Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, is a popular procedure offered at The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL. It is often sought by mothers who feel self-conscious about asymmetrical breasts after nursing their children, but other women can benefit from it, too. We understand that whether surgery is right for you is a big decision. Read on to learn what to expect before and surgery to help you decide.
What to Expect Before and After Breast Augmentation
Before Your Procedure
Before your breast augmentation, you need to attend an initial consultation with a qualified surgeon. During this consultation, we will confirm that you are a good candidate for this procedure by discussing your goals, evaluating your concerns, and assessing your health. We will also discuss your health history and advise you on what results you can realistically expect.
Additionally, we will advise you on what augmentation method is right for you. Most of the time, saline implants are inserted, but we also offer silicone implants. Furthermore, if you are more concerned about correcting asymmetry than lack of breast volume, an inflatable implant may be used. The placement of the implants will also vary depending on your goals and lifestyle. Often, the implant is placed below the chest muscle.
Preparation Steps
You should note that there are several preparation steps that must be followed before surgery. For example, you may not consume alcohol or tobacco products within 14 days of your augmentation mammoplasty. Similarly, you must avoid NSAIDs and other blood-thinners for the same amount of time. Moreover, you should minimize your likelihood of skin irritation by wearing sunscreen when you go outside.
It is also crucial that you fast before your procedure because you need an empty stomach before you can get general anesthesia. Furthermore, for a couple of hours before surgery, you must dry fast. Another important preparation step to take is to arrange for a ride home after surgery. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after you stop taking certain analgesics. Yo may want to stock up on healthy groceries and get your prescriptions filled pre-op.
After Your Procedure
Once your procedure is complete, you will be moved to a comfortable recovery room and observed until the anesthesia has worn off enough. Once you are sufficiently alert, you will be allowed to go home. You also will not be able to return to work for at least a week. In some cases, it is necessary to take several weeks off from work to recover. For instance, you won’t be able to return to a physically demanding job for several weeks.
Generally, it takes between three and four months for your skin to adjust to the new volume. At this point, you will be able to enjoy your desired results. After this point, you should be able to enjoy your desired results for a decade or two depending on the type of implant chosen. Sometimes, breast implants last over 20 years.
Aftercare Guidelines
During your recovery period, there are several rules you must follow. We will advise you on these rules during your evaluation to ensure you can comply with them. We will also review these rules after your procedure. One of the most important things to do after surgery is to wear a surgical bra for several weeks once your bandages have been removed.
It is also very important that you keep your incision sites clean and dry. Furthermore, you need to limit your physical exertion.
What to Expect During Surgery
You will be asleep throughout the entire procedure. We will administer general anesthesia, and you will be sedated before you can count backward from 100. While you are sedated and numbed, we will insert your implants through small incisions. If you opt for an inflatable implant, we will inflate the implan once it is in place, and then your incisions will be closed.
If you opt for a silicone implant, we will close your incisions and bandage your incision sites. If you opt for a saline implant, we may fill the implant with a saline solution once it has been inserted. However, it is also possible for a pre-filled implant to be inserted.
Where Your Incisions Will Be Made
We will discuss the placement of your incisions during your consultation. Some women prefer to have an incision placed in the navel. However, most commonly, incisions are made in the inframammary fold. Other places incisions are made include around the areola and in the underarm. Where your incisions will be made depends on several factors, including the type of implant.
Who Qualifies for Surgery
You should be considered a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are intereseted in increasing the size of one or both of your breasts. Nonetheless, many other factors must be considered, and some may disqualify you from surgery. For example, you will be considered a poor candidate for this procedure if you have heart or lung problems. You also won’t qualify for surgery if you can’t follow all of the preparation rules.
Furthermore, if you suffer from a medical condition Additionally, to be considered a good candidate for this procedure, you need to have realistic expectations. There is a limit to the volume increase that can be achieved. Your age also must be considered before we can determine your candidacy for this procedure. Depending on the type of implant you want, you may need to be 18 or 22 years of age to qualify for surgery.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
Before your augmentation mammoplasty, you need to attend a consultation to find out if you qualify and learn how to prepare. After your procedure, you will be observed for a while, but you won’t need to spend the night in a hospital. Once you’ve recovered from surgery, you should be able to enjoy your results for at least a decade. To schedule an evaluation, contact us at The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL.