Breast Augmentation: Pros and Cons

Before even speaking to a cosmetic surgeon about the pros and cons of breast augmentation surgery, you need to do a lot of thinking about the "whys" of having it done. For many women, it is all about self-image. Some women cannot find clothes that fit them due to having no chest at all. Others may have breasts that are two different sizes, so they need a breast augmentation to "level the playing field," so to speak. No matter what your reasons are, your cosmetic surgeon will likely quiz you considerably to make sure that breast augmentation is what you really want to do. Part of that quizzing is learning the pros and cons to the procedure.

Here are the "pros" or reasons why breast augmentation might be right for you:

1. If your breasts are not the same size, breast augmentation might help them become more in proportion. When your breasts are two different sizes, bras do not fit. Clothes do not fit correctly. Swimsuits can be a nightmare. Your self-esteem and self-confidence needs the boost of a breast augmentation.

2. Perhaps you are recovering from breast cancer and a mastectomy. Breast augmentation can restore some semblance of normalcy in your life – both inside the bedroom and out.

3. Breast augmentation through the use of implants might be beneficial to those women who have little to no chest proportions to speak of. Clothes made for women make allowances for having breasts. So, many times clothes hang on a woman's body frame improperly due to the lack thereof in this department. Self-esteem and self-confidence are again providing a major boost with breast augmentation.

There are a lot more "cons" than "pros" to the breast augmentation procedure. Here are a few of those "cons:"

1. Infection is a worry when it comes to breast augmentation cosmetic surgery, especially if it involves implants. Infection can usually set in within a week of having implants. When this happens, the likely scenario will be the removal of the implants until the infection clears up. To be safe, doctors will usually wait several months before trying again.

2. Loss of sensation and scarring are side effects you potentially have to deal with in regards to breast augmentation. The breast, especially the nipple area may lose some sensation right after a surgery. For the most part, you will regain that sensation within a few months. A small percentage loses sensation permanently. Only a small fraction of women reporting changes in sensation say that they are more sensitive than before. You cannot get around having a few scars from the breast augmentation. However, because some people heal differently than others, your scars could become raised and firm and there is even the possibility of the scar growing wider. Not the kind of stuff that dreamy perfect breasts are made out of, is it?

3. When breast augmentation includes implants, the potential for problems increases exponentially. Scars could form around the implant and get firm, causing pain and an uncomfortable rock hard breast. The implant could rupture for some reason; silicone implants can pose serious health threats if they rupture. Breast implants could form visible wrinkles in them or move out of place. Breast could even droop within a few years, causing the implants to shift.

4. Anesthesia is also a big factor in the success of a breast implantation procedure. Allergic reactions are not unheard of during surgery. In addition, recovery times from surgery differ greatly in some people. And by the same token, everyone has different tolerances to pain. You have to decide if the recovery time and pain is worth the price of breast augmentation.

The pros and cons listed above just barely scratch the surface on all of the issues you should keep in mind in regards to breast augmentation. Even though it is a cosmetic procedure, it is still a serious surgery and should be treated as such. Remember, you are in control, so no matter what questions or concerns you have, ask your cosmetic surgeon about them. And remember; always ask for several medical opinions before going under the knife.