Breast augmentation is a very personal choice and it’s essential that you’re undergoing the procedure for your own happiness and not someone else’s. Even if someone else has offered to pay for the surgery, you should only go through with the operation if breast augmentation is something you truly want to do. Most patients are very happy with the results, especially when they make the decision to have the surgery on their own. If you live in or near the Houston area, you can find a professional plastic surgeon to perform breast augmentation in Houston TX and walk you through the process to give you peace of mind every step of the way.
Want to know if you qualify for breast augmentation? Here are some important things you should know.
How to Know If You’re a Candidate for Breast Augmentation
You may be eligible for breast augmentation if:
- You’re in good physical health and are not breastfeeding or pregnant
- You have fully-developed breasts
- You have realistic expectations about how your body will look after the surgery
- You’re not satisfied with the size of your breasts
- You’re not satisfied with the volume and shape of your breasts after having a baby, nursing, losing weight, or aging
- You have asymmetrical breasts
- You’re not happy with the look of your upper body and feel that your chest area appears “empty”
- One or both breasts did not develop normally
If you’re seriously thinking about surgery, look at some before and after photos of breast augmentation to get an accurate idea of what to expect after your surgery. When you prepare yourself, you’ll have realistic expectations and will likely have a smoother recovery process.
The Cost of Breast Augmentations
According to 2019 American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, the average cost for breast augmentation is $3,947. This price does not include fees and costs associated with the surgery such as operating room facilities and anesthesia. It’s important to talk with your surgeon’s office about the actual fee for your surgery so you can financially prepare.
Plastic surgeons charge for breast augmentation based on their geographic area of practice, their professional experience, and the type of augmentation you’ve requested. Many surgeons provide financial plans for breast augmentation surgery so be sure to ask about your payment options during your consultation.
When you’re searching for a plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation, look for the surgeon within your budget whose experience you feel most comfortable with. This will increase the likelihood that you’ll be satisfied with the final result.
In general, health insurance plans do not cover the cost of cosmetic breast augmentation, complications with breast implants, or any other procedures that will change the appearance of your breasts. Some health insurance companies may not even cover breast diseases for patients how have implants, so you may want to consider genetic testing for breast cancer before your breast augmentation to determine your risk.
Go over your health insurance policy in detail before your surgery so you’ll be aware of all the costs associated with breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
Before you meet with your plastic surgeon, research the different types of breast implants available to find out which are right for you. Types of implants include:
- Saline breast implants, which are filled with saltwater. If the shell of the implant leaks, the implant will collapse and the body with naturally eliminate the saline. Structured saline implants, which have an inner structure that makes the implant feel more like a natural breast, is an option as well. Saline implants are FDA-approved for women who are at least 18 years old.
- Silicone breast implants, which are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels similar to breast tissue. The gel will stay in the implant if the implant leaks but will sometimes leak into the implant pocket. However, implants filled with silicone gel won’t collapse. Silicone implants require regular visits to the plastic surgeon to ensure the implants are functioning as they should. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women who are at least 22 years old.
- Gummy bear breast implants, which are form-stable and maintain their shape even if the shell of the implant breaks. These implants are made from a thicker form of silicone and are firmer than traditional silicone implants.
- Round breast implants, which make the breast fuller. These implants have a higher profile which projects the breast forward. Round breast implants may be suitable for women with longer breasts. Since the implants are the same shape all around, they are less likely to move out of place.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
You should be prepared to have a candid discussion with your plastic surgeon about your breast augmentation. Ask about the results you can expect based on the type of augmentation you want. Discuss any medical conditions or allergies you have. Be honest with your doctor about whether you’re using any herbal supplements, recreational drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer as well.
Your surgeon will evaluate your health and check for any risk factors. The plastic surgeon will also measure and examine your breasts and take photos. Based on the evaluation, your surgeon will recommend the right type of breast augmentation for you and determine your course of treatment.
Ask your plastic surgeon as many questions as you need to pertaining to the surgery and recovery time so you’ll feel at ease with the process and be assured that you’re in good hands.
These helpful suggestions will prepare you for your breast augmentation and keep you in control of the process as you make this individual choice to change your physical appearance to your liking.