breast implants before and after Archives

If you’re considering breast implants, you may be wondering what the procedure entails. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect before, during, and after your breast augmentation. You can also check out this photo gallery for reference photos (Note: The link contains graphic medical images).

What happens before breast implant surgery?

To start your breast augmentation journey, you must schedule a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. This is an opportunity for you to talk about what you want to achieve with the surgery, as well as any worries or questions that you have.

Your surgeon will also go over breast implant shape options, different types of breast implants available, and where the incisions will be placed.

You will be asked to “try on” different breast implant sizes and shapes so you can decide which size and shape fit your body and lifestyle the best. This way, you can avoid having multiple surgeries or being unhappy with your results.

You’ll leave this appointment understanding exactly what getting breast implants would mean for you, as well as an accurate quote of its cost. If decide to proceed with surgery, we will then book your appointment for the procedure.

On the day of surgery

Make sure to arrive on time for your surgery, as scheduled with your surgeon. To minimise the risk of regurgitation during anesthesia, do not eat or drink 8 hours before your surgery.

You will not be able to drive after your surgery because you will still be affected by the anaesthesia. Please make sure that somebody can pick you up and, if possible, stay with you for a day afterwards.

Once you arrive, we’ll need to get you prepped for surgery. This entails changing into a gown and having your surgeon make incision marks on your breast skin. You will be connected to several monitors so that we can monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.).

When it’s time to go into surgery, you’ll be given two IV lines: one for hydration and the other containing anesthesia. You will be fully anaesthetised during this procedure.

The implant procedure

Depending on your breast implant desired placement, the surgeon will make incisions where they previously marked and place the implants either behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle.

Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with a sterile saline solution once they’re in place, whereas silicone implants come pre-filled.

By securing dressings over the incisions, the surgeon will protect them while keeping any swelling to a minimum and ensuring the tissue and implant remain in place.

After you wake up from anaesthesia, you will still be groggy and on pain medication, so somebody else must drive you home.

What to expect after breast implant surgery?

During the 24 hours after your breast augmentation, you will need someone to stay with you. Your surgeon will cover your breasts with gauze and send you home with a compression bra to wear during the healing process.

You will be prescribed NSAIDs to manage post-op pain. Many patients can go back to work within 2-3 days after the surgery. For the next 6 weeks, you must wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activity or exercise. When recovering, it is best to sleep on your back or side.

Although infections, heavy bleeding, and severe pain are uncommon after breast reduction, augmentation or correct asymmetry surgery, it’s still important to be vigilant for these warning signs. If you experience any of them, please inform your surgeon at your earliest.