Plastic surgery and breast augmentation have gone hand-in-hand for many years and is a popular method with both celebrities and everyday women. However, there is often a negative stigma that comes with getting plastic surgery, especially when it comes to implants. But for many women, seeking these types of procedures doesn’t always involve superficial reasons.

All jokes aside, there are plenty of women who desire breast augmentation for a number of personal reasons. Some associate having a larger bust with being more feminine. For late bloomers or those who have always had a small bust, the possibility of getting implants is a way for them to feel more comfortable in their favorite clothing and their own skin. Not all breast implants involve going up two to three cup sizes. There are a number of women today who have had work done but opted for a more natural look.

While some women sign up for surgery to enhance their bust size, other women do the exact opposite. Just as it sounds, breast reduction surgery is the practice of reconstructing the breast to decrease cup size. Many women choose this method to relieve back problems that can result from having a large bust.

Breast augmentation is not cheap by any means, although different plastic surgeons charge different rates. The general price range for this type of procedure is typically between $4,000-6,000. Breast reduction procedures range from $5,000-7,000. Most insurance companies do not cover these types of surgeries for cosmetic purposes, so it’s important to check your policy beforehand.

The process of getting breast implants involve choosing either saline or silicone implants. The difference between the two is what’s inside. Saline implants contain salt water, while silicone implants contain a semi-solid, gel form of silicone. There are various ways for breast augmentation surgery to be performed and depend on each person. One of the most common practices involves making an incision below the breast. The implant is then inserted into the incision underneath. This method allows the skin to heal faster without visible scarring.

Breast reductions involve various techniques as well. The most common method is creating an incision shaped like an anchor around the areola. The areola is then pulled down and the excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. Afterwards, the skin and nipples are moved higher to its new position.

Both breast reduction and breast augmentation require the patient to undergo anesthesia and recovery often takes a few weeks to a few months to fully bounce back. Routine checkups with the surgeon are common in order to make sure the recovery process is smooth. Heavy lifting, activities that can cause muscle strain, and other physical labors should be avoided during this time.

The best way to find out if you are eligible for breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. Many plastic surgeons will accept anyone, as long as they are not pregnant, nursing or suffer from complications relating to breast cancer. If you are under 18, parental consent is needed, although there are many surgeons who will not operate on girls who are underage. This situation is usually different if the person underage wants a breast reduction. Breast augmentation can be performed on anyone who is 17+ for saline implants, and 22+ for silicone.

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