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If you are preparing for a breast augmentation, you probably are curious about how long your procedure will take. It’s important to note that each patient presents differently, and each procedure varies slightly. The most accurate way to establish how long your breast implants will take is to ask your cosmetic surgeon. In this article, we are going to consider the question ‘how long does breast implant surgery take’ and the factors that can influence its duration.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure during which breast implants are inserted.

What Factors Influence How Long Beast Augmentation Takes?

On average, surgery to insert a breast implant is a relatively short procedure. In some cases, however, the surgery may take longer. Some of the factors that affect the duration of breast augmentation include

The type of breast implant to be used
The type of incision to be made
The anaesthesia to be used.

What Steps Are Followed To Complete Breast Implant Surgery?

The length of your breast implant surgery is subject to the steps that will be followed to complete your procedure. You can expect to follow this process once you arrive at the surgery:

The checking-in process

You may need to fill in some paperwork and sign forms for the surgery.

Getting prepared for surgery

After changing into a hospital gown, your chest will be cleaned with antimicrobial soap to minimise any chances of infection. Your attending surgeon will draw the marks for the incisions on your chest. You will then be connected to the machines that will monitor your vital signs while you’re under anaesthetic.

Having anaesthesia administered

You will then have IV, and anaesthesia drips connected. The anaesthesiologist will monitor these lines for the duration of your surgery.

The actual surgical procedure

Once you are sedated, your cosmetic surgeon will make the incisions that he previously marked on your chest. Then, it is time to insert the breast implants. Depending on the type of breast implant you have chosen, the implant will either be placed behind the pectoral muscle or behind your breast tissue. The type of breast implant you choose, as well as the size of the implant, will determine the best way to place the implant.

Once this is done, the breast implants will be inserted into the incisions.

There are different ways to make the incision:

Along the crease of your breast, which is also known as the inframammary fold
Through your armpit, which is also called the transaxillary approach
Along your areola, which is called a periareolar incision

If you are having a saline breast implant, the implant may be inserted before it is filled up with a saline solution. Silicone implants are inserted already filled.

Your cosmetic surgeon will make sure your breast implants are symmetrical and stable before closing up the incisions neatly. After stitching the incisions, a dressing will be put on to protect your wounds, reduce swelling and protect your breast implants.

Recovery time

After your breast augmentation, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will wake up from the anaesthesia. Patients are usually monitored for an hour to an hour and a half.

Discharge

Once the surgical staff is satisfied that you have recovered and are not experiencing any side effects or complications from the anaesthesia, you will be discharged. Because the anaesthetic makes you groggy, you won’t be able to drive yourself home.

So, How Long Does Breast Implant Surgery Take?

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As you can see, the time spent in surgery for breast implants only accounts for a fraction of the total time, as there are other processes that need to be completed in the surgery.

On average, breast implant surgery can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to complete. It’s best to discuss your breast implants timeline with your cosmetic surgeon, as he or she will be able to factor in the complexities of your case and give you a more accurate indication.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Breast Implant Surgery?

It’s really important to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s post-operative surgical instructions to ensure a speedy recovery. This includes wearing a surgical bra and caring for your wounds correctly. You must take the time off to rest while you have the opportunity. Prepare your home so that you have a comfortable spot to rest and relax. Get help around your home if you need it, and make sure your shopping is done and meals are prepared ahead of time to minimise stress during your recovery.

Also, make sure you attend all your follow-up appointments and that you know which side effects to look out for in the event of a complication.

You can expect to have your stitches removed around a week after your breast implants, and you should avoid heavy lifting for at least four weeks. Most women fully recover from a breast implant procedure six weeks after their surgery.

For a second opinion or a more personal answer to the question of ‘how long does breast implant surgery take’, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for a confidential appointment: (02) 8599 7161.