Breast Augmentation - Planning Ahead For Best Size and Results

While most women report that they are generally happy that they went through with a breast augmentation procedure, up to half of the recipients report that they wish they had chosen a different implant size. Understanding this, doctors and implant manufacturers have developed a variety of resources so that anyone considering this procedure today does not have to experience the same regrets. Rather, you can be well researched and prepared from the start. Here is an overview on how to look your best and feel good about the final results.

Trying on sizes

The traditional way to try out a new size is to stuff a plastic baggie with rice or panty hose, using one cup of filler for each cup size you want to add. This is no longer necessary with complete sizing kits available from manufacturers such as Purlz and Natrelle. The kits usually contain 1-3 sets of implants plus a bra that can adjust to hold them. You can try out different sizes, or while bra shopping.

Lingerie shopping has other value too. One tip from breast augmentation recipients is not to go so big that you can no longer buy your favorite brands or styles so do a little research while your out with your test implants. Because implants tend to be shaped a little differently then natural breasts, the estimated cup size may vary between different manufacturers.

Also ask your surgeon about new 3D simulation technology that captures images of your body and then see what different implant sizes will look like on a photorealistic 3D image of yourself, from all different angles.

Be prepared but open minded

After all of this research, you may go into consultation with your surgeon feeling confident about what breast augmentation size will be best for you. But be careful about being too convinced as your doctor will have plenty of input. During the consultation, he or she will make several measurements, all of which will affect what type and size implant will look most natural.

For example, the width of an implant must be proportional to the width of the natural breast. If there is a lot of skin stretch or a lot of space underneath the breast, a woman will need a larger implant to fill the space. On the other hand, if there is a small, tight space underneath the breast, an implant that is too large will bulge at the top.

Other factors including the type, shape and placement of your implant will also affect the outcome. It will take plenty patience and research to ensure the best results of your best augmentation, but persevere knowing that the results will be worth it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3896225; plasticsurgeryportal.com; safecosmeticsurgery.net; wikipedia.org

Is Silicone Or Saline The Best Choice For Breast Implants?

Breast implants are one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. Last year alone over 600,000 women underwent this surgery. When deciding to undergo this surgery there are obviously a number of factors to consider. These would include a decision as to where to have the operation, what surgeon to choose, what size of implants and lastly, if the option is available, whether to choose silicone or saline implants.

Let's now take a closer look at the final choice to be made and first concentrate on the advantages and disadvantages of the silicone implant. One of the main advantages of the silicone implant is the overall aesthetic result achieved. They appear and feel more natural than a saline implant. Additionally they are less likely to wrinkle and ripple and are also less likely to gravitate downwards. Disadvantages of silicone predominantly include; cost, scar size and safety issues. Typically the cost of silicone would be around an additional $1,000. Also the scar is longer due to the fact that silicone implants must be pre-filled. It is also thought that the chance of rupture, and particular for silent rupture, is higher than for saline implants. Silicone implants are often recommended for women who do not have a lot of soft tissue coverage.

Saline breast implants have the advantage over their silicone counterparts of having a lower rate of capsular contraction and therefore require less surgery revision. Also, since the saline implants are generally inflated once in place, a smaller scar is required and there are more options for insertion, to include via; the armpit, the belly button, under the breast or the outside of the areola. As regards safety, silent rupture and therefore the need for a regular MRI, is not an issue as when leakage occurs the saline is absorbed into the surrounding tissue and immediately alerts the individual, as the breast size will become noticeably reduced. The key disadvantage in saline implants is that they tend to look more unnatural, look rounder and feel stiffer, particularly in smaller framed women. A further disadvantage is that they are more prone to downward displacement and feel heavier than silicone implants.

When considering this type of surgery, where cost is a dominant factor, an increasing number of women are looking outside of their own countries to reduce costs. When looking at cost for this surgery, in some of the main countries catering to medical tourists, such as; Thailand, India, Hungary and Mexico, you might expect to pay less than half as compared to prices in most of the developed world.

Poom Morgan. My passions include travelling, yoga, business, reading and languages.

Cosmetic surgery in Bangkok

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BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: other plastic surgery

Breast reconstruction is intended for breast cancer patients who had to undergo a mastectomy (removal of a breast or breasts) or a severely deforming lumpectomy (removal of just the cancerous area).

Breast cancer can be devastating, even after recovering from it you might never feel the same; but breast reconstruction surgery might be able to help. While breast reconstruction after a mastectomy offers only a cosmetic solution, it might be something that truly helps boost your self-esteem and return your feminine confidence.

There are different methods of reconstruction after breast cancer that should be discussed with your plastic surgeon, though different circumstances may require that a certain technique be used. In some breast reconstruction procedures, the skin is conditioned over weeks to months with a saline solution, and a silicone or saline implant is then inserted. An alternative breast reconstruction method called "flap reconstruction" pulls skin, fat, and muscle from other parts of the body to either create a pocket (or flap) for an implant, or create a breast mound on its own.

During your consultation, your surgeon will work with you to determine the method that will meet your unique needs and expectations.

Typical Minimum Cost of Breast Reconstruction (based on national averages): $5,000.00

Typical Maximum Cost of Breast Reconstruction (based on national averages): $9,000.00

National Average Cost of Breast Reconstruction: $7,000.00

Time Required for Breast Reconstruction:

It can take anywhere from 2-6 hours to perform breast reconstruction surgery. Time requirements vary depending on the method of surgery chosen, and the extent of work needed.

Is Breast Reconstruction an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?

Breast reconstruction may be outpatient or inpatient, depending on the extent of surgery and method used. Some situations may require that patients stay in the hospital for up to 5 days.

What are the Side Effects of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery side effects can include temporary swelling and scarring. You can also expect a change in breast sensation - most feeling should eventually come back, but you will won't have the same nerve sensitivity you had before the surgery.

How Long do Breast Reconstruction results last?

Breast reconstruction results usually offer comfort to patients, as they improve overall appearance and contour. However, if you only have one breast reconstructed, it will likely have a different shape and firmness than the natural breast does. Some women later have surgery on the natural breast to achieve better balance. The breast reconstruction surgery results are very long-lasting to permanent.

What is the recovery time for Breast Reconstruction?

Day 1-42 Overall physical recovery from breast reconstruction can take up to 6 weeks, though this can vary depending on the extent of surgery and method used. Day 10 Sutures are usually removed about 10 days after surgery. Day 21 By this point, it is likely that you can return to work. However, many people still feel tired half way through the day and may opt to take more time off work.

Day 21-42 It is usually recommended that anything strenuous - heavy lifting, sexual intercourse, contact sports - be abstained from for about 3-6 weeks after surgery.

Note**After breast reconstruction, recovery of scarring can take up to 2 years to be complete.

Will my insurance company cover Breast Reconstruction?

Because of the reconstructive and emotional necessity of breast reconstruction surgery, insurance will most likely be involved.

Is there much discomfort for Breast Reconstruction?

After breast reconstruction, discomfort can be expected, as the breasts and donor area may be tender and sore for some time. Prescription pain medication will help control the discomfort.

What types of anesthesia is necessary for Breast Reconstruction?

The breast reconstruction anesthesia of choice is usually general.

What else can I combine Breast Reconstruction with?

Breast reconstruction surgery may be combined with nipple reconstruction, though many patients have them performed as two separate procedures. Also, many women have their natural breast lifted or augmented to be more symmetrical with their reconstructed breast.

What else is Breast Reconstruction referred to as?

Different breast reconstruction techniques include: Skin Expansion. Flap Reconstruction.

source: plasticsurgeryportal.com; safecosmeticsurgery.net; wikipedia.org