At The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL, we are driven to help our clients feel as good about themselves as possible. To this end, we offer several cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the appearance of people with a wide range of concerns. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of our most popular procedures, breast augmentation, and answering some of the top questions we get about it, including how long the results last.
How Long Does a Breast Augmentation Last?
In almost every case, today’s implants can be expected to last for over a decade. In many cases, implants can maintain their structural integrity for over two decades. Several factors affect how long the results of breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) can last, including the type of implant you choose. Research shows that silicone implants are more durable than saline implants.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
To find out if breast augmentation is right for you, an initial consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is required. Both your health and expectations must be evaluated before a final determination regarding your candidacy can be made. During your initial consultation, the safety of this procedure will be determined after a thorough review of your medical history, current health, lifestyle, and medication and supplement use.
We want to provide all of our clients with satisfactory results. Therefore, we will discuss your goals and evaluate your current contours before we can determine if this procedure will be effective for you. We will also decide what type of augmentation will suit you best. Moreover, we will advise you on how much of an increase you can get safely. Factors affecting the volume increase you can get include the size of your sternum and the size of your rib cage.
Are Saline Implants a Good Fit for Me?
Saline implants may be a good fit for you if you don’t want to have to schedule regular MRI scans to verify that the integrity of the implant has not changed. If you opt for silicone implants, according to the FDA, you should strongly consider getting an imaging test, like an MRI or ultrasound, five to six years after your silicone implants are placed. They advise further imaging testing every two to three years after that.
What Are the Most Compelling Advantages of Saline Implants?
One of the greatest benefits of getting saline implants is that you only have to be 18 years old to qualify for surgery. If you want silicone implants, you will have to wait until you are at least 22 years of age to qualify. Women also love saline implants because they can be implanted before being filled with the solution. This means that a smaller incision can be used, and the recovery period after the surgery may be shorter.
Are Silicone Implants a Good Fit for Me?
Silicone implants may be a good fit for you if you want your augmented breasts to look and feel very natural. This type of implant may also be right for you if you are concerned about the longevity of your implants. There is very little chance that the implants will wrinkle or ripple.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for Surgery?
Generally, smokers are considered poor candidates for Breast Augmentation surgery. There are a couple of reasons for this. One reason is that smokers tend to have poor heart and lung health, and it is extremely important that you are healthy to qualify for surgery. Another reason is that it is imperative that you do not smoke for two weeks before and after your procedure. If you’re a smoker with good vitals, healthy organs, and an ability to give up nicotine for a month, you may qualify.
You also will be considered a poor candidate for surgery if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, you should not consider breast implants if you have an abnormal mammogram or breast cancer. You should be prepared to discuss your family planning during your initial consultation. Implants do not affect future pregnancy negatively, but getting implants placed above the muscle may affect lactation.
How Long Is Recovery After Augmentation Mammoplasty?
You can generally expect to recover from augmentation mammoplasty after four to six weeks. However, you should understand that there are numerous factors that affect an individual’s recovery timeline, including their age, overall health, and adherence to postoperative guidelines. Typically, the younger and healthier you are, the sooner you can expect your recovery to be complete. On the other hand, your recovery may take longer if you don’t follow the recovery rules.
What Guidelines Will I Have to Follow After Surgery?
As we’ve touched on previously, you should avoid tobacco consumption for two weeks following your procedure. This is to mitigate the risk of complications and a longer recovery period. It is also essential that you do not consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery. It is crucial that you are hydrated and well-nourished to enjoy a smooth recovery, but alcohol consumption can cause excessive urination, leading to dehydration and the elimination of micronutrients.
Furthermore, alcohol and nicotine, a chemical compound found in cigarettes and other tobacco products, affect circulation negatively. The efficiency of your circulatory system plays a significant role in the rate of your recovery because oxygen, growth factors, nutrients, and other substances need to be transported to the incision sites. When delivered efficiently, these things help to promote efficient collagen production, and collagen helps to heal your skin.
What Other Rules Should I Follow After Surgery?
It is crucial that you wear a surgical bra during the first 14 days following your procedure. To facilitate faster healing, you should wear it all day and all night unless you are bathing.
It is highly advisable to purchase at least two surgical bras prior to your procedure because you shouldn’t go several hours without wearing it while it is being washed. Another reason why a surgical bra is so important is that it mitigates the risk of your implants dislocating when they should be settling.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Drive After Surgery?
You will be unable to drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. Due to the powerful sedative effects of the medication you will receive before surgery to keep you calm and comfortable, we will observe you for a couple of hours before you can even go home. After that, you will not be able to drive until you feel comfortable enough to hold the steering wheel and alert enough to drive safely.
How Long Will I Need to Take Off From Work After Surgery?
When you can return to work after augmentation mammoplasty depends on the scope of your procedure, the scope of your job, and other factors. Remember, you won’t be able to do any vigorous physical activity for at least four to six weeks after surgery. Therefore, you should expect to need at least a month off from work if you have a physically demanding job.
You should generally expect to feel lethargic for roughly one to three days following surgery, and you may want to return to work just a few days after your procedure. However, it is a good idea to take at least a week or two off from work, even if you have a sedentary job. You may be surprised by how fatiguing it is to sit at a desk and work during the first week post-op.
How Long Should I Expect My Procedure to Take?
As a general rule, you can expect your procedure to take a couple of hours to complete. We will give you a better idea of how long you can expect your procedure to take during your initial consultation. Several factors that affect how long your procedure will take, including the technique used and whether you also need other procedures, like a breast lift, to achieve your desired appearance.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Breast implants almost always last for over a decade, and many implants last for over two decades. Typically, you can expect to enjoy your augmented breasts longer if you opt for silicone implants rather than saline implants. To find out if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation, contact us now at The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL to schedule your initial consultation.