Breast augmentation surgery is a broad term that refers to a number of procedures meant to enhance the size and shape of your natural breasts. Augmentation commonly entails breast implants. However, implant-free augmentation is also an option, which involves redistributing fat from other parts of the body into your breasts.
Whatever type of augmentation you choose, the decision to undergo the procedure comes with its own set of pros and cons. While many women walk away from augmentation with better self-esteem and a stronger body image, augmentation is not for everyone.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Below, we’ve outlined the benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your body.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Implants Can Improve Your Self Esteem
A lot of women are self-conscious about their cup size. Plus, your breasts can undergo changes from aging, childbirth, or sicknesses like cancer. Insecurity around your physical appearance can have adverse effects on your mental health. Breast augmentation can help.
Implants are customized to your shape and size, allowing you to create the exact figure you want. The resulting ego boost can help you navigate the world with a lot more confidence.
Con: There Are Potential Health Risks
Studies show breast implants may be linked to a cancer known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). A definitive link has yet to be proven. Plus, the implant most closely linked to this cancer has been pulled from the market.
However, you don’t necessarily need implants to get an augmentation. If you’re worried about cancer risks, you can always talk over implant-free augmentation with your surgeon. Redistributing fat to your breasts can help you get the body you want without the accompanying health risks of saline or silicone breast implants.
Pro: Implants Are Long Lasting
Breast augmentation lasts a long time and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. You’ll need to have regular checkups, such as regular MRIs to check for leaks or ruptures, but ruptures are not common. In fact, 90% of implants remain rupture-free for a decade.
While costs are high upfront, quality implants can last up to 10 years. Many last even longer. Overall, augmentation is a low-maintenance, long-term investment.
Con: Implants Are Expensive
There’s no getting around the price tag. At Dr. Rogers’s office, breast implants start around $12,000. Out in the community, breast augmentation can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 and is not usually covered by insurance. Having implants may also raise your insurance premiums later on.
However, if you’re getting implants to repair damage caused by illnesses like cancer, all insurance policies will cover them.
Pros: It Can Open Up A Whole New Wardrobe
Often, women with smaller breasts find traditional clothing isn’t designed with their figure in mind. A dress will fit the waist and hips fine, but sag around the breasts.
While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, the clothing we wear has a huge impact on our confidence and self-image. Having access to a whole new range of wardrobe options is a major perk for many women considering augmentation.
Con: There’s Downtime After Surgery
While you can usually resume your regular routine in about 10 days, full recovery after getting breast implants takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Soreness and swelling will persist during this time, which can cause difficulty if you have a physically demanding job.
However, if you’re able to take extended time off or have a job that doesn’t require heavy lifting, this may not be an issue. Plus, implant-free augmentation has a much shorter recovery time. Most patients can resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days.
Pro: Implants Can Improve Your Sex Life
A survey conducted by RealSelf.com found that women who underwent breast augmentation saw major benefits for their sex life. Of those surveyed, 61% reported having sex more frequently and 70% said their overall sex life satisfaction improved.
Having a satisfactory sex life can have a major impact on overall happiness.
Getting The Best Results
Every procedure comes with potential risks, but there are steps you can take to minimize them. If you decide breast augmentation is right for you, make sure to take steps to ensure your procedure goes smoothly.
Be Conscientious About Personal Health Risks
As stated, those with a higher risk for cancer may want to reconsider augmentation or consider implant-free augmentation. However, there are other health risks worth considering. Conditions like high blood pressure and lifestyle choices like smoking can increase your likelihood of complications.
None of this means you have to forego augmentation or cosmetic surgery altogether. You can opt for an alternative procedure, like a breast lift. You can also take some time to adopt a healthier overall lifestyle before scheduling surgery.
Don’t Rush Into It
Speaking of taking time, there’s no reason to rush into augmentation or any other type of surgery. Take a good, long look at the process to determine exactly what you want out of the procedure
The more educated you are going into your operation, the more likely it is you’ll be happy with your final results. To reap benefits like a better sex life and improved self-esteem, you’ll have to do the research to decide what changes you want made to your body.
Work Closely With Your Surgeon
A good plastic surgeon will want their patients to be happy with their final results. Talk over your options slowly and carefully with your plastic surgeon to make what you want clear.
Your surgeon will walk you through the process, give you a detailed overview of your options, and help you come to the right decision. Ultimately, taking advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you have the best experience possible.
Conclusion
For some women, a breast augmentation procedure can have countless benefits for their body image, self-esteem, and overall confidence. However, no single procedure is for everyone. Prior to getting a breast augmentation, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether the procedure is right for you.
If you think augmentation is right for you, Dr. Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified surgeon and a standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He’s dedicated to working one-on-one with every single patient to discuss their desired outcome and determine the most appropriate procedure. If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with us today.
