What is breast augmentation surgery?
This surgery includes the use of breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. It can also restore volume that was lost after severe weight loss or pregnancy. It will increase the fullness and projection of your breasts while also helping your balance and self confidence. If you are getting plastic surgery for the first time, you may consider botox or even a facelift or something less invasive before undergoing surgery for a breast lift or breast augmentation. If you have severely drooping breasts, a breast augmentation alone will not be enough. You may want to get a breast lift at the same time in order to make sure the job is done properly.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The average cost is somewhere around $3,700 depending on where you are. However, keep in mind that this does not include he cost of anesthesia, operating room fees and other expenses. A surgeon’s fee could be based on their experience which will make the price vary from surgeon to surgeon. The type and cost of the breast implants used play a part also. Many surgeons will offer financing plans for the surgery if you ask. The breast augmentation cost will include anesthesia fees, hospital facility costs, medical tests, surgery garments, medication prescriptions as well as the surgeon’s fee.
Will my health insurance cover it?
You’ll need to speak with your health insurance carrier themselves to find out for sure, but most plans do not over cosmetic breast surgery of any kind. Keep in mind that some insurance carriers may even exclude future breast disease if you get implants. You need to make sure that you carefully look over your health insurance policy to make sure that you are not making a mistake before you get this done.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
In order to be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery you must be physically healthy with fully developed breasts. It’s important to have realistic expectations and only consider the procedure for yourself and no one else. If you are bothered by feeling like your breasts are too small or have asymmetrical or lopsided breasts, you may benefit from the surgery. Other reasons you may get the surgery is if one or both breasts didn’t develop properly and are elongated, your breasts lost shape or volume after major weight loss, as getting older or with pregnancy.
How long is recovery?
Directly following the surgery, you will usually be taken to an area where you can monitored. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze and bandages and a support bra in order minimize swelling as they heal. You will not have to stay the night, most breast augmentation patients are allowed to go home a few hours later. When you leave, you will be given care instructions as well as medication prescriptions and a follow up appointment. You’ll need to wear a support bra constantly for about two weeks and clean the incision sites carefully. You will also need to reduce your activity for about 24 for 48 hours following surgery. Soreness and swelling is normal for a few weeks. When you can resume regular activity is at the discretion of your surgeon.
How long before I notice a different?
You will see results immediately. However, the swelling and incision lines will go down with time.
One major point to keep in mind is that breast implants do not last forever. They may need replacement at some point. Annual appointments and examinations by your plastic surgeon will help to determine when that will be. The reason they don’t last a life time is because of aging, weight fluctuation as well as gravity factors and hormones. Talk with your doctor about the possibility if this is something you are really interested in. However, it must be reiterated, make sure that you are looking into this for yourself. No one else should be allowed to determine how you look or how you feel about yourself. You are the one and only person who can determine whether this is a good idea for you or if you are happy the way you are.
