Around 350,000 people a year in the US get some form of breast augmentation. Some feel that their breasts are too small, and simply want them to be larger. Others may feel that their breasts are not perky enough. In just about every case, the person is unhappy with the way their breasts look, and this causes self consciousness. In order to be more confident and happy with the way they look, they opt for breast augmentation or implants.

If you're considering breast implants, there are a few things you should know in order to make important decisions.

Surgery

Breast implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. It can take anywhere from one to four hours, and is a typical procedure. While the initial procedure is fairly easy, the recovery time is important. You will need to take at least several weeks off from work or difficult tasks, to allow time for your incisions and implants to heal. You will be unable to lift or strain to complete tasks, and some women require bed rest to heal completely.

Side Effects

Many women report side effects with breast implants, ranging from being unable to breast feed to other issues. In fact, around 65% of women with breast implants are unable to breast feed their babies. There is a chance that breast implants will also interfere with a mammogram, although some reports state that when the implants are placed under pectoral muscles, the chance is less. There is also the rare possibility that a patient will bleed uncontrollably, contract toxic shock syndrome or bacterial infections. Many women experience a numb sensation or loss of sensation either at the nipple or in the entire breast for some period of time. In rare cases, this can last permanently.

Incision

The most common type of incision is made under the breast, in the crease between the breast and the ribs. This is usually considered the best way, and is effective at hiding scars. There are other ways, such as an incision around the areola, or the nipple and even under the arm. In a fourth option, there are procedures where the doctor can insert the implant through the navel. However, there have been more complications with this method, so a good doctor will rarely choose to go this route.

Placement

Implants are either placed above the muscle and under the glandular tissue of the breast, or partially under the pectoral muscle. When the implants are placed partially under the pectoral muscles, they interfere less with mammograms, so a person with a history of breast cancer may want to take this route.

With any surgery, there is swelling and bruising. The same goes for breast augmentation. There is a need for time to recuperate, and the patient may experience pain, swelling, and even bleeding at the site of the surgery. When considering breast implants, it is best to be fully informed on every aspect, and to find a doctor that is skilled and trustworthy. When you are informed, you can make better decisions regarding your surgery.