Women who contemplate breast augmentation typically face a dilemma in terms of needs vs. wants. For the most part, breast augmentation procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons related to a youthful and perky look that may have been lost due to breastfeeding and the physiological changes that come with aging.

As one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism and cosmetic surgery in the Americas, many women visit Costa Rica with breast augmentation in mind. These procedures are known to have a high degree of success, but women should also be aware that some minor risks are involved.

In Costa Rica, there are three main types of surgical procedures related to breast augmentation:

• Silicone Gel Implants: Of all breast augmentation procedures, this one generally requires the longest incision and a good amount of surgical finesse so that no visible scars are left. These pre-filled implants come in different shapes and sizes, and they were very popular in the 1980s until the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took them off the market for a few years. Since 2006, however, silicone gels have been implanted without major concerns.
• Saline Implants: In this procedure, the implants are filled with a sterile saline solution prior to the surgery. The incisions tend to be considerably smaller than those applied in silicone gel implant procedures.
• Autologous Tissue Transfer: This procedure involves taking adipose tissue from the patient and transferring it to the breasts for a more natural look and feel.

According to CostaRicaMedicalGuide.com, an informational website administered by The Goodness Company, breast augmentation procedures require four major steps:

1 – Surgical incisions are made
2 – Breast tissue is lifted
3 – A pocket is created for implanting
4 – The implant is inserted

In Costa Rica, many women who opt for breast augmentation also choose to get a breast lift, which involves shaping the breasts to achieve an aesthetic look. When compared to the United States, breast augmentations along with breast lifts in Costa Rica can cost about 50 percent less.

For more information about breast augmentation options in Costa Rica, please visit http://costaricamedicalguide.com/breast-augmentation/