Making changes to your body is a big decision.
If you’re thinking about having a breast lift, augmentation, or reduction, there are many key factors to consider. Before going under the knife, be mindful the physical, mental, and social side effects of having elective surgery.
It’s important that women are fully informed about the costs and risks associated with these types of procedures as well. Averaging just under $5,000 before doctor, hospital, and anesthesia fees, breast surgery is both expensive and life-changing.
Having full information will help you make the best personal decision about a very personal issue. Be sure you consider these 10 factors before reaching any conclusions about a breast lift.
You May Need More than One Surgery Over Time
If you’re trying to turn an A cup to a DD, it won’t happen all at once. Your body needs time to heal and adjust to the changes you’re making. Your gradual transition could take several procedures spread over two or three years.
Around a quarter of women who have breast surgery will need a second one within 10 years. Changes in weight and preference, as well as factors like pregnancy, contribute to some women opting to go back under the knife.
There May Be Big Changes to Your Routines
After breast surgery, your normal activities will be affected while you recover. Expect changes to your exercise and sleep routines in general.
Women who sleep on their stomachs report a difficult time getting comfortable, sometimes permanently after surgery. Post-operation soreness may force you to find a new sleeping position that works better for your new body.
Depending on the nature of your operation, you might not be able to work out in the same way you did before. Doing pull-ups and pushups, for example, can pose problems for women after breast surgery.
Surgery Could Affect Your Ability to Breastfeed
For women whose surgery involves an incision on their areola, there’s a slight risk of damage to the minor duct. This could disconnect the areola complex with the main portion of the gland and make breastfeeding much more difficult.
Those who have underarm incisions generally have no increased issue, but more research needs to be done.
Your Breasts Will Feel Different to the Touch After an Augmentation
Though implant technology has grown quite a bit, there’s still a difference between human tissue and a man-made silicon implant. Don’t expect your breasts to feel exactly the same after surgery as they did before.
Women who begin with little breast tissue will notice even more difference in feel than those who have more. Likewise, smaller implants are less noticeable than larger ones.
One remedy to maintain the most natural-feeling breasts is to have the implants inserted under the muscle. This requires a more invasive procedure but many women appreciate the difference in the feel and appearance of their breasts after surgery.
A Breast Lift Can Affect Your Posture
Any changes you make to one area of your body will have an overall effect. And increasing or reducing your breast size is no different.
A breast lift will eliminate sagging and help straighten your posture. Likewise, a breast reduction can help reduce back pain, allowing you to stand up straighter and freer.
If you choose to get implants, your body will have to adjust to the new weight that it’s carrying. The more proportional your implants are to your frame, the less of a difference you’ll notice.
You May Lose Sensation in Your Nipples
Depending on the type of surgery you have or the shape of your breasts, you may experience a change in the sensation in your nipples. It’s common for most women to temporarily notice either loss of sensation or increased sensation for the first couple months following surgery.
Nearly 95% of women report that the feeling returns to normal after that. As your nerve endings elongate to account for your new implants, be prepared for changes in feeling.
The Location of the Implant Will Affect Recovery Time
Most women will be able to return to work about a week after having surgery unless their job requires manual labor. You’ll still feel sore after that week, but it should be minimal enough to begin resuming your regular routine.
However, for women who elect to have implants inserted under the muscle, the recovery time is longer and more painful. There are some benefits that make many women choose this option, however.
Implants under the muscle not only look more realistic, they have a reduced chance of developing a scar shell.
Cancer Screenings May Require Extra Effort
Your breast health is the most important thing to consider. Make sure to have a thorough checkup, including a mammogram if you’re of age, before proceeding with any surgery.
Depending on the location of your implant, it may be more difficult to have a mammogram. This typically isn’t an issue if the implant is beneath the muscle, but consult with your surgeon to stay informed.
Not All Surgeons are Equal
Do your research before you settle on a surgeon for your breast lift. Make sure they’re accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that they have the right experience in the type of procedure you want.
Check their body of work. Ask to see before and after photos and get testimonials from patients.
Make sure you’re selecting the best person for your breast augmentation or reduction, even if that takes extra time.
Breast Surgery Can’t Fix Insecurity
Before you make the decision to alter your body, take time to be sure that it’s what you really want. Getting a boob job can make you feel better and attract more compliments, but it won’t replace deep-rooted feelings of insecurity or unhappiness.
In time, the compliments will fade and you’ll need to do something else to try to achieve the happiness you seek.
There are many great reasons why a breast lift or enhancement might benefit you. But surgery is not a magic cure for low self-esteem.
If you’re motivated to have surgery out of a hope that it’ll make you a better person or drastically change your social life, think twice before going under the knife. You don’t want to embark on a path of constant self-modification trying to find elusive happiness.
However, if having the surgery is part of a well-thought process geared more towards helping you enjoy your body better, it can be quite rewarding
Confident and Beautiful
Take pride in your body and in looking and feeling your best. If a breast lift or reduction is the right choice for you, know the risks and choose a talented surgeon.
Then celebrate the new you with the perfect maxi dress or whatever else suits your fashion fancy. We’ve got all the style and dress tips you need to be the talk of the season!
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