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Have you been considering breast implant surgery for a while?
Choosing to get breast implants is a serious decision, but is one that can have many positive results for your body and self-confidence.
You’ll be relieved to know that 98% of women who get breast implants are satisfied with their augmentation results.
There are numerous benefits to breast implant surgery, including improved lift and fullness, better breast asymmetry, and greater self-esteem.
If you were unsure of what breast implant surgery entails and if you’re a healthy candidate to receive this surgery, then continue reading.
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation
What Will This Procedure Do and What Are the Benefits?
Countless women get breast augmentation surgery to improve their breasts’ lift, shape, fullness, and appearance.
There are numerous reasons why women choose to have breast implant surgery. Some women wish to correct their asymmetrical breasts, while other women want to improve the lift and fullness of their breasts after breastfeeding.
For those who have lost their breasts due to mastectomies, breast implants can help them gain back their feminine form. Many women simply wish to have larger breasts to improve their self-esteem and appearance.
During breast augmentation surgery, incisions are placed in the lower breast crease, known as the inframammary fold, and around the areolas.
Depending on what breast implant type you chose, Dr. Emmett will place a silicone implant above or beneath the breast muscle. If you choose a saline implant, Dr. Emmett will place an un-inflated implant in your breast and then fill the implant with a safe, saline solution.
Once the implants are inserted into the breasts, the surgeon will suture her incisions and apply medical-grade tape to aid in the healing process.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Surgery?
Breast surgery, like any major surgery, requires that the patient is in good health to reduce complications during surgery or during recovery, which will result in temporary bruising and swelling.
The ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery is somebody who’s in good physical health and can benefit from breast implants.
Examples of women who can benefit from breast augmentation include:
- Lost volume or shape in their breasts caused by pregnancy, age, or fluctuations in weight
- Lack of fullness or volume in the breasts
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Are self-conscious about their breast size and want to add fullness, size, and volume
- Have fully developed breasts and are over the age of 18 (for saline implants) or 22 (for silicone implants)
What Makes an Individual Unfit for Surgery? Is There a Better Time?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Emmett will review your previous medical history and family’s medical history.
She will want to make sure that your heart is healthy enough to withstand surgery, and that you are free from any active infection or serious illnesses such as cancer.
If you are pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or expect to get pregnant soon, you will not be considered a good candidate at that time. However, breast implants are safe for mothers, including breastfeeding mothers, so let Dr. Emmett know when you expect to have children and she can advise you on the right time to receive breast augmentation surgery.
Currently, the FDA approves saline-filled breast implants for women 18 and older. If you wish to receive silicone implants, you must be 22 years or older.
Women who are underage of these requirements or who don’t have fully developed breasts are not suitable candidates for breast augmentation surgery. We advise all patients to wait until their breasts are fully grown before attempting breast implant surgery.
Finally, we advise anybody with unrealistic expectations that they might not be a suitable candidate. Dr. Emmett will discuss with you your breast goals during your consultation to determine if your goals are achievable and possible.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Today’s breast implants typically last at least 10 years, with many lasting longer up to 20 years.
Breast implants don’t come with an expiration date or shelf-life, and could potentially last indefinitely. However, you should know that the FDA does not consider breast implants to be a lifetime device and that you will typically expect at least one revisional surgery during your lifetime.
As long as your implants look and feel fine, they should last a long time. The main issue with breast implants is that the risk of rupturing increases slightly more each year you have them.
Luckily, today’s saline and silicone implants use safe materials so that in the case of a rupture, your health won’t be negatively affected. In the case of a rupture, let your surgeon know immediately.
Is There a Different Procedure Better Suited?
Sometimes breast implants aren’t necessary to improve the appearance and lift of the breasts. In these instances, a breast lift might be the preferred procedure.
During a breast lift, excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed and the areolas are repositioned on the breast to give the appearance of a lifted breast.
It’s important to know that breast lifts cannot add volume to sagging or deflated breasts because this procedure does not insert breast implants. In this case, the breast lift is combined with the breast augmentation procedure to improve lift, fullness, and volume.
Unsure if you need a breast lift or a breast augmentation? Here are a few signs that can help you make your decision:
- Do your nipples face downward below your breast crease? You may require a breast lift.
- Have your breasts lost volume or fullness, causing a deflated look? You may require breast augmentation to regain lost volume.
- Are your breasts too large to fit into your bra or clothing? You may require a breast reduction procedure, which can also improve your breast’s lift.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Surgery Consultation Today
Dr. Jennifer Emmett is a Colorado-based Double-Board certified plastic surgeon serving the greater Denver and Centennial areas.
She has over 20 years of experience in cosmetic and enhancement surgery and is a recognized Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, a trusted source for identifying exceptional doctors practicing in America.
Dr. Emmett and her staff specialize in breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reductions, facial surgery, and body contouring procedures.
Want to see her previous patients’ results? Read what patients have to say about their experience with Emmett Plastic Surgery.
If you’ve ever wanted to get breast implants but weren’t sure about the first steps to take, then contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Emmett.Call (303) 955-7545 or contact us online to see what kind of results are possible with breast augmentation surgery.
