Breast augmentation
(or enlargement) aims at making the breasts larger and fuller for women
with small breasts or those who have experienced a decrease in breast
size or shape due to pregnancy or weight loss.
Breast augmentation
(or enlargement) aims at making the breasts larger and fuller for women
with small breasts or those who have experienced a decrease in breast
size or shape due to pregnancy or weight loss.
Breast augmentation surgery
can be performed under local anesthesia, along with intravenous
sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your health, the extent of
the procedure and whether you are having other procedures at the same
time. |
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The
surgery consists of making an incision, lifting the breast tissue,
creating a pocket in the chest/breast area, and placing an envelope
containing a soft, implant material underneath. The incision can be
made in the crease below the breast, around the areola or under the
armpit. The breast implants can be placed either
under the chest muscle or directly under the breasts based on
considerations like the anatomy of your breasts, soreness after
surgery, exercise activities and interference with mammograms.
Your breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandage as well as a tighter
bandage for protection and support. You also may have drainage tubes
coming out of the incision for several days, to help drain some of the
excess fluid.
The extent of the post-operative swelling and bruising is dependent on
whether you tend to bruise or swell easily. The amount you can expect
varies for each individual but past surgeries or injuries should be a
good indication. Keeping the head and torso elevated and applying cold
compresses, or small ice packs will reduce swelling and relieve
discomfort. Many patients use a watertight plastic sandwich bag filled
with frozen berries or peas. Regular icing is the key to relieving the
often-considerable swelling.
After several days, the gauze dressing will be removed. You may be
required to wear a support bra to help your breasts form and maintain a balanced shape. You may or may not be able to shower, depending on where your stitches are.
You will probably be able to resume exercise and normal physical
activities within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided.
Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends upon the technique,
type of breast implant,
and site of placement that the doctor uses, as well as the level of
activities in your daily routine. Ask your doctor for more specific
information.
The stitches
will come out within a week to ten days, but swelling may continue,
gradually subsiding over several weeks. With the swelling, your breasts may seem hard and unnatural, but eventually they should soften to a more natural feel. |
