Breast augmentation is a popular surgical procedure used to increase the size and improve the shape of your breasts. There are two main ways to do this: by using breast implants or through fat transfer.
Which types of breast augmentation are there?
The two primary types are breast implants and fat transfer. Within these categories, there are many options depending on how you want your breasts to look and feel. It is important to know that certain implants are only approved by the FDA for people of specific ages. Before making a decision, you should research your options, weigh the pros and cons, and talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Implants are the most common choice. Here are the different types:
Saline Implants: These are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant breaks, your body safely absorbs and gets rid of the salt water.
Structured Saline Implants: These also use salt water but have an internal structure that helps them feel more like natural breast tissue.
Silicone Implants: These are filled with a silicone gel. If the shell breaks, the gel may stay inside or leak into the breast. You will need regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure they are intact.
Form-Stable Implants: Often called "Gummy Bear" implants, these hold their shape even if the shell breaks. They are firmer than other types and require a slightly longer incision during surgery.
Round Implants: These make the breasts look fuller. Because they are round all over, they don't change the look of the breast even if they rotate or shift.
Smooth Implants: These have the softest feel and allow the breasts to move more naturally.
Textured Implants: These have a rough surface that helps them "stick" to the tissue so they don't move around. While rare, a specific type of immune system cancer (BIA-ALCL) has been linked more often to textured implants.
Fat Transfer Augmentation
In this procedure, a doctor uses liposuction to take fat from another part of your body and injects it into your breasts. This is usually for people who want a small, subtle increase in size. Fat is typically taken from:
The stomach.
The flanks (sides and lower back).
The back.
The legs.
What motivates people to undergo breast augmentations?
People choose this surgery for many different reasons, including:
To change the appearance of breasts they feel are too small.
To fix "asymmetry" (when one breast is a different size or shape than the other).
To restore volume lost after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
To correct irregularities following a previous breast surgery.
To improve self-confidence and body image.
What takes place during a breast augmentation consultation?
Before surgery, you will meet with your plastic surgeon. You should think about what specific changes you want, keeping in mind that the goal is improvement, not perfection. You must be in good physical and mental health.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, such as:
What medications you take.
Any allergies you have.
If you smoke.
Any past surgeries.
Any history of breast lumps or family history of breast cancer.
How should I be ready for surgery to increase my breast size?
Your doctor may ask you to:
Get a blood test.
Adjust your current medications.
Stop smoking.
Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding.
Stop using recreational drugs.
You must follow these instructions closely for a safe surgery and smooth recovery. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the first night. You will need at least three days off work for an office job, or up to three weeks if your job involves physical labor.
How should I prepare my home for recovery?
Create a comfortable space before your surgery date. Make sure you have:
Pain medication (like Tylenol or what your doctor prescribes).
Ointment for your incisions.
Clean gauze bandages.
Loose, comfortable shirts that button up the front (so you don't have to lift your arms).
What occurs during surgery for breast augmentation?
Anesthesia: You will be given medicine so you don't feel pain. You will either be in a deep sleep (general anesthesia) or very drowsy (IV sedation).
The Incision: The doctor makes a cut in one of three places: under the breast fold, around the nipple, or in the armpit.
Inserting the Implant: The implant is placed either behind the breast tissue or deeper, behind the chest muscle.
Closing the Wound: The doctor sews the cuts back together. They might use small tubes to drain fluid. You will wake up with bandages and a surgical bra.
What happens after breast augmentation, what happens?
You will stay in a recovery room for about an hour until you are stable. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself and a prescription for pain relief.
One Week: Most stitches are removed.
Four Weeks: You must avoid heavy lifting.
Six Weeks: You can usually return to sports and intense exercise.
What advantages does breast augmentation offer?
The main benefit is the change in appearance, which often leads to a boost in self-esteem and a better fit for clothing.
What adverse effects and complications may breast augmentation cause?
Common, temporary side effects include:
Soreness or sensitivity in the nipples.
Bruising and swelling.
Minor bleeding.
Rare but immediate risks include:
Infection.
Slow healing.
Hematoma (a buildup of blood under the skin).
Long-term risks include:
Capsular Contracture: Hard scar tissue forming around the implant.
Sagging: The weight of the implant causing the breast to drop over time.
Symmastia: When implants sit too close together, looking like one continuous breast.
Rupture: Implants can leak or deflate. They do not last forever and will likely need to be replaced eventually.
BIA-ALCL: A very rare immune system cancer linked to textured implants. Symptoms include swelling or lumps appearing years after surgery.
Can cancer screenings be impacted by breast implants?
Yes, implants can make it slightly harder to do breast self-exams and can hide some tissue during a mammogram. However, modern technology is very good at working around this. You should always tell the technician that you have implants before your mammogram so they can take extra "views" of the breast.
What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
Every person is different, but a full recovery usually takes six to eight weeks. You should slowly ease back into your routine. Do not run or do high-impact exercise until your doctor says it is safe.
When should I see my doctor following a breast augmentation?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
A fever.
Pus or strange fluid coming from the incision.
Stitches that have popped open.
One breast becoming much larger, firmer, or more painful than the other.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Lucknow, India. Our experienced cosmetic and plastic surgeons use advanced techniques and high-quality implants to achieve safe, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. We provide thorough evaluation, personalized surgical planning, and comprehensive post-operative care to support smooth recovery. With expert aesthetic care and affordable pricing, our Breast Augmentation cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality cosmetic surgery in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Lucknow, India: