Many people say that breast size isn’t important, but is this statement really true, or does breast size make a big difference? In 2011, over 316,000 breast augmentations were performed in patients who were unhappy with their breast size. This made breast augmentation the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery performed in the United States last year.
Recently, a study was done at the University of Florida, which looked at perceptions of sexuality and self-esteem before and after breast augmentation. This study demonstrated a significant increase in sexual activity and self-esteem following breast augmentation. Patients had an 81% increase in sexual arousal, a 78% increase in sexual desire, and a 57% increase in sexual satisfaction.At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we find that patients seeking breast augmentation often complain of lowered self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence. They feel that their breast size affects feelings of feminity, sexuality, and how clothes fit. These women are dissatisfied with their breast size and feel insecure about their bodies. They frequently request breast augmentation, not to draw attention to themselves, but instead, so that they fit in. They desire breasts that have harmony, balance, and proportion with other anatomic features. In our experience, this operation results in some of the highest satisfaction rates that we see.
The decision to have a breast augmentation is a highly personal decision. Many women with smaller breasts are very happy with their breast size, while for others, breast enlargement assumes tremendous importance.
Patient selection is very important because not everyone is a good candidate for breast augmentation. Patients who have specific goals seem to do better than patients who believe that breast augmentation will solve all of the problems in their lives. They should be doing the procedure for themselves and not someone else. They should also have realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish and understand that their anatomy might place limitations on what the procedure can accomplish.
If all these criteria are met, breast augmentation has the potential to improve quality of life. In this situation the expression “if you look good, you feel good” is probably true.
