Back when you hated your body's fat tissue, you failed to realize just how much that fat had to do with your cleavage. You liked your cleavage! It made you feel feminine and sexy, and it filled out your clothes.
And now it's gone. You lost the fat, and with it, your breasts. You miss the pretty lingerie that no longer seems to look "right." The only bikini top you feel comfortable wearing nowadays is a bandeau.
What now?
Chances are good that implants have crossed your mind more than once!
Breast implants have made millions upon millions of women truly happy and completely confident with their body; they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures, and are readily available at your nearest plastic surgery clinic. All you'd need is a few hours for an outpatient procedure and anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on your location and specific case.
Or is it? Is that really all you'll need? Your mind starts to get flooded with an array of bewildering questions... time for some vital research to get them answered!
Is breast augmentation right for me?
The first step to the entire process is establishing whether this procedure will provide you with results you're seeking. If you aim to increase your breast size, correct any imbalances, improve firmness, or restore the contour your body seems to have lost with age or weight loss, breast implant surgery will most likely provide you with the outcome you're after. One factor many ladies don't take into consideration when deciding to go under the knife is the importance of emotional stability. Be sure that you aren't only in good health, but are generally happy with yourself, as well.
Remember that while breast surgery will help enhance your figure, it won't completely change it. So if you aren't mostly happy with your current appearance, chances are, you'll feel the same about it afterwards! Be sure that your expectations are realistic before you even think of picking up the phone to make an appointment for your consultation.
When you feel ready to take a step in learning more about your procedure and possibly scheduling that appointment, you'll need to locate a reputable doctor; one you'll fully trust -- a true master of his or her craft.
There are thousands of extraordinary doctors out there, each of whom is highly qualified and talented in what they do. A good way to start eliminating those who may not be so trustworthy is to make certain that each plastic surgeon you will be considering is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Do a search in your area (or a city you may be willing to travel to), and once you've come up with a few names, do some research to make sure the doctors you'll be consulting with have a good reputation among the ladies they've operated on. This is as simple as typing the doctor's name in a search engine of a forum dedicated to breast implant discussion. (Please refer to the end of this article for helpful links.)
Decided on a surgeon? Ready to tell him how excited you are, in person? Make the call and schedule an initial appointment!
I called the doc; what happens at my initial consultation?
Your very first appointment with your plastic surgeon will be FUN! You'll discuss a myriad of options available to you, the procedure itself, and what happens afterwards. You may even get to "try on" a pair of actual implants to determine what size you'd like to be... and once you do, you'll most likely be so excited to make them your own. You'll want to jump the gun and scream, "Where do I sign?"
But before you do, let's focus on exactly what those options are...
Size:
This is one option that's most fun to contemplate, yet it can get distressing as well. It's tough to determine what would make you happy now while leaving you with least regrets in the future. No one wants to go under the knife again, just a few years later, simply because her final size wasn't as large as she had hoped it would be, or just large enough to prevent her from enjoying her favorite sport.
The best way to establish your ideal size is to try on different sizes of implants. Most doctors will provide a variety of implants during your consultation, allowing you to place them in your sports bra and actually see just how the results of your surgery will look.
Keep in mind that almost anything will look "too big" if you're very close to being flat chested, yet after getting accustomed to the look and feel of their new breasts, most ladies actually regret not going larger! Also, remember that your implants will be somewhat compressed by the tissue covering them after the surgery, thereby looking quite a bit smaller than they may look resting in the sports bra.
Lastly, take into consideration the fact that implants are wider than natural breasts, which means that while your final bra size will most likely end up being either a C or a D, you may look like you're only a B. Unless, of course, you opt for "high profile" implants, which brings us to your next decision...
Type:
Choices, choices, choices. As if determining the size wasn't tough enough, you'll also have to choose from a few different shapes, textures, and fills. Your "fill" options will consist of two FDA approved choices:
---Saline implants are considered the safest choice due to the fact that the salt water with which they're filled is completely harmless to the body in case of rupture. They come in smooth and textured outer shell, round and anatomical shapes, and various profiles. Your doctor will help you settle on a saline implant that will work with your anatomy to provide you with the results you're after.
--Silicone gel implants were approved by the FDA in 2006 after numerous studies proved their safety in women. Those who favor these implants like the fact that they look and feel more natural and analogous to actual breast tissue.
The ladies who dislike the idea of having silicone in their body are mostly worried about the implant breaking and the silicone leaking out through their body, unnoticed. It's a good idea to do some extensive research on silicone and read both good and bad experiences others have had with this type of an implant prior to making your decision. A good place to start is theFDA's implant safety and research page.
Once you've decided on the size and type of implants you'd like to get, you'll have some more decisions to make. The following two topics will most likely be brought up by your surgeon.
Placement:
Implants may be placed in three locations:
o The sub-glandular location is beneath the breast itself, but in front of the pectoralis muscle. While this procedure is technically easier and requires minimal recovery, many women are less than perfect candidates because it calls for a substantial layer of actual breast tissue to cover the implant. Those who are good candidates for this placement often opt out of this option due to the fact that implant edge visibility is quite high as it sits just beneath the skin.
o The partial sub-muscular location is beneath the breast tissue and partially under the pectoral and other chest muscles. During the surgery, the lowest part of the pectoralis major is cut so that the upper part of the implant ends up deeply underneath the muscle, but the lower part remains beneath the breast alone. This is a more complex procedure requiring slightly more down time, but the results will, in most cases, look natural on ladies with small breasts (not completely flat-chested).
o The full sub-muscular location is completely beneath the muscle, but not fully behind the pectoralis. The top portion of the implant is behind the pectoralis and the serratus, and the lower part is behind the fascia connecting the pectoral, serratus, and upper rectus abdominal muscles.
Subpectoral placement has a lower incidence of certain complications and results in a less obvious scar. It's the method most preferred by women with least breast tissue, and also the placement that will make your future mammograms easier. Keep in mind however, that this is the most complex of all three procedures, resulting in a longer post-op recuperation period and possible discomfort when flexing your chest muscles for the life of the implant. That's something to take into consideration since those push ups and benching you're addicted to may no longer be possible!
Incision Location:
You will have the choice of four incision types:
o Inframammary fold incision is made within the fold of the breast. This is currently the most common type of incision as it allows the surgeon great visibility and comfort when inserting the implant. It's suitable for any of the above implant placements and is the incision of choice when performing corrective surgery on women with breast implant complications.
o Peri-areolar incision is placed along the outline of the areola surrounding the nipple. The scars resulting from such incisions are generally not very noticeable (if healed properly) as they tend to blend in. The single most common complaint with this incision placement is loss of nipple sensitivity, which occurs when the nerves cut during surgery don't heal up properly.
o Transaxillary incision is a newer placement, and is made through the armpit. It offers a scar-free breast, with scars being hidden by the natural folds of the underarm area. One disadvantage of choosing this option is the fact that in the case of any future complications, incisions on the breast will be unavoidable as your surgeon will not have the visibility and access necessary for corrective surgery through the armpit. And no one likes four scars where just two could have sufficed.
o TUBA is the newest type of incision available. It is made at the rim of the navel, and the implant is placed in its pocket through a tunnel created with the help of an endoscope. The good news is, there are no scars on the breasts and the recovery time is thought to be shorter than with other incision types due to the procedure being somewhat less invasive. The bad news is, there are very few highly skilled and qualified surgeons who perform this procedure properly. Again, if any complications do occur, your surgeon will have to create either an inframmamary fold or a peri-areolar incision to perform any corrective work.
Your consultation is finally nearing the end. At this point, it's essential to ask any questions you may have about the entire process. Not only will this help put your mind at ease and further establish whether this procedure is truly appropriate for you, but it will allow you to gauge the doctor's attentiveness and care towards you.
He or she should be willing to thoroughly explain every little detail to you without seeming rushed. Be absolutely certain that you feel completely comfortable with your doctor and each ember of his staff, as your life will literally be in their hands should you decide to go through with the surgery.
Have a tough time coming up with questions? Too excited to think of any good ones? Print the list below and read from it; surgeons are used to that and will appreciate the fact that you've done your research!
Will the surgery take place at a hospital, or do you have an OR within your practice?
Do you have hospital privileges in case something was to go wrong? Which hospital?
Will an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist be present during my surgery?
What type of anesthesia will he or she administer? Will I have a choice of different types, and if so, what are the differences?
Will my surgery fee include post-op visits? For how long?
If something were to go wrong, would I be charged for a second surgery to repair any complications? What would those fees be?
If I do need a second surgery, will the same incision be used to correct the problem?
What is the most common complication you encounter with breast augmentation surgery?
What percentage of all breast implant surgeries result in complications? How often to these complications result in revision surgery?
Have you had patients ask to have their implants removed? If so, what were their reasons?
If I have an emergency complication post-surgery and need to contact you in the middle of the night or on your day off, will I be able to do so?
How high are the chances of me losing sensitivity in my nipples?
What type of implant would you recommend I go with?
How natural will my new breasts feel? How long would you say it takes for most of your patients' implants to soften up and start feeling natural?
What incision and placement do you prefer to use with your patients? Why?
What medications will I need to stop taking prior to surgery?
What herbs and vitamins should I discontinue taking a few weeks prior to surgery?
What pain meds will I have to take, and for how long?
How soon will I be able to return to work, if recovery goes as planned?
How soon after surgery will I be able to take a shower or a bath?
How soon can I begin to drive my car?
When will I be cleared to restart my training?
Will I be able to resume training at "full speed," including heavy benching and push ups, or would you recommend not doing direct chest work at all, even once I've made a complete recovery?
What do you recommend your patients do to speed up the healing process? Do you suggest taking Arnica or Bromelain for swelling and bruising, and massaging the implants post surgery to help muscle tissue relax? How about diuretics for the swelling; do you recommend those at all?
With no complications, how soon will I need to replace my implants, if at all?
Will I be able to breastfeed if I decide to do so? How safe is it to breast feed if I go with silicone implants?
If I decide to have a baby, will I need to have another surgery post-delivery?
Will I be able to wear underwire bras post-surgery? Will padded bras cause my implants to shift? Is it a bad idea to not wear a bra at all once I have fully recovered - will that cause my breasts to sag?
Pay close attention to each of the responses; ask again if any of the answers are at all unclear. Always, always remember that you're considering going under the knife, and any surgery has its risks and complications. Some are more serious than others, but none are pleasant and most will result in a revision. Let's take a look at a few...
Possible risks and complications:
o Infection is one of the most serious dangers, and may occur even when the surgeon takes every precaution to reduce the possibility. Some infections are treated with antibiotics, while others will require removal of the infected implant for a period of time (ranging from a couple of weeks to a couple of months). As you can imagine, this can be quite a traumatic experience for a woman who just may end up with a single breast until the infection has completely cleared up. Ask your doctor for tips on how to reduce your chance of getting an infection.
o Hematoma occurs when a large amount of blood accumulates in the surgical area. This blood gets trapped beneath the skin, and while at times the body absorbs it, there are instances when it needs to be drained. In more serious cases, the implant may have to be removed to effectively drain the fluid, and in even more severe instances, an emergency surgery may have to take place. Excessive bleeding resulting in a hematoma will increase the likelihood of the next complication on our list...
o Capsular Contracture is the most common complication of breast implant surgeries. It happens when the normal lining created by the body in response to a foreign object being placed within it gets too thick or starts forming abnormally, forcing the implant to become misshapen or simply very hard and painful.
While the causes for capsular contractures are still unclear, it is known that infections, and hematomas will increase your risk of developing this complication at some point in the future. It is generally thought that implants placed under the muscle have a lower chance of developing a capsular contracture around them than those placed just beneath the breast tissue (subglandularly). If a thick, tight capsule has developed, the only way to undo its damage is by removing it during a revision surgery.
o Bottoming Out is a bit less common risk. This will happen in the event of the implant migrating lower than intended, and may become apparent either shortly after surgery (mostly caused by the pocket being too low), or quite some time after recovery - usually caused by the weight of the implant. Bottoming out is less of a risk for patients with submuscular implants and happen much more frequently in women with subglandular implants. A revision surgery is necessary to repair this complication.
o Symmastia is a very complex, but thankfully less common complication that results in the patient's skin (if implants are subglandular) or muscle wall (if implants are submuscular) detaching from the sternum, resulting in the implants meeting in the center. Thin women are at the highest risk for this complication, and the best way to avoid it is to ensure that your surgeon is a highly experienced one. The only way to repair symmastia is with subsequent surgery where the muscle wall is reattached to the sternum.
o Deflation or Rupture of the implant may happen with any implant, in any placement. Modern implants are mostly constructed in a manner that makes them almost impossible to puncture, yet there's still a chance of the implant's shell becoming weaker through the years or being damaged by the surgeon at surgery, resulting in deflation just a few weeks later. All implant manufacturers offer lifetime warranty on their products, meaning if this were to occur to you, you would be entitled to an implant free of charge. There is, however, the surgery fee to take into consideration... but replacing the implant is generally a simple procedure.
o Necrosis is a very serious complication that's also quite uncommon. It takes place when the tissue surrounding the implant begins to die, thereby making it impossible for the body to heal itself. While this does occur rarely, some factors increasing your chances for necrosis include infection, extreme temperatures, chemotherapy, and smoking.
Scared yet? Or still screaming "sign me up"? It's crucial to realize how complex of a surgery breast augmentation can be, but if you've done your research and are fully aware of all the risks and pain you may have to endure, it can be quite a rewarding experience. If you've made up your mind on going for it, go ahead and print up the following list of tips to help you prepare for surgery and make your recovery as painless as possible.
Tips:
o Be sure you understand that implants are just that - implants. They will not transform your entire appearance, so be reasonable about your expectations.
o Please be certain that someone will be with you for a few days following surgery. Do not expect to be able to handle everything on your own, you will need help doing the most basic things for the first few days - especially if your implants are submuscular.
o Discontinue taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and all supplements at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
o Stay away from alcohol for a few days pre-op; alcohol is a blood thinner!
o QUIT SMOKING! Many doctors will not operate on smokers due to the fact that their body's healing abilities are not nearly as efficient as that of a non-smoker.
o Leave all your jewelry at home. Leave your fingernails unpainted, and do not wear any makeup when you go for surgery.
o If you're on your period at the time of surgery, be sure to tell your doctor. Some surgeons will want to reschedule the surgery, others won't care.
o Wear very loose, comfortable clothing consisting of pants with an elastic waistband and a top with a front zipper. Many women wear pajamas or loose sweats to their surgeries.
o Speaking of clothes, make sure you have a number of comfortable, zip-up tops and pull-on pants to wear for a few weeks post-surgery.
o Be sure your laundry is done, your house is clean, and no errands will need to be run for at least a few days after your operation. Buy enough groceries to last for at least a couple of weeks, unless someone can do the shopping for you once you're home.
o Remember to wash your hair the morning of surgery as you may not be able to have it washed for a week or longer! Leave the toilet paper on the floor in case reaching for it is too painful after you're home.
o Have a few bags of frozen peas in your freezer (at least 4). These will alleviate some pain and swelling when you're recovering.
o Prepare your couch with blankets and pillows in case sleeping on the bed proves to be impossible. Most women find it very difficult to get on and off their beds; couches are a bit more accommodating due to their lower stature.
o You will be sleeping on your back for quite some time, so practice now if you don't feel comfortable in this position.
o Save your surgeon's contact information to your cell phone in case of an emergency.
o Buy plenty of crackers, soda, and some Jell-O, in case you can't stomach much else immediately post-op.
o Have a good amount of videos and magazines on hand to keep you occupied and entertained for a few days after the surgery. You will most likely be much too weak to go anywhere, but sitting still and doing nothing will just make you more aware of the pain you may be experiencing.
o When leaving for surgery, take a pillow, a small bucket (in the event of getting sick), and some water for the return trip home.
o Loosen all bottle caps as you may not have the strength to open them upon return.
o Be sure everything you may need is within reaching distance without having to raise your arms at all.
o Buy straws and small bottles of water; lifting a gallon won't be a possibility for a while.
o Do not get scared if you find yourself extremely swollen post-op. This is common and the fluid will dissipate after just a few days.
o Shaving will be very tough, especially in the underarm area. See if you can get waxed just before surgery.
o Have Vitamin E on hand as your surgeon will most likely advise you to begin taking it after surgery to prevent capsular contracture.
o Your nipples may be extremely sensitive post surgery. Nursing pads work well to alleviate discomfort.
o Mood swings are absolutely normal due to the effects of anesthesia and pain meds. They will pass, so STAY POSITIVE!
The more research you do, the better your experience will prove to be as you'll know what to expect from it. It's a great idea to speak with as many women as possible about their experience with breast augmentation. Each of them will provide you with tips and ideas, making you more aware and prepared for your procedure.
The Internet can be a phenomenal resource in helping you not only obtain any information pertaining to breast implant surgery, but also in connecting you with ladies who have gone through it themselves! A multitude of websites dedicated to this topic exists!
Read through the entire article? Visited each of the sites above? Congratulations, you are now an informed patient!
Just don't forget that once the research is done, all the decisions are made, you've spent $8,000 on surgery and were in pain for a month... you get to do it all over again in about 10 years, when it's time for a routine implant change. But look on the bright side - the Wonderbra and "cookies" can now go in the trash, just about any bikini top looks smashing on you, and once again, you have cleavage!

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Hi there, my name is Olesya Novik, and I've spent years and years searching for that illusive website myself with no luck at all. I've grown so sick and tired of seeing women take the back seat to men in the fitness industry, that I've decided to take it all into my own hands.
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Olesya Novik
President and CEO of OliciousLife LLC
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