Before even considering breast enhancement cosmetic surgery, you need to know what procedures are available and the risks and benefits of each one. You, as a patient, will also need to be confident that you are making the best decision for you; we are talking about surgery, after all, and your body will need time to recover and heal. Once you have made up your mind to talk to a doctor about breast implants, you will have to choose the size and shape you want and make sure the doctor fully understands your needs and desires.
First of all, you need to know that there are two types of breast implants: the ones with saline solution and the ones with silicone gel. The most obvious difference is that the saline implants feel firmer, and the silicone implants feel softer. But there are other differences, as well as benefits and disadvantages of each option.
When choosing your doctor for a breast enhancement procedure, make sure you look for one with plenty of experience. This way the chances of post-operative complications can be reduced. Before the procedure is performed, you will meet your doctor for a medical evaluation. This is the best time to discuss what your expectations are for the cosmetic surgery and to ask for feedback. Your doctor will also explain how the procedure will be performed and what you can expect regarding recovery and care after the surgery.
You will be advised to avoid lifting heavy things for up to a period of six weeks after the surgery, to wear a compressive bra, and to be careful with the hygiene of the area.
Although it is a cosmetic procedure, breast enhancement surgery also has risks like pain at the breast level, lack of nipple sensation, bleeding and hematoma, and asymmetric breasts. A different set of potential complications are particular to this type of cosmetic surgery and related to the implants. Implant rupture or leaking can be caused by a series of factors. If you choose an implant with saline solution, the body will absorb the solution, and there are no risks to your health. But in the case of silicone implants, if they leak, silicone granulomas can form.
You will be able to tell if there was a saline implant rupture because the breast will look smaller, but it will be difficult to notice the same problem with a silicone implant. A potential complication that is more common in the case of saline implants is implant rippling. Each option has advantages and also presents some risk. It is important to make an informed choice after discussing all the alternatives with the doctor who will perform the cosmetic surgery.