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Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

Fast Facts About Breast Enhancement

Procedure

Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty)

Best Candidates

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who want to enhance the size of their breasts, are in good health, have reasonable expectations and are not pregnant or nursing.

Benefits

The benefits of breast augmentation include larger breasts with a natural look and feel. Many women experience a significant boost to their self-esteem and an increase in self-confidence.

Risks

Risks specific to surgery using breast implants include capsular contracture, which is contraction of the capsule surrounding the implant, and the likelihood of repeat surgery, since breast implants are not considered to be lifetime devices. Other risks and possible complications include infection, discomfort and nausea.

Cost

The total cost of breast augmentation usually ranges from $5,000 to $7,000, but can vary considerably depending on the plastic surgeon, their location and surgery details.

Length of Procedure

Most breast augmentation procedures last from 1 to 2 hours.

Inpatient/Outpatient

Breast augmentation surgery is usually an outpatient procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is usually used for breast augmentation and other breast surgeries, which puts the patient to sleep. Other types of anesthesia are twilight sedation, local anesthesia and regional anesthesia.

Post-op Symptoms

Normal symptoms experienced after breast augmentation procedures include general fatigue, moderate swelling and bruising and mild to moderate discomfort and pain. These symptoms usually subside quickly during the first 48 hours.

Recovery Time

Most women are up and around the day after their breast enhancement surgery and can resume most normal activities, including returning to work, within a few days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 3 weeks and upper body weight training for 6 weeks. Always follow your doctor's instructions.