During breast augmentation, breast implants are placed under your chest muscles or breast tissue. This procedure is done to increase the size of the breasts and enhance their shape. Knowing what to expect from breast implant surgery can help you to prepare and make sure it is the right cosmetic surgery for your needs and wants. Today we are going to outline what happens in a breast implant procedure.
What Can A Breast Implant Procedure Achieve?
Most women request breast augmentation in order to
- Increase their cup size
- Improve breast symmetry if one breast is smaller than the other
- Improve their self-confidence
What Happens In Breast Implant Surgery?
Breast implant surgery can be performed in a hospital in an outpatient centre. In most cases, a general anaesthetic is used. This means you are asleep during the surgery and will be woken up afterwards. Most women go home on the same day as receiving breast implants.
How Is The Breast Implant Surgery Performed?
There are three ways to approach the procedure, which involve where your cosmetic surgeon will make the incision. This can be done:
- In the crease of your breast
- Under your armpit
- Around your nipple
The decision about the procedure will depend on the type of implant you are having as well as your personal and medical history factors.
Types Of Breast Implants
There are two different types of breast implants that are used in breast augmentation: silicone and saline. Both have their own pros and cons, which should be discussed with your surgeon. Both types of breast implants are enclosed in a silicone envelope. A saline implant is placed in your chest before it is filled with saline solution. This generally means a smaller incision can be made in your surgery. A silicone implant is already prefilled with silicone solution and thus requires a larger incision to be made.
Both types of breast implants have similar lifespans however silicone implants are often considered to feel more natural, both in terms of touch and to the person who has them.
When you are discussing your choice of an implant with your surgeon make sure you ask questions related to
- How much pain you can expect post-operatively
- What the breast implants will look like
- How the implants will feel
- What the risk of breaking or rupture is in the future
- Whether you plan on breastfeeding
Once your breast implant procedure is done, the incisions will be stitched up and your breasts will be bandaged to your chest.
What To Expect After The Procedure?
When you first wake up you will feel groggy and uncomfortable after the anaesthesia has worn off. It’s normal to experience tightness and discomfort in your chest, and you might have swelling and bruising.
A skilled surgeon will make small, strategic incisions that leave small scars that will fade gradually as you heal.
Wearing a compression bandage can help to minimise bruising and swelling and give you additional support while you recover. If your surgeon has prescribed pain medication, it’s important to take it on schedule. A lot of pain medications have anti-inflammatory properties that can also help with swelling.
Invest in a few button-down tops to wear while you recover. These are easier to wear than t-shirts that have to be put on over your head.
Make sure your home has a comfortable nest for you to relax and recuperate in. Stock your home with healthy, wholesome food that is nutritionally dense. It’s a good idea to avoid alcohol and caffeine during your recovery and rather to drink lots of water.
Make sure you follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions so you know how to take care of your wounds and minimise your chances of developing an infection. If you notice redness or heat in your breast, please consult your cosmetic surgeon immediately.
Most women are ready to return to work after two weeks if their jobs are not physically demanding. During your recovery period, you will be asked to avoid strenuous activities and heaving lifting so you do not strain your chest.
What Are The Risks Associated With Breast Implants?
A risk assessment must be performed before you commit to implant surgery. Your surgeon will take your medical history and ask you questions about the medication you are taking and your lifestyle. Although complications are rare, they are statistically significant and you should be aware of them.
Some of the complications and risks include
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Changes to sensation in your nipples or breast tissue
- Scar tissue formation
- A change in the position of the breast implants
- A leaking or ruptured implant
- Breast implant illness
Important Notes To Be Aware Of
Having breast augmentation will not change the position of your breasts. If you are concerned about sagging breasts, you should speak to your cosmetic surgeon about a breast lift, a procedure that focuses on their position.
Implants do not last forever. On average, they will last for about 10 to 15 years before they will need to be removed or replaced.
If you have questions about the breast implant procedure it’s best to chat with a professional. Please contact us for a confidential discussion at (02) 8599 7161.
References
Breast augmentation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178
Breast augmentation surgery
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002984.htm
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