POPULAR SOLUTION:

If you are considering breast augmentation then you are not alone. In 1999 more than 131,000 women chose to enhance their appearance through breast augmentation, which is now the second most popular of all cosmetic plastic surgeries. In fact cosmetic and plastic surgeons the world over have been performing and perfecting this procedure for over thirty years. In 2006 more women had breast enlargements than at any other time and so this surgery is considered safe and widely practised.

Also called 'Mammaplasty', breast augmentation is surgery to contour and enlarge breasts using implants. Many women choose the procedure because they feel their breasts are too small for their body, while some women lose breast size after childbirth or breast-feeding. Although for most nature was not so generous to start with. And then there are another smaller group of women who are plagued by uneven or oddly shaped breasts and would like a more naturally balanced look.

It is not vanity to want to look good and to have a figure that others admire. It is also not vanity to look attractive in clothing that fits more proportionally, in fact it is natural. Nothing is wrong with a heightened sense of self-esteem and breast augmentation has given so many women a greater confidence and better acceptance about their own femininity and body.

FORM & SIZE ISSUE:

Implanted breasts tend to be rounder and firmer than natural breasts. Many people think they are actually improvements on mother nature. After all firm breasts are always associated with youthfulness.

With good surgery it is not really possible to tell if a woman has had a breast enlargement by the 'look' - generally many people will say "her breasts are too perfect to be real" - well what is wrong with having perfect breasts?

Most women usually think of 'cup size' when we think of breasts. After all, that's how we choose our bras and bathing suits. If you tell your doctor you want a "C" cup, he or she will understand the general size you wish to be after breast augmentation. Implants don't come in cup measurements, they come in cubic centimeters, a measurement of volume, as well as a variety of shapes. There are some things you can do to more clearly convey the breast size you wish to be, although your body size and proportions will be a determining factor in the breast size and shape that is right for you.

By indicating to a surgeon what cup size you wish to be will assist him or her in getting closer to your expected ideal. The surgeon will give you recommendations and realistic expectations. Ask to see before and after photographs that relate to your specific case - as results will vary depending on your body shape.

Surgery Recovery:

Most women have the same questions relating to practical issues of taking time out for such an operation. The most common questions are. How will I feel? When can I get back to work? When can I get back to my normal routine? Like your body and the way your body responds to any treatment, recovery time is individual, it depends on your body, the placement and type of the implant, and the surgical method used.

Here are some general guidelines:

You'll feel tired and tender for the first 24 to 48 hours. You may very likely have draining tubes inserted for a day or two after surgery, and these will be easily removed by the surgeon. Plan to rest quietly and have a friend take care of your needs during this time. Most likely you will be able to go back to work in 1 week to 10 days if your job is not too physically demanding. If your work requires physical energy and stamina, you'll need to allow more time for your recovery. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least six weeks, let your gym wait! The incision scars will be firm and pink for at least 1 month, and then will begin to fade. Your breast will remain tender for three to four weeks following surgery. You may notice some lessening of nipple sensation for a period of time after surgery, but as the nerves recover the sensation will return. For some women this will take a few weeks, while for others it could take months.

Allow about two months for "complete" recovery from breast augmentation surgery. After that time your new breast will feel apart of you, but as a woman I warn you now - be ready to go shopping because you will need a new wardrobe - but that is the fun part!

Written by Estelle a two time breast enlargement patient.