Breast augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. Over 300,000 procedures were performed in 2018 alone.
Small breasts or changes in your breasts after breastfeeding or losing weight can seriously harm your self-esteem. If you aren’t satisfied with your breast size or shape, you’re not alone.
Making an informed decision on whether or not to get a boob job is the first step towards the procedure. It’s not an easy decision and it might take some soul searching, but knowing the facts about breast augmentation can help you manage the stress and make your final decision.
Here are some of the insider tips that you should know before getting a boob job.
1. It Will Cost Around $3,700
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average total cost of a bob job is about $3,700. This includes the surgeon’s fee only–not the additional cost of anesthesia and materials. The price will also range widely depending on the doctor, the region, and the type of augmentation you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a breast reduction procedure, the price can vary widely. The procedure takes three or four times longer than an augmentation can cost more.
2. You Can Still Breastfeed
Getting breast implants won’t interfere with your ability to breastfeed a child. The implants can be placed underneath the breast muscles–keeping the milk ducts intact.
However, getting breast implants might lead to problems with breastfeeding. You’ll be more vulnerable to mastitis and other breast infections.
Furthermore, if your surgery involves a nipple incision, it may affect your nipple sensitivity. This might lead to a difficulty getting milk to flow when a baby latches on.
If you’re concerned about any of these issues, have an open conversation with your plastic surgeon so they can adjust the procedure to allow you to breastfeed in the future.
3. Augmented Breasts Will Feel Different
While silicone breasts will appear and feel similar to breasts, they still won’t feel exactly like natural breast tissue.
This depends on the size of your implants. Smaller implants or those placed further below the muscle will be harder to detect.
You might notice a difference–but they still feel natural and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort in your breasts.
4. Good Looking Breasts Take Time
Directly after your surgery, it might not look like you have the results you wanted. Don’t be disappointed just yet–wait the full recovery period for the full results of your implants.
In the days after your procedure, your breasts will be swollen and they may not look as perky as you’d expected.
The tissue needs some time to recover and adjust to your body after the procedure. Give yourself the full time to heal and you’ll see the shape of your breasts improve.
Your breasts will improve day by day–but you’ll be able to see the final result in a few months.
5. You Might Lose Feeling In Your Nipples
When you have any kind of surgery done to your breasts, there’s a chance that you’ll lose sensation in your nipples.
This is especially likely when your procedure involves a nipple incision. It can also involve other factors, including breast shape, size of the augmentation, and surgery type.
But even if you lose some or all feeling in your nipples, they’ll still respond to stimulation.
6. You’ll Still Need a Bra
Many women dream of being able to go without a bra. While your breasts will be larger and tighter after the procedure, you’ll still need a bra.
Not only will this help you with personal comfort, but it’s also crucial for maintaining your new breast shape. Wearing the right bra prevents skin from stretching. Now that there’s additional weight, your breasts could sag over time if you don’t give them the support they need.
Although you’ll need new bras after surgery, give it a month or two before you go shopping. Your implants need time to settle into their final appearance–and you don’t want to buy the wrong size. As such, look for an ideal everyday bra that feels great and matches on you.
Many surgeons recommend that you wear a sports bra for the first few weeks. This will provide you with the support and comfort that you need.
7. You Can’t Go From Small to Large All At Once
Although a boob job can increase your breast size, don’t expect to go from small to large breasts in one go.
Your body and skin need time to adjust to the drastic changes. If you really want to up your breast size, most surgeons will recommend only going up a few sizes at a time. Over time, you can gradually increase the size until you reach what you’re looking for.
Furthermore, the larger implants you have in your breasts, the more noticeable it will be. The less breast tissue you have compared to the implant, the less real your breasts will feel to the touch.
8. There Are Different Types of Implants
Although most implants are made from silicone, you may have more options to choose from when it comes to breast augmentation. Many surgeons offer two options: silicone and saline.
Silicone implants are widely associated with breast implants because they offer a natural appearance. With these implants, surgeons will place a silicone “pocket” inside your breasts, which will then be filled with silicone gel.
With saline implants, these pockets are filled with a saline (salt water) solution. For these procedures, the incisions will be smaller. In the case of a leak, the saltwater liquid used is similar to body fluids and won’t damage your body.
Interested in getting a boob job? Discover more about the types of breast implants available.
9. You’ll Need Longer Cancer Screenings
Regular mammograms are necessary to scan for early signs of breast cancer. If you’re planning breast augmentation surgery, keep in mind that your check-ups might take longer than usual.
The implants could interfere with screening and conceal lumps or other abnormalities in your breast tissue. Both implants also prevent X-rays from passing through your breasts.
While you can still be examined for cancer or other diseases, it might take a deeper examination. You’ll have to do four additional mammography scans in addition to the standard procedure.
In rare cases, a regular mammogram could also cause implants to rupture. Be sure to tell your doctor that you have implants before you begin.
10. It Might Affect Your Posture
Depending on the size of your implants, you might notice a change in your posture. If you pick implants that are proportional to your frame, there won’t be much of a difference. But if you opt for something bigger than your frame, you might notice the effects of the additional weight.
You can talk with your plastic surgeon before the procedure to make sure that the weight of your implants will be proportional to your body.
If you do opt for a larger size, just be prepared to adjust your posture afterward. You can train your body to better carry the weight without slouching or causing back pain.
11. It’s Usually Not Covered by Health Insurance
In the U.S., most breast augmentation surgeries can cost $3,700 or more. If you’re planning on getting a boob job, you’ll likely have to pay it out of your own pockets.
Most health insurance companies won’t cover breast enlargement surgery. It will, however, cover breast implants for women who have suffered from breast cancer.
If you need surgery to your breasts later on, your health insurance also may not cover that.
Here are a few questions you should ask your health insurance company before getting implants:
- If I get breast augmentation surgery, will any of the costs be covered?
- Will these implants affect my rates?
- If I have health complications related to my implants, will the surgery or treatment be covered?
- Will additional diagnostic tests post-surgery, like MRIs or extra mammograms, be covered?
Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Boob Job
Are you considering getting a boob job?
Breast augmentation surgery can help you improve the shape of your breasts and boost your self-confidence about how you look. No matter the type or size of the implants, breast augmentation can help you feel good about the appearance of your breasts.
Knowing the benefits, risks, and complications involved in the procedure can help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Looking for more tips, tricks, and advice to boost your health and your confidence? Check out our health section for more articles.
