Before and After Breast Augmentation

One of the biggest concerns that people that are interested in undergoing breast augmentation relates to the general procedure. Nobody enjoys surgery, whether it is cosmetic or reconstructive. However, breast augmentation surgery is one of the safest and most efficient surgical procedures in plastic surgery. To examine the effects of breast surgery, an extensive detailing of the steps that patients need to go through before and after breast implants will be given.

The first step to obtaining breast implants involves an initial consultation session between you and a plastic surgeon. In this stage, the plastic surgeon will evaluate a patient's health and will explain to the patient the surgical techniques that are most appropriate for the patient. During this consultation, the surgeon will instruct the patient about how to prepare for the surgery and also what foods they should avoid.

Some advice given by a plastic surgeon of what to do prior to surgery include:

• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications
• For smokers, quit smoking for at least two weeks prior to the surgery
• Arrange transportation to and from the operation
• Prepare icepacks to reduce post-operation swelling
• Wear loose clothing on the day of the surgery

Once the surgery has been performed, the patient tends to feel tired and sore. The next two days after the surgery should be a period of rest, so it is important that the patient clears any commitments from their schedule following breast augmentation surgery.

Within several days of the surgery, the patient will have to consult with their plastic surgeon to remove the gauze dressings that were applied during surgery. In many instances, the patient will be given a surgical bra to aid their recovery. Within ten days, the patient will be able to have the stitches from the surgery removed. However, it usually takes three to five weeks for the swelling in a patient's breasts to disappear.

The patient is able to return to their job within a few days, depending on how much physical activity is required from their work. Although a patient's breasts will be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks following the surgery, within four weeks the patient will no longer feel soreness in their breasts. This allows the patient the peace of mind knowing that breast contact is fine once the soreness has subsided.

The scars that resulted from breast augmentation surgery will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Although they will remain the size for several months following the surgery, they will begin to fade after several months. Eventually, these scars will completely disappear. Depending on your age group, routine mammograms will need to be conducted.