If you are suffering from small breasts, breast asymmetry or sagging after pregnancy, weight gain or ageing, breast augmentation surgery could be the right solution for you. Although not typically covered by insurance policies, cosmetic surgeries like this usually provide lasting relief.
Implants may be placed either above or below the breast tissue pocket (subglandular or submuscular). One popular technique involves silicone gel-filled implants.
Choosing a Surgeon
Breast size and shape have an enormous effect on one’s self-perception, femininity, and physical equilibrium. Therefore, it’s crucial that patients understand all of the complexities involved with cosmetic surgery; it isn’t like purchasing new jeans!
A skilled plastic surgeon takes the time and care necessary to ensure their patients receive breast augmentation for the right reasons. Many women can become disgruntled after surgery when their implants don’t look exactly how they expected – it is natural for these implants to appear too tight or high on occasion or feel hard upon touch. A good surgeon should understand this.
Before your procedure, it is a smart idea to shop for groceries and stock up on snacks, movies or books to keep you occupied during your recovery period. Also make sure that someone will be available to drive you home from surgery and stay with you during those first few hours after awakening.
Preparing for Surgery
When having surgery that requires anesthetic, it’s vital that someone drive you both ways from and back from hospital. Undergoing any form of anesthesia poses risks that are too great to risk driving after, potentially leaving you not allowed back home immediately afterward.
Before your surgery, the hospital will typically send you a letter, email or text message with instructions about when and what time your operation will start. In addition, they’ll give specific advice as to when you should stop eating and drinking — any undigested food can lead to complications that delay or postpone the operation altogether.
If you will be hospitalized for several days, arrange for someone to feed and water your pets, water plants and collect mail on your behalf. Also get groceries or hire someone else to shop on your behalf if needed – studies show that healthy eating and giving up smoking improve postoperative results.
During Surgery
Your initial consultation will consist of discussing your desired breast size with your plastic surgeon and selecting between saline or silicone implants, with either round, teardrop-shaped, textured, or smooth options being possible.
Once you’ve decided, the next step should be arranging surgery with a local Long Island surgeon. Doing your research will help ensure you make an informed decision and are comfortable with your chosen physician.
During the recovery process, it’s essential to avoid strenuous exercise and weight lifting in order to allow your pockets for implants to heal properly. If you must lift something heavy, wait until your doctor gives the go ahead before doing so. Your surgeon will also give instructions on how to care for your incision, such as wearing a support bra and not scrubbing around it. You may return to work and other regular activities around this time but should visit them once more after to be sure it has healed well.
Post-Operative Care
Patients must carefully adhere to all post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon in order to facilitate healing and speed up the recovery process. As much rest and recovery time should be allowed in order to speed up healing.
Sleep is also essential to breast implant recovery, with some women finding it more comfortable to rest on their backs with pillows under their arms and chest. Some plastic surgeons even suggest renting a recliner as part of this recovery method.
Light bleeding at the incision site after surgery is normal and should subside within 48 hours. During the initial week after surgery, arm movements should be limited so as to allow your implants to heal without disrupting them in any way.
As well as having someone available to drive you home after surgery and assist with household tasks, it’s advisable to have someone available who can drive you home and assist with household duties. In general it’s wise to avoid medications which can increase blood clotting risks such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), as well as alcohol consumption.
