Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. Thousands of women seek it out to help them feel more feminine and more voluptuous.
But there are some misconceptions about the procedure that need to be cleared up. Breast augmentation is a completely safe way to enhance your body and boost your confidence. If you are considering the procedure, here are five things to know.
General anesthesia is not required
You don't have to be put under general anethesia to have a breast augmentation. Instead, local anesthetics can be used to keep you from feeling the areas that are being treated. You'll be awake during the procedure and won't wake up feeling groggy and disoriented. The procedure will last for about an hour, depending on what you're having done, and you may or may not need to stay overnight in a hospital. It all depends on your unique circumstances.
Your chances of breast cancer do not increase
Despite media reports that present a link between breast implants and cancer, the chances of it occurring are very slim. A review by the Mayo Clinic found that only two out of every million women who have textured breast implants developed cancer. And while it's extremely unlikely that you will develop breast cancer as a result of breast implants, the specific type of cancer in question has a 90 percent cure rate.
Implants last longer than 10 years
Many women believe they will need to have their implants replaced every 10 years. That's not necessarily true. For most women, implants last much longer. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration estimates only 20 percent of women will need to have implants replaced within eight to 10 years of surgery. Today's implants are much sturdier, safer and last much longer than implants used only a few years ago.
Natural options exist
If you are turned off by the idea of putting an implant in your body, you have an all-natural option. Using your body's own fat, cosmetic surgeons can increase the size and improve the shape of your breasts. The fat is extracted from your hips, buttocks or thighs, cleaned of impurities and then reinjected into your breast tissue. The process is entirely natural and no foreign objects are involved. Fat transfer augmentations last for years and look and feel completely natural.
Implants are completely safe
There are two type of breast implants: silicone and saline. Both are safe for long-term use. No studies have linked either type of breast implant with serious disease or health concern. They are each approved for use by the FDA, which has conducted extensive testing on the safety and efficacy of each.
In past years, silicone implants have been reported to rupture and leak into the body. For a period of time, only women having reconstructive surgery following mastectomy could receive silicone gel implants; other women had to use saline implants. That changed in 2006 after extensive study by the FDA found no link to autoimmune or other health problems resulting from silicone gel implants.
Breast augmentation is a safe, effective way to enhance your body and give it the silhouette you've always wanted. To learn more about the procedure, please schedule a complimentary consultation with our cosmetic surgeons. Call 650-562-6762 or use our online form to request an appointment.
