CosBeauty Magazine #77

Feature
is breast
implant
surgery
right
for you?
The psychology behind the decision to have
breast implants is one of the most important
aspects of the procedure. A good candidate for
breast augmentation is mentally and physically
stable and understands the reality of what this
surgery can achieve.
Often women seek cosmetic surgery as a
means of fulfilling emotional needs or resolving
problematic body image issues. Any cosmetic
procedure affects the patient on a psychological
level just as much as on a physical one and it
is important to remember that if a woman with
low self-esteem elects to undergo surgery in the
hope she will feel better about herself, she is
likely to feel disappointed with her surgery. While
breast augmentation can help boost a woman’s
confidence, she will not benefit from surgery if she
thinks it is the cure-all for every aspect of her life.
Many women view their breasts as a vital
component of their gender identity, as the female
breast is one of the prime symbols of femininity,
motherhood and sensuality. However, women
are notoriously critical of their bodies and some
may be especially so of their breasts. When
contemplating breast augmentation, ensure it’s
for the right reasons.
development of extra fluid around the
implant), haematoma, infection and
smoking. Another contributing factor
is the placement of the implant above
the chest muscle. When the implant
is placed below the muscle, capsular
contracture is said to be typically less
likely to occur.
To treat capsular contracture, there
are both surgical and non-surgical
options, although generally most
cases of capsular contracture will
require secondary surgery to remove
the implant. If the implants are
replaced, to prevent reoccurrence a
new pocket should be made as fresh
tissue needs to be in contact with
the implant.
FURTHER SURGERY
It’s important to understand that
breast implants have a limited life
span and, before going ahead with
breast augmentation, patients must
accept that more surgery may be
required initially or in the future to
address complications, remove or
replace the implants.
Additionally, the size of the original
implants may become less suited to
a woman’s body over time, due to
hormones, pregnancies, weight gain
and menopause.
INFECTION
Infection is a serious risk of any
surgery and occurs when wounds
become contaminated with
microorganisms, such as bacteria
or fungi. When infection occurs, it
generally appears within six weeks
of the procedure. Most infections
can be treated with antibiotics,
but in the worst cases the implant
may need to be removed and the
infection eliminated before the
implant is replaced.
It’s important to keep an eye out for
signs of infection, which may include
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