Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery today. It is also remarkably controversial. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery it is important you understand the pros and cons of surgery before deciding to go under the knife.
Breast Augmentation - Pros
Breast augmentation is a personal decision. Breast implant surgery can be fulfilling if you are undergoing augmentation for your personal benefit. Some women feel the benefits, including a bigger bustline, improved self-esteem and perky breasts, far outweigh any consequences. Many women who undergo breast augmentation surgery report improved self-confidence and self-esteem. Breast augmentation can dramatically improve a woman's quality of life if part of a reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation - Cons
Breast augmentation surgery is a personal choice. You shouldn't undergo surgery to make your partner or spouse happy or to gain acceptance from other people. Ultimately you'll find you are still unhappy after surgery. Breast implant surgery carries some risk, including the risk for rupture of the implant, deflation, capsular contracture and future implant surgeries. Some women will also develop scar tissue around the breast implant that can harden and cause a lumpy feeling of the breast. Capsular contracture or tightening of scar tissue around the breast can cause the skin to look rippled. It can also change the shape of your breast or cause pain. Some women may also be at risk for nerve damage. Breast augmentation surgery may result in loss of feeling in your nipples or in tissue surrounding the breast. These symptoms may be temporary or permanent.
Some cons related to breast augmentation are merely myths that opponents to surgery blow out of proportion. Let's discuss some of these myths below.
- Myth: If you get breast implants they will rupture. Reality: Breast implants don't always rupture. In fact, they rarely do. This is not to say however the risk doesn't exist. There is a chance a breast implant will rupture and spill its contents in your body.
- Myth: Breast implants last forever. Reality: Breast implants will decompose and need replacement after some time. Usually most women will look at replacement surgery roughly 10 years after their first augmentation.
- Myth: The silicone used to cover saline implants will harm you. Reality: At this time there is no research that concludes with 100 percent certainty the silicone covering of saline implants makes people sick.
- Myth: You may not be able to detect breast cancer if you have implants. Reality: Your doctor may have to perform a more comprehensive breast exam after augmentation surgery to rule out cancer. However you should still be able to detect breast cancer early with implants.
- Myth: Breast implants are 100% safe. Reality: Breast augmentation surgery, like any other surgery, comes with risks. In addition, you have to remember you are placing a foreign object in your body. While most women may do well after surgery, some will not. Your body may reject the implants and you may become ill. You may have complications associated with surgery including infection, bleeding or a slow recovery. Breast implantation surgery is also very painful.
Are Breast Implants Right For You?
For some women, including those who need breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer, breast implants can improve their self-confidence and quality of life significantly. Many woman, especially those that fall into the reconstruction category, feel better after augmentation surgery despite the known risks of implants.
If you plan on having children, you should know that breast implants can complicate breastfeeding. You may not be able to breastfeed with implants. While researchers aren't sure whether this is due to lack of milk production or nerve damage, the risk exists. Also compression experiences during a mammogram can contribute to implant rupture. If you are scheduled for routine mammograms you may have to request a comprehensive mammography instead of standard mammography.
Here are some facts about breast implant surgery than can help you decide whether you should undergo surgery or not.
- If you undergo breast implant surgery once, you'll probably have to undergo breast implant surgery again. Most implants do not last a lifetime.
- Changes that result in your breast after surgery may not be reversible. If you decide to remove your implants you make experience dimpling of your breast, wrinkling or sagging.
- You many not be able to produce enough milk to breastfeed if you undergo breast surgery.
- Some insurance companies offer less coverage to women with breast implants due to possible complications associated with breast implant surgery. Be sure to contact your insurance company and find out whether this is the case for you.
- You many have complications arise from surgery including rupture or painful scar tissue.
It is also important you know that many women are happy with their breast implants regardless of the side effects or complications of surgery. Ultimately the choice is yours. Be sure you are informed prior to surgery and you consult with many people before making the decision to go under the knife. You should also examine your personal motivations to make sure that breast surgery is really the right choice for you. You should find happiness within yourself before looking for it under a knife.
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