Many women opt to get breast augmentation as a way to increase their confidence and feel more attractive. Many just want to get their original pre pregnancy figure back from their younger years. While breast surgery can be a very effective means of enhancing your appearance and restoring self-confidence, there are certain things you should be aware of beforehand.

Below are 5 very important things you should know before getting breast augmentation surgery.

Implants don’t last forever

Although breast augmentation is a long-lasting procedure, the implants used do not last forever. Current FDA recommendations suggest that breast implants be replaced every 10-12 years. Many people will find that this sometimes coincides with needing breast revision surgery anyway as pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss, and even regular aging will often require some type of breast lifting to maintain that young and perky look.

Not all implants are the same

The two types of implants that are used in breast augmentation are saline and silicone. While saline and silicone each have their advantages and disadvantages, the more commonly used implant is silicone. Silicone tends to feel more natural and has far less rippling. Both saline and silicone implants can give a good result if placed in the sub-muscular plane (under the muscle). Make sure you discuss all the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with placing a silicone or saline implant with your plastic surgeon.

You will need to cut back on exercise in the weeks following surgery

In the weeks immediately following your surgery, it’s strongly advised that you don’t do any strenuous exercise. This is because your breasts will need time to heal and doing any rigorous activity can hinder that process and displace the implants into an unfavorable position. Although light cardio is usually fine after a week, you should avoid anything too strenuous for up to 6 weeks, especially any activity that puts strain on your chest.

You may not be able to get the exact cup size you want

Although you may have an ideal cup size in mind, you’ll need to speak with a surgeon first to ensure it’s possible. For example, if you have very small breasts, you probably won’t be able to drastically go up in cup size. This is because your skin envelope may be tight and not allow for too much expansion at one time. When deciding the size of implant to use in a breast augmentation, I perform a detailed physical exam that includes precise measurements of the chest and breast. An optimal fill is calculated for each patient and typically only includes 2-3 sizes of implant. Using one of these optimally sized implants will ensure the most consistent and long lasting results.

There are some risks

Just like any other form of cosmetic surgery, breast surgery does carry certain risks. Make sure you discuss these risks with your surgeon BEFORE you chose to have an operation. It is always best to have all the information about a procedure beforehand so that you have ample time to ask questions and prepare for your recovery.