Bigger breasts have always been considered the pinnacle of female beauty and male desire. After all, as the saying goes, bigger is better. Some women are lucky enough to be born with full breasts, while others must spend a considerable amount of money and undergo surgery to achieve the same effect. In 2021, over 1.6 million breast augmentation procedures were performed worldwide. The following year, approximately 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were carried out in the US alone.
In the UK, it is estimated that around 8,000 to 20,000 breast augmentation surgeries are performed annually, making it the most common cosmetic procedure for women in the UK and globally!
Of course, even though these newly augmented breasts may not be nature-given, a fuller breast created with a saline or silicone implant still looks and feels very natural. But beyond the saline or silicone, what do we really know about the breast augmentation process? Join us because education is key.
Boob Job Basics
Breast augmentation, classically referred to as a boob job, is a surgery designed to increase the size, shape, or fullness of your breasts. As we have established above, it is usually done by placing implants under or over your chest muscle (depending on what you want and your body type).
However, to do so, incisions need to be made. There are three incision methods used for breast augmentation using solutions such as saline and silicone. The choice as to which one of these methods would you want done should be the first thing you decide on. Keep in mind that breast surgery like most plastic surgery will leave scars, but the good news is that you can choose where you would like the scars to be placed.
Incision Sites, Here Are Your Options
There are three common incision options:
① Under your arms.
② Under your breast.
③ Or through your nipple.
You can work with your surgeon to pick the one that is most convenient for you. The through-the-nipple method involves making an incision around the areola. This is a very popular choice for some people because the scars blend in with the natural skin tones in that area.
The under-the-arms method keeps the scars away from your breasts by placing the incision in your armpit. It is a great option if you want to keep your scars hidden. Last but not least, the under-the-breast incision is by far the most common option. The incision is made just under your breast, where it is less noticeable and very easily hidden.
Top Reasons Why Women Opt For Breast Surgery
Even though breast augmentation is a deeply personal choice, there seem to be some common reasons why women want to get their boobs done, and these reasons are:
Breast Enlargement: Some women just want bigger boobies. And when we say some, we mean many, as breast enlargement is the most popular form of breast augmentation. In 2022, approximately 6,640 women underwent breast enlargement surgeries. Simply because many women find that this procedure can help boost their self-esteem, enhance their feminine appearance, or even help them achieve their desired body proportions.
Post-Pregnancy And Weight Loss: Also a big reason as pregnancy and significant weight loss can wreak havoc on your breasts. After pregnancy, breasts may sag or lose volume, and weight loss can cause them to look deflated or less proportionate.
Reconstruction After Cancer: Breast reconstruction is an important option for women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer. This surgery helps restore the appearance of the breasts, providing both physical and emotional healing after cancer treatment. Women can choose to undergo immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy or delay it until their body has healed from surgery and treatment. It is estimated that approximately 3,200 breast reconstructions are performed annually across the UK, catapulting it high up on our top reasons list.
Asymmetry: Facts, it is normal for women to have some natural asymmetry in their breasts, with one being slightly larger or shaped differently than the other. However, having said that, while mild asymmetry is completely normal, some women choose surgery to correct it.
Top Surgery For Transgender Women: For transgender women (those assigned male at birth but who identify as female), top surgery is an important part of their gender-affirming transition. This procedure creates a more feminine chest appearance, helping align the body with their gender identity.
Of course, whatever YOUR reason for wanting to enhance your breast size, shape, or fullness, booking a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is a MUST. A question that weighs rather heavily on some patients’ minds is: How do clinics support the psychological aspects of appearance changes? This really matters, because no one wants to book an appointment with a surgeon who is just in it for the money and not in it for YOU. According to Dr Yannis Alexandrides, the founder of 111 Harley St., a plastic surgery clinic situated on the well-known Harley Street in London:
“Following a consultation, we’ll assess whether the patient requires cosmetic surgery or non-invasive options, including treatments and skincare. Due to our state-of-the-art technology, we often find we’re able to achieve unparalleled results without invasive measures. Whatever suits the purpose of the patient is our priority.”
This is the ethos to look out for when choosing a plastic surgeon to work with.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing to get breast augmentation and deciding how your surgeon will make the incision is a very personal decision. It is all about finding the right balance between the look you want and what feels most comfortable for you.
To make the best choice, have a chat with a trusted surgeon about your goals and concerns. With the right approach, you can achieve a natural, fuller look that boosts your confidence and matches your vision perfectly.
Had a breast augmentation recently? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
