Deciding to pursue breast augmentation is not easy. Most women come to the decision after careful deliberation, considering carefully the good that can come from larger breasts as well as the risks.
Historically, most women report being happy with their decision, but some serve as a warning that not all attempts at breast augmentation turn out as planned.
Types of Breast Augmentation
When women discuss breast augmentation, they are usually talking about surgery. Implants are the most popular type of cosmetic surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Surgery usually entails making a cut on the underside of the breast, inserting an implant above or under the supporting muscle then sewing the incision shut. Sometimes the implants are placed through the areola (the dark portion of the breast surrounding the nipple) or through an incision in the armpit, depending on the circumstances and the type of implant.
Some women use less invasive methods.Breast enlargement pills have plant-based oestrogens which causes tissue production similar to what women experience during pregnancy. Breast enhancement creams operate on the same principle but are rubbed directly onto breasts.
However, they deliver less oestrogen and are often used in conjunction with pills. Breast augmentation exercises target strengthening the supporting muscles under the breast.
The Plus Side
The obvious plus to breast augmentation is larger breasts. With surgery, a woman’s breast size can increase significantly within hours. The latest generations of implants feel natural and new surgery techniques leave smaller scars that become barely noticeable with time.
Other augmentation methods may also increase breast size but not as dramatically and take a greater amount of time.Psychologically, breast augmentation tends to make the woman feel more self-assured, and have a better self-image, as well as feeling sexier and more desirable.
The Negative Side
There are a number of risks involved with breast surgery. Any type of surgery is expensive, and cosmetic surgery isn’t usually covered by insurance. The recovery time is long and painful. During recovery you will likely need to wear a special bra and take painkillers to ease the discomfort.
About 30% of women will need some sort of corrective surgery within 10 years. About 20% who get silicone implants will need to have them removed, and 10% of saline implants deflate within 3 years. Implants can rupture, shift, or cause wrinkling, scarring and pain. It may be difficult to detect cancer when getting a mammography.
Pills, creams and targeted exercise take weeks to produce results, if any. No reputable studies have been performed to analyze the claims that plant-based estrogens increase breast tissue, not has their safety been tested thoroughly.
Building muscle behind the breast through exercise may enhance the appearance of breast but do nothing to the actual breast tissue.Psychologically, women may be let down when they discover having larger breasts didn’t have the desired effect on their lives.
Women should discuss any health issues with their doctor to determine if the breast enhancement method they’ve chosen is safe.
Author: Lucy Walker
Lucy Walker is a journalist, author and health living enthusiast who has been involved with health writing since 2014.
