Lesson 3: Am I a good candidate for Breast Augmentation?

"In general, you should be in good physical health. This means no active infections, untreated cancer or serious illnesses. If you have medical issues, it's important to discuss them with your surgeon so that he or she can help you decide whether or not breast implant surgery is suitable for you."

1. "If your breasts are sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical or lacking adequate cleavage or volume, there is a good chance that you're an excellent candidate for this surgery."

2. "Most surgeons prefer that you do not smoke or consume significant amounts of alcohol."

3. "Because this surgery can permanently alter your appearance, it's important for you to be in a healthy frame of mind when you decide on this surgery."

4. "While this is a surgery that will change how you look, it's important to remember that it cannot fix body image issues or give you a wildly different appearance. You should maintain realistic expectations and listen to your surgeon's honest assessment of your goals."

5. "The best candidate for breast augmentation understands the risks as well as the rewards. The surgery is generally considered safe, and implants are FDA-approved, but with any surgery, there are some risks."

6. "You understand that breast enhancement should be done strictly for yourself and because you believe it will increase your own happiness or confidence. You should never get cosmetic work done because someone else wants you to."

7. "You should have the ability to properly rest and recover post-surgery. You will not be able to perform certain tasks or do any heavy lifting, so it's important for you to have help in place."

8. "For saline implants, the FDA requires you to be at least 18 years old. If you want silicone implants, the minimum age is 22."

Ref: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/are-you-a-good-candidate-for-breast-augmentation#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20anyone%20who%20is,cancer%20or%20an%20abnormal%20mammogram.

Addressing Surgical Criteria

So, let’s address each criterion so that you can understand the meaning behind each one.

1. Be in good physical health- It is important to understand not only your current health but your family history. One thing doctors do not address is the family history of patients. I believe it is important to look at family history. In my family I have allergy, auto immune, and neurological illnesses. This was a triple whammy for me. It would have been life changing if I have a surgeon that considered my future health issues.

2. Having saggy or undeveloped breasts- I think the reason that most women consider Breast Implants is because they have saggy or underdeveloped breasts. Many women struggle with hormonal imbalances, stretching from nursing, and weight fluctuations. There are people who decide to get them because of social pressures. It is important to understand the reason why you are considering breast implants.

3. No smoking or excessive alcohol use- With any surgical procedure, you are at higher risk if you smoke or drink heavily.

4. Be in the right frame of mind- You need to ask yourself why getting larger breasts are important to you. Is it because of social pressures? Self esteem? Do you think about Breast Implants often? I understand how difficult these questions are.

5. Realistic expectations- I think many women do not understand that Breast Implants will change the way you look your breasts, but not change the way you look at the rest of yourself.

6. Risks of surgery and breast implants are safe- This is where I feel surgeons are failing us. They do not explain all the risks or scrutinize black box labels on Breast Implants. Make sure you bring ALL your questions. If the surgeon tries to soothe your uncertainty, most likely they just want your money.

7. Getting implants for someone else- I know there are people who are doing just that. I was one of them. I thought it would help my marriage when in fact, I lost a lot of precious time with my husband and family.

8. You need support after surgery- Recovery can be difficult when getting Breast Implants. Your breasts will be inflamed and you will not be able to lift anything for a while. If you are a stomach sleeper, it will be difficult to find rest.

9. Age requirements for Breast Implants- With the pressure on young adolescents these days, it is good they have an age requirement.

The FDA requires a boxed warning, a patient decision checklist, and a patient information booklet/brochure specific to the breast implant should be provided by manufacturers and given to patients prior to implantation. https://www.fda.gov/media/131885/download

Let's discuss the maintenance of Breast Implants.....

Maintenance of Breast Implants

According to the FDA, Breast Implants are not a lifetime device and each year increases the risks of complications.

FDA recommends Breast Implant patients do the following maintenance:

1. "For asymptomatic patients (no symptoms), the first ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed at 5-6 years postoperatively, then every 2-3 years thereafter."

2. "For symptomatic patients (with symptoms) or patients with ultrasound results for rupture at any time postoperatively, an MRI is recommended."

3. It is not recommended to put any blunt force on your Breast Implants.

4. Replace Breast Implants every 5-10 years.

5. Be tested each year for chemicals that are released by Breast Implants.
   

The following information was found in the FDA Guideline for both Saline and Silicone Breast Implants. https://www.fda.gov/media/131885/download

Carefully consider the Surgical Criteria and Maintenance for Breast Implants. If you or a family member have serious health risks, allergies, or auto-immune illnesses, you might want to look at natural Options for Breast Augmentation.

*Not all patients are candidates for fat transfer options. Please talk to your surgeon about the best option for you.

Final Thoughts

I support and advocate for women making their OWN decisions. Our culture today tries to influence the way we think and act. My goal is to help educate women on how they can determine if they are a good candidate for Breast Implants or not.

Let us help and support each other in unity and love.

If you have questions, please email us at: biihealingisreal@gmail.com

Visit our non-profit website: www.integrativehopeforhealing.org

Breast Implant Research: www.breastimplantresearch.org

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