Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation in NYC
If you are considering breast augmentation, be sure that you have educated yourself and know what to expect. This article will walk you through the process, recovery, and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery.
Did you know that breast augmentation is the most popular form of plastic surgery?
In fact, in the year 2017 alone, over 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries were performed.
Breast augmentation gives women the ability to transform their breasts into the breasts they have always dreamt of. The process involves the use of soft implants to increase the fullness of the breasts and is a generally quick procedure.
If you're considering breast augmentation, it's essential to ensure that you understand exactly what the procedure entails.
To help aid in your decision, we're uncovering everything you need to know about getting a breast augmentation. Our guide will help to walk you through both the process and the recovery. We'll also document what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
1. Costs
One of the most primary concerns for those considering breast augmentation is the cost associated with the procedure.
While there is a general price range, the cost specifically varies from person-to-person. In also varies based on the type of augmentation the individual is looking to have performed. Another factor to consider is that prices may vary from state-to-state as well as depend on the quality of the institution performing the procedure.
Generally speaking, patients can expect to pay anywhere from $5000 for a typical procedure and up to $15,000 for something more complex. A more simple and straightforward procedure is sure to cost less. For example, a patient displaying more risk will often face higher a cost for the procedure to be complete.
Of course, this surgery is not covered by general health care plans and must be paid for out-of-pocket. However, some plastic surgeons may offer financing plans that prevent the patient from having to pay the fees upfront.
If you're feeling anxious about the cost, rest assured that the right clinic will be upfront and honest with all of the costs associated. During your consultation, you will be given a detailed outline of the costs to expect for the procedure.
2. The Ideal Candidate
First and foremost, breast augmentation is a relatively simple procedure. This is due to the fact that it is both so common and a straightforward procedure overall.
The most important factor in determining the ideal candidate is addressing the overall health of the individual. That individual should be generally healthy, at an age where they feel they can properly recover and medically fit to undergo the surgery.
Those that should not consider breast augmentation are those that:
- Are under 18 years of age
- Have endured previous radiation therapy
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Generally speaking, the ideal candidate should also be aware of how the procedure works and has a firm understanding of the risks. It's also important to understand the limitations of the surgery.
Patients should be realistic with their expectations and set comfortable boundaries for sizing.
3. Questions to Consider Prior to Consultation
Before a consultation with a plastic surgeon, consider what your objectives are with your breast augmentation. Be sure to ask yourself these questions to help target your primary area of concern:
- Am I looking to increase the overall size of my breasts?
- Am I looking to achieve breasts that appear more youthful?
- Am I merely looking to provide more lift to my breasts?
- Am I looking to gain more firm and full breasts?
- Am I looking to make my breasts more symmetrical?
These are all important considerations prior to meeting with your plastic surgeon. This discussion will help your surgeon understand what exactly you are looking to achieve from your augmentation.
It will also help to outline your goals and allow the surgeon to be more familiar with which implants options suit you best.
4. Typical Considerations
In considering breast augmentation surgery, there are many factors that must be considered. After all, there are countless options available to those seeking breast augmentation. This can be anything from sizing to shape and the type of implant.
First, what type of implant are you looking to utilize? The most typical implants are saline and silicone. Saline inserts are salt-water filled and usually result in a more uniform look. Silicone implants are comprised of gel and made to feel more like natural breast tissue.
Next, the patient will have to consider which shape and size they are ideally looking to achieve. During the consultations, the patient is often able to use 3D imaging to actually see what different shapes and sizes look like.
5. The Consultation
Before you can confirm a spot on the operating table, it's essential to book your first consultation. Most plastic surgeons offer free consultations for those considering breast augmentation.
This consultation is very in-depth and can take anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes overall. While this may feel daunting, there's much to discuss depending on which type of augmentation the patient is opting to have performed.
During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss with the patient the best options available. The surgeon will also provide any recommendations and advice to the patient.
It also gives the patient the opportunity to meet with and feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon. This is where the patient should strive to feel as confident as possible with the procedure. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon:
- How much experience do you have in breast augmentation?
- Do you feel that I would be a good candidate for this surgery?
- What is my role in the surgery?
- Which implant options do you feel suit my desires?
- What can I expect from the procedure?
While these questions may feel intrusive, they are vital for the patient to feel comfortable with the surgery. To have a positive experience, it's best to have a favorable relationship with the surgeon and to feel optimistic about the surgery.
6. The Preparation
Patients can expect to start prepping for their breast augmentation six weeks before the scheduled surgery.
Patients must stop using tobacco/nicotine as smoking can increase the potential for risk. Women are also advised to refrain from using hormone-based birth control pills during this period. This is due to the fact that hormone-based birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots.
As the date approaches closer, patients become more limited in order to prepare for the surgery. Ten days prior to surgery, patients are advised not to consume alcohol -especially red wine. Patients must also avoid medications such as Asprin and Ibuprofen. These products can thin the patient's blood and increase the possibility of bleeding.
A few days before surgery, patients may be required to bathe in a special disinfectant soap to prepare for the surgery.
During this preparation time, the patient and the surgeon must have good communication. This ensures that the surgeon is understanding of the patient's needs. In return, the patient must also understand their responsibilities during this period.
7. The Procedure
The surgery itself may take anywhere between 1 and 2 hours. Because this is an outpatient procedure, patients are not required to stay overnight and can be discharged after the surgery.
During the surgery, there are three main areas of incision:
- The crease below the breast
- The border of the areola and the breast skin
- Through the armpit
When it comes to the placement of the implant, there are two main options. First is the option to place the implant behind the pectoralis muscle. Second, the implant can be placed behind the breast tissue but in front of the muscle.
8. The Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a breast augmentation. These risks include but are not limited to:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding/hematoma infection
- Changes in nipple/breast physical consciousness
- Scarring
- Implant leakage
- Pain
While the possibility of these risks is very low, it's critical to understand that these risks are present.
Another potential risk is the risk that the breast will not look as expected or desired. While the surgeon will do their best to achieve the desired look, there is no 100% guarantee in satisfaction.
In order to reduce the anxiety affiliated with this risk, it's best to discuss all risks in full with the surgeon. With a professional grade surgeon, they will take the time necessary to outline all risks in detail. This helps to ensure that the patient feels comfortable in the overall surgery.
Remember, breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery in the world and has a long history. Plastic surgeons are rich with experience and this is a very fast and routine procedure.
9. The Recovery Period
Patients can expect a relatively quick recovery process with breast augmentation. In fact, most patients can even return to work within 3-5 days following the surgery.
Following the procedure, patients will spend an hour in the post-operation recovery room before being sent home.
In regards to pain, most patients report a feeling of tightness in the chest. However, the recovery is relatively pain-free overall. Patients should expect to limit any sort of medium to heavy lifting for a period of two weeks and avoid any upper-body exercise. Some patients may also be required to wear a heavy support surgical bra for a period of a few weeks following the surgery.
While patients usually feel "back to normal" after one week, it's important to limit activity. This helps to ensure that the healing process is not disrupted and that the surgery has the best possible outcome.
Patients should also expect many follow-up appointments. These can range from days after the initial surgery to weeks and months. Some plastic surgeons might even recommend seeing their patients on an annual basis.
10. Choosing The Right Surgeon
Breast augmentation surgery is something that can change your life.
One of the most important considerations for someone considering breast augmentation is who will be performing the surgery.
A large metropolis such as New York City is known for having some of the best plastic surgeons in the world. To find the best surgeon for you, be sure to choose a specialist that has high customer satisfaction rates. Take advantage of reading online reviews to help you decide which plastic surgeon best suits your desires.
It's crucial to have a surgeon that has vast experience, attention to detail and has great communication with their customers.
It's also important to remember that a doctor is not a plastic surgeon. For your procedure, be sure to use a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. This will give you the assurance that they possess the necessary education, training and experience for performing the surgery.
Most importantly, you need to find a doctor that makes it their priority to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident with the process from start to finish.
Are You Considering a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation can help to enhance your natural appearance and better your confidence.
With costs as low as $5000 and a short recovery period, breast augmentation surgery doesn't have to feel like a dream. In fact, most patients report feeling "back to normal" after a week! Patients can even take advantage of financing programs that make breast augmentation more affordable.
One of the most important decisions a patient will make with their breast augmentation is choosing the right plastic surgeon. For such a procedure, it's best to ensure you are working with a team that has years of experience and a high rate of customer satisfaction.
If you've been debating breast augmentation, it might be time to finally pull the trigger. Our team of specialists is always available to discuss the procedure in detail and how it could benefit your life.
Do you have any questions or seeking a free consultation? Don't hesitate to contact us and one of our specialists will get in touch with you shortly.