Breast augmentations are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. In fact, more than 300,000 people opted to have this procedure in 2017 alone, and there is little doubt that there are thousands of women in America who are wondering if the surgery is right for them. If you are considering undergoing a breast augmentation, you want to be sure that you understand the ins and outs of the procedure before you make your final decision. As a Denver breast augmentation surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Swail is happy to answer all of your questions regarding the surgery during your consultation with him. Book your consultation today, and check out a few frequently asked questions about the procedure below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Also known as breast enhancement or breast implants, this procedure is used to alter the shape and size of breasts. The breasts may be naturally small, lost volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, or be disproportionate. Implants are used to restore volume and balance, as well as to provide a more youthful contour to the chest. Breast augmentations may be combined with breast lifts if the breast tissue has significant sagging from loss of elasticity.

Is It Safe?

Breast augmentations are completely safe when the patient’s case has been thoroughly examined and the procedure is performed by a skilled surgeon. Based on scientific research by independent groups, there has been no link discovered between breast implants and systemic diseases, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advise that breast implants do not impair breast health. That being said, every surgery comes with its unique set of risks, all of which will be reviewed with you during your consultation. Possible risks include infection, poor scarring, and those that are associated with anesthesia.

Who Is a Candidate for the Procedure?

There are many factors that are considered when determining if someone is a candidate for breast augmentation. From a medical standpoint, one should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations going into the surgery. Additionally, the candidate should be of an appropriate age to ensure the breast tissue has finished developing, and they should not be breastfeeding or pregnant. From a personal standpoint, you may be a candidate for the surgery if the following is true:

• You feel your breasts are too small
• You are not happy with the shape of your breasts
• Your breasts are not symmetrical
• You feel your breasts lack volume

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery is different for each patient because no two surgeries are alike. It is common to experience swelling and pain initially, although this can be controlled with medication, gauze dressings, and a support bra. These support garments should be worn at all times, and Dr. Swail will provide you with postoperative care instructions for your incision. It is important to follow these instructions very carefully, and you will be seen for a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Most patients can resume light-duty activities within a week of surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least six weeks, or as long as Dr. Swail advises you to do so.

Should I Get Silicone or Saline Implants?

This is one of the most common questions about breast augmentations, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Dr. Swail will review both options with you and discuss which might best suit your particular needs. It is important to consider the following:

Silicone Implants

• Provide a more natural feel and consistency
• Require larger incisions
• May impact the appearance of visible scarring
• Approved for women who are 22 years old, or older

Saline Implants

• Provide a uniform shape, feel, and firmness
• Require small incisions
• Likely to collapse if ruptured
• Approved for women who are 18 years old, or older

Although patients often express concern about the safety of silicone breast implants, there has been no conclusive evidence discovered that correlates more health risks associated with one type of breast implant over the other.

Meet With a Denver Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Just as every woman is unique, so is every breast augmentation surgery. The information in today’s post is designed to provide you with general information about the procedure based on typical results. To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and learn more about how you can benefit from it, contact Denver breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Swail. During your consultation at Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery, you can discuss your surgery goals with the doctor to ensure you have realistic expectations from the surgery, learn more about the recovery process, and ask other questions we have not covered here.

Ready to get started? Call us at 303-449-6666 or schedule your consultation online now. We look forward to helping you reveal your inner beauty!