Cosmetic surgery is a booming business nowadays. Nose jobs, breast implants and facelifts are just a few of the ever-expanding cosmetic enhancement offerings of plastic surgeons nationwide. Breast augmentation is actually the most performed cosmetic surgeries today in the U.S. The undeniable pedestal we as Americans have placed the female breast on is nonetheless a phenomenon to be pondered and studied. But that is for another discussion! What Does Breast Augmentation Cost? Breast augmentation, on average, costs about $5,000. Depending on who performs the surgery or where the surgery is performed also plays a part in the complete price of the surgery. Another factor is the method of implantation or type of implant chosen. Methods of Breast Implant Insertion and Incision 1.) Transumbilical - This is one of the less opted for and less offered methods of implantation. This may be due to its more complicated nature (insertion through the belly button), and a smaller amount of surgeons being trained on and willing to offer this particular method of insertion. Its advantages are that it results in very minimal scarring and no scars whatsoever around the actual breast area. Its disadavantages MAY be higher risk of implant migration. This means the implant may be displaced easily due to the placement used in this technique. I say "MAY" because this common theory has not been proven yet, although it makes logical sense and does occur more frequently in patients with this type of insertion. 2.) Areolar (around the nipple) - This is becoming more popular as a method of augmentation due to low scar visibility. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the incision scar is barely visible on most women after completely healing due to the exceptional healing capacity of the particular skin around the nipple (the areola). So, although the incision occurs in a very obvious place on the breast, the scarring is so minimal that most women are very happy with the overall results when completely healed. 3.) Side or bottom of the breast - This is not as popular any more, since the scarring is often pretty obvious, and does not heal as quickly as areolar breast augmentations do. This type of incision is kind of fading out now that surgeons are coming up with newer and less visible techniques that look better and more natural. What to Look For in a Surgeon for Breast Augementation First off, make sure your surgeon is board certified by the ABPS, or American Board of Plastic Surgery. Do NOT always go with the cheapest. The cheapest surgeons are usually cheap for a reason. Breast implants are devices you will have for ten years if all goes well. It just isn't worth saving a thousand dollars or so if you aren't happy with the results. These will be with you for a long time! If you're looking for discounted surgery from reputable surgeons, there are some good websites that offer discounted prices through contracted surgeons that have agreed to offer a lower price when referred through these sites. Most times the discount is about $500. Be sure you communicate to your surgeon the desired outcome of your surgery. For example, do you want more natural looking implants that hang lower like real breasts, and are not too big, or do you want higher, rounder and bigger breasts akin to the type seen on Playboy models or adult film actresses? It sounds silly, but there are people who desire both, and your doctor needs to know exactly what you want. Finally, if you decide that surgery just isn't for you, or that you really don't want to risk looking fake or having harder breasts that just don't feel like "you", there are several natural options out there that will help you grow your own breast tissue gradually. Many women have done it successfully, and actually gained 1-3 cup sizes. The best part about this particular option is that it's 100% YOU. |
