6 Key Things to Know Before Getting Breast Augmentation
What is breast augmentation? Let this post answer everything you need to know about the procedure.
Breast augmentation (also referred to as breast enhancement or breast enlargement) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures carried out worldwide. Women choose to enlarge their breasts for a variety of reasons, with the most common reasons including gaining a confidence boost, restoring breasts to their natural perky state post-pregnancy or weight loss, and reconstruction after a mastectomy or correcting asymmetry.
Given that breast augmentation is a mainstream procedure, many people don’t realize that there’s a lot of misinformation out there about it. Regardless of your decision to enlarge your breasts, it’s crucial to understand what breast augmentation surgery involves, how to prepare for the procedure, and what the recovery process entails.
Below, you’ll learn about the six most important things to know before getting breast augmentation, according to a world-renowned surgeon from Michigan, Dr. Michael W. Gray, DO, FACOS. Dr. Gray is a cosmetic surgeon and the Director of the Michigan Cosmetic Surgery Center and Skin Deep Spa.
1. The Breast Augmentation Surgeon You Choose Matters
The cosmetic surgeon you choose to perform your breast augmentation surgery is crucial to everything from your comfort level to the final results. At a minimum, you want to find a breast augmentation surgeon who is:
- Licensed to practice surgery, with proven skill and experience.
- Proactive in answering all your questions during the consultation.
- Equipped with a large number of before and after photos to showcase their ability.
- Specialized in breast enhancement, with specific training, skills, and excellent results.
Moreover, you want to find a cosmetic surgeon who will make you feel comfortable, heard, and respected. They should happily address any questions or concerns while offering you the best possible advice regarding the aesthetic you want. Dr. Gray believes that an educated patient, well-informed about the procedure and the limitations of surgery, is best positioned to make wise decisions.
Dr. Michael W. Gray, DO, is a leading breast augmentation surgeon not only in Michigan but also nationwide. He is well-known for providing exceptional experiences to individuals seeking breast augmentation surgery throughout the world.
2. Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Is More Than Just a “Meet and Greet”
The consultation you schedule with your Michigan breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Gray, goes beyond simply meeting and choosing an implant size. These consultations are scheduled for several key reasons:
- To educate you about the breast augmentation process so you can determine what to elect to do.
- To discuss your medical history and ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure.
- To determine whether or not the surgery is right for you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- To choose the type of implant that’s best suited for your body.
- To determine the size and shape of the implant you want.
- To discuss the technique and type of incision placement you prefer.
- To provide the cost of the procedure.
- To cover all the steps of the breast augmentation process, from preparation to recovery and aftercare.
- To ensure you’re 100% comfortable and informed.
Your consultation is the time to ask your questions and ensure you’re set up for success. More importantly, you want to ensure you and your surgeon are on the same page to achieve your desired results. If you wish to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gray in West Bloomfield, Michigan, please call us at (248) 538-3333.
3. Understand the Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery
While breast augmentation surgery is a common procedure with a high success rate, it’s still associated with several risks. These risks may include:
- Scarring: Limited and unlikely with EndoBAM.
- Bleeding: Unlikely.
- Infection: Extremely unusual.
- Implant rupture and leakage: Rare.
- Capsular contracture: Limited if you stay within the rules.
- Breast implant illness (BII): Dr. Gray will explain at the consultation if concerned.
The chances of these complications affecting you post-surgery are very low, especially with a highly experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Michael W. Gray. However, it’s important to be aware of these risks, and rest assured that every measure is taken to avoid such occurrences.
4. Breast Augmentation Recovery: What to Expect
While the recovery period for breast augmentation surgery isn’t very long, you will feel minimal discomfort for some time. This discomfort can be minimized by the method chosen and placement of the implants, which Dr. Gray will explain during your consultation.
Several factors will influence your level of discomfort during the breast augmentation recovery period, including:
- Whether the implant placement is above or below the pectoral muscles.
- The technique or approach used by your surgeon.
- Your individual body and its natural healing process.
It’s normal for most patients’ breasts to feel sore and tight after the procedure. Some also experience feelings of heaviness in their breasts, which is expected. The good news is that this typically improves significantly within three to five days after the procedure.
5. Your Breast Augmentation Results Will Keep Improving Over Time
The feelings you have vs. the healing and recovery process of your breast augmentation surgery are relatively quick. However, seeing the final results takes longer.
For the first few months, swelling, muscle spasm, and skin growth occur and vary between individuals and their anatomy. Time and patience are key. Although most patients observe immediate results, some may require more time for this to occur.
It typically takes up to three to six months for the implants to settle, the skin to adjust, and swelling to subside. Scars can take up to two years to fully heal.
6. Follow-Up Visits Are Essential After Breast Augmentation Surgery
You’ll be expected to visit your cosmetic surgeon for follow-up visits, even after your body has healed and adjusted. These regular visits are essential as your body adapts and you start to get back into your regular routine.
While implants can last a lifetime, no one can guarantee they will. Dr. Gray does not feel it is necessary to replace your implants unless you are having issues, wish to have them removed, go larger, smaller, or want the same but newer. Some people switch types of implants, whether from saline to silicone or vice versa, for personal reasons.
Breast augmentation surgery is a decision you want to make knowing all the facts and having chosen the right surgeon for you. Therefore, you’ll only want to consult with a highly skilled and experienced breast augmentation surgeon like Dr. Michael W. Gray, DO, FACOS, from Michigan Cosmetic Surgery Center and Skin Deep Spa for the best possible outcome.
If you’re thinking about enhancing your breasts, get in touch with us at Michigan Cosmetic Surgery Center and Skin Deep Spa to schedule a consultation. We’ll happily answer all of your questions and help you make the right decision for your body and lifestyle. Call 248-538-3333 or visit anewyou.com.