

However, watch for severe pain, fever, or unusual swelling, which may indicate infection. Also, be sure to inform your doctor if you notice changes in breast shape or implant position.

We also want to mention that implants are not lifetime devices. They may need replacement after 10 to 20 years.

During the period you have the implants on, you will need regular check-ups as directed by your plastic surgeon to monitor implant condition. If you have silicone implants, MRI scans are recommended every few years to check for silent ruptures.

The Bottom Line 

Breast augmentation is a major decision that requires careful thought. It can improve confidence, but it also comes with risks and costs.

Before consenting, please talk to a qualified surgeon, understand the risks, and set realistic expectations. To learn more about breast augmentation in Singapore and see if it is a good fit for you, call or visit us at;

Allure Plastic Surgery – Ptosis Surgery | Breast Augmentation | Double Eyelid Surgery

435 Orchard Rd, #22-04 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877

https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/

Phone: +65 6734 9988