If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, breast augmentation is a procedure that you may want to look into. Breast augmentation uses breast implants to enhance your bust by changing its size and shape. Implants are a great way to increase size and volume. Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the US with over 300,000 procedures performed in 2017 alone. If breast augmentation is a procedure that you are considering, here are three things to keep in mind. 

Recovery Time

While breast augmentation is a very popular procedure, it's important to remember that it is a surgical procedure that can take weeks to fully recover from. The recovery timeline varies from person to person and depending on the procedure. If you have a breast lift in addition to augmentation, the recovery process can take longer. Your age and overall health can also have an impact on recovery time. The location of the incision, whether you have the implant placed under or over the pectoral muscle, and the size of the implant also have an impact on recovery. Most patients are able to return to most of their normal activities within two to three weeks, but it can take anywhere from six weeks to three months for swelling to completely subside.

Implants Don't Last Forever

Another thing that you need to know if you are planning on breast augmentation is that breast implants don't last forever. In fact, around 20 percent of women have them either removed or replaced within 10 years. Many women who have breast augmentation choose to have their breast implants switched out later on down the road. It's important to keep this in mind when getting breast augmentation especially if you are a young patient.

The Cost

When it comes to breast augmentation costs can vary depending on the type of implant you choose, the incision area, and your surgeon. Since this is an elective cosmetic procedure in most instances, you will likely end up paying out of pocket. The average cost for the procedure ranges from $4,000 to $10,000. Silicone implants tend to be more expensive than saline. Many women also elect to have a breast lift at the same time as their augmentation which can add to the total cost.

Breast augmentation surgery is a great way to enhance and increase the size of the bust. If you are considering breast augmentation, there are a few things you should know. Recovery can take weeks or even months; however, most patients are back to their usual routine within three weeks. Breast implants may also need to be replaced in the future. Costs can vary, but most pay somewhere between $4,000 and $10,000.