6 Things You Need To Know About Breast Augmentation

May 12, 2021

Breast augmentation – also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty – is a surgical procedure that is performed to enhance the shape, size, and volume of breasts. This procedure is common with women who have naturally small breasts, or those who are looking to rebuild their breasts for one reason or the other. If you are thinking about having a breast augmentation in Scottsdale AZ, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery

Breast enlargement has been the number one most popular cosmetic procedure for multiple years running. In 2020 – and despite the COVID-19 disruption – there were more than 193,073. This is according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Even more interesting is the fact that breast augmentation has among the highest satisfaction rates among cosmetic surgeries. According to RealPatientRatings.com, 96 percent of women who received this procedure in 2019 said they were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery.

2. Breast augmentation may be completed either using implants or fat transfer

The majority of breast enlargement surgeries are completed using artificial implants. Patients can choose from either silicone or saline implants to suit their needs and preferences. Other considerations such as implant size, shape, and texture are also important when selecting the right implant for your breast enlargement surgery. Some patients – especially those who have enough stores of excess fat in other parts of the body – may benefit from autologous fat transfer breast augmentation. This is a type of breast enlargement that is completed by using liposuction to extract excess fat from other areas of the body such as the tummy and then processing it and transferring it to the breasts to achieve the desired size increase.

3. Some implants may affect your health

Certain types of breast implants have been linked to a rare kind of cancer referred to as ALCL (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). This was based on FDA data showing that an unproportionally high number of women who had received a breast augmentation using textured implants suffered from this type of cancer. The discovery prompted a market-wide recall of this type of implant. Make sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon to make sure that these textured implants – or any other type of implant whose safety has been put into question – are not used during your breast enlargement surgery.

4. Health insurers typically do not pay for breast augmentation

Health insurance companies usually do not pay for breast augmentation because it is considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure. If you are planning to receive this type of aesthetic surgery, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for the treatment out of pocket. Your selected plastic surgeon should be able to provide an individualized cost estimate following your initial consultation visit. The average cost of breast enlargement surgery however varies from $6,000 to $15,000 based on the specifics of the surgery. Some surgeons may offer financing plans to help make this elective procedure more affordable for patients.

5. Breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures

Some patients choose to combine multiple cosmetic surgeries into one in order to reduce the recovery downtime and costs of treatment. If you would like to take this route, it is important to note that breast enlargement may be combined with a tummy tuck, liposuction, and other cosmetic procedures. Just make a point to discuss your treatment goals with your plastic surgeon so they can create a customized and comprehensive treatment plan for you.

6. Choosing the right surgeon is crucial

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial so you get the best possible outcome out of your breast enlargement treatment. Start your shortlisting by checking to see if the surgeon you are interested in is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). If the surgeon is also a member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), this is another good indicator. You’ll also want to check their reviews from past customers, as well as training, experience, case studies, and recommendations. Once you have settled on a surgeon you feel is competent enough to perform your breast enlargement surgery, the next step is to attend a consultation visit to see if you are comfortable with their approach. You want to work with a surgeon you feel free to communicate with, and who inspires trust and confidence. As long as you choose the right surgeon, and take your time to prepare for the surgery as well as get ready for the recovery duration, you should have done your part towards a truly transformative breast enlargement procedure.