Preparing for Breast Augmentation: Everything You Need to Know

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures worldwide, with more than one million breast augmentations performed every year. At Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Exton, PA, we are proud to help women achieve their ideal breast shape and size with a variety of breast augmentation options. 

Whether you’re interested in a specific type of augmentation, such as autologous breast augmentation, or you just want to learn more about your options, read on to learn everything you need to know. 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

There’s a common misbelief that breast augmentation is synonymous with breast implants. But the truth is, breast augmentation refers to any procedure that enlarges or changes the shape of the breasts. This can be done with or without implants. There are many reasons a woman may choose to get breast augmentation surgery, including to: 

• Increase breast size
• Restore fullness after breastfeeding
• Correct asymmetrical breasts
• Address sagging
• Improve body proportions
• Reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy

No matter what concerns you may have about the appearance of your breasts, breast augmentation can help address them. 

Choosing the Right Size

One of the first steps in preparing for breast augmentation is determining what breast size is right for you. Whether you’re enhancing your breasts with implants or a fat transfer, it’s important to find a size that is comfortable for your frame and will make you look and feel your best. 

Some women know exactly what cup size or implant size they desire, but it’s fine if you only have a general idea of what changes you want to make. We will help you find a size that feels right for your specific frame and unique proportions. 

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Like?

Breast augmentation, like most surgical procedures, is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, we will make a small incision, either:

• Underneath the breasts
• Around the outer edge of the nipples
• Inside the armpits

Once we make the incision, we will either insert the implant — and fill it, if needed — or transfer the fat we have previously harvested from elsewhere on your body. Next, we close the incisions and bandage up the area. Breast augmentation typically only takes one to two hours to complete and approximately six to eight weeks to fully heal. 

Types of Breast Augmentation Surgery

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to breast augmentation. Everybody has their own concerns and their own idea of what their ideal breasts look like. That’s why we offer a variety of breast augmentation procedures to accommodate every preference. 

Breast Implants

Breast implants are a popular choice for breast augmentation surgery due to their ability to provide either dramatic or subtle, long-lasting results. Implants can be placed either below the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath both the breast tissue and pectoral muscle (submuscular). 

Depending on what look and feel you’re going for and your circumstances, you may choose: 

• Saline implants
• Silicone implants
• Gummy bear implants

Gummy bear implants are meant to closely mimic the look and feel of natural breasts, but we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of implant when you come in for a consultation. 

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous breast augmentation, uses fat from your own body to subtly enhance the size and shape of your breasts. We extract unwanted fat cells from other areas of the body, including the stomach, thighs, chin, and arms, and transfer them to the breasts to help increase volume. 

Since nothing foreign is introduced to your body, this method is also known as natural breast augmentation. Natural breast augmentation doubles as a body contouring procedure, making it a popular choice for individuals who have stubborn fat deposits they’d like to eliminate.

Breast Lift and Augmentation

Whether due to age, weight loss, or pregnancy, sagging is a common concern for women. Breast augmentation alone will increase breast size, but does not do much to address the sagging many women experience. A breast lift and augmentation can provide the additional tightness needed to restore a perkier appearance, while also increasing the breasts’ size and improving their shapes. 

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Preparing for your breast augmentation surgery is essential for a smooth surgical process and proper healing. Luckily, it’s not too hard to prepare. As with any surgery, you should not eat or drink anything the night before or morning of your surgery. 

On the day of your surgery, you should arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. Additionally, for at least two weeks before your surgery, you should:

• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol intake
• Cut out NSAIDs and herbal supplements

It’s also important to take the time to plan for your recovery. This includes creating a cozy place for you to rest and recuperate, and stocking up on all the essential items you’ll need. During your recovery, you should keep plenty of antibacterial soap, comfortable clothes, button-up shirts, healthy snacks, and wire-free bras on hand. 

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

If you’re interested in breast augmentation, the first step is to schedule a consultation at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Exton, PA. If you’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations, you’re likely a good candidate for breast augmentation, but a consultation is necessary to confirm this. 

A consultation also allows you to learn more about the different types of breast augmentations and the preparation and recovery process, as well as to ask any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation.