FAQs About Breast Augmentation
What are some of the reasons woman have a breast augmentation?
The stories are varied, but the common theme is to enhance body image and shape. Often women are either born less endowed or they lose breast shape and volume after pregnancy or due to gravity. Anatomical-shaped implants resemble the breast most closely to fill the hollows and help to support the skin and nipple. The size and shape improvement gives a physical and psychological boost.
When is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape mentally and physically, including being close to your optimal weight, is best. Surgery may be something you have been contemplating for some time. Reading about the procedure and having realistic expectations will serve you well. It is best to wait a few months after breast feeding has stopped so that the shape of the breast is closer to normal.
Will my nipple position change?
If you start out with a very low nipple then it will not be raised without additional skin removal (mastopexy).
What will the shape look like?
The shape will continue to improve over six weeks with the emergence of the final appearance requiring 1 year. The upper portion of the breast usually swells to a greater degree taking a bit more time to get to its optimum better shape. The larger the implant, the more permanent this will be.
Do you place the implant above or under the chest muscle?
In most instances, the implant is placed below the muscle. The lower 1/3 of the implant is only covered by the breast tissue and skin. The muscle helps to pad the implant in case it becomes firm, and it aides in separating the breast from the implant during future mammography exams.
Where is the scar?
The scar is placed near the lower breast fold. It is usually about 2 ½ inches long and located at the bottom of the breast. I find this preferable to going through the areola or axilla, as the implants can be placed more precisely.
What type of implant is used?
Anatomical or tear-drop shaped saline filled implants are used in the majority of procedures to give a natural appearance.
Is there a warranty for the implants in case they rupture or deflate?
The implant company offers you a warranty for the implants. You will register with the company after the surgery.
Will I be symmetrical after the surgery?
Everyone is uneven. One breast is always higher, fuller, lower or less full than the other. After surgery the symmetry of the breasts should be more even, but will never be the exactly the same. All efforts will be made to match the breasts.
Can the implants become hard or distorted?
The implants are man-made, and as such, the body forms a wall of scar tissue around them in all instances. Sometimes this wall of scar tissue is overabundant and the implants become firm or hard. One side may be firmer than the other. If this occurs, the implants can be removed or left alone. The firmness is not a danger to you. In the majority of cases, the scar tissue is mild.
Where is the surgery performed?
Surgery is performed either at The Surgery Center of Fairfield County in Bridgeport or at Bridgeport Hospital.
What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a mammogram and a medical evaluation by your family physician to ensure that you are healthy and in the best possible health.
Will I stay overnight?
You will go home the same day as the procedure.
Will I wear a garment?
You will be given two supportive garments (bras) to be worn for at least 3 weeks. A plastic dressing is placed over the stitches so that you may shower the day after surgery. When you resume more active exercise in 3-4 weeks, it is recommended that you wear an elastic sports garment or sports bra for support.
Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes – each cigarette’s effect lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body. Smoking causes the skin to heal poorly and the complications associated with smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke during the weeks before and after surgery will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation.
Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable throughout the operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you receive during the operation will be minimized. By putting you to sleep, your heart rate, blood pressure and amount of oxygen will be optimized.
How long will the surgery take?
My objective is to give you my best effort. That means not rushing through your surgery. I take my time and like to be meticulous. There are many things that must be done before the operation begins. These include washing and preparing the area, making sure that your body is well cushioned and your legs are placed in special boots to compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to apply a special well padded dressing. But rest assured that being asleep for hours is generally very safe so the 2.5- 3.5 hours you sleep will be just fine. I will also wait in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.
What can I expect?
Within a few weeks you will note an improvement in your shape, as well as a better fit in your clothing.
Is there any pain?
Generally, there is moderate discomfort. A prescription to help alleviate pain, should it arise, will be given before surgery.
When can I resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 10 days. Bruising is variable and usually located along the lower breast. Due to gravity, the swelling and bruising may descend to lower positions. After 3 weeks you should be almost back to your old self except with a new and improved body. It is not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery, and we recommend no vigorous lifting or exercise for 6 weeks from surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal.
What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines informing you of what medicines to stay away from and which vitamins to take before and after the surgery. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your presence for weeks. Using ice often, resting, maintaining a low salt diet and having a positive attitude all go a long way to assisting your recovery.
When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits (which are included in your care) to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.
Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush), a bit more may be owed for the operating room and anesthesia. However, if future surgery or procedures are necessary, there will be additional fees for anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon
