What to Expect Before and After Breast Augmentation in Wilmington

March 4, 2020

Are you thinking about getting breast augmentation surgery? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are a little over 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries each year.

And, these numbers are only growing. Breast augmentation surgery is improving each year, and more and more women are experiencing the psychological and physical benefits of this type of surgery.

If you’ve Googled “ breast implants before and after” and you’re looking to learn more about breast augmentation surgery, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting breast implants.

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

First things first, what exactly is breast augmentation surgery?

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, this surgery increases the size of your breasts. During the surgery, your surgeon will place breast implants under your breast tissue or chest muscles.

Many women find that breast augmentation surgery helps them feel more confident. For other women, they undergo breast augmentation surgery to rebuild their breasts after suffering from various conditions.

Breast augmentation surgery might help you with the following:

Enhancing your appearance if you feel your breasts are too small or one is smaller than the other
Correcting breasts that are uneven after undergoing breast surgery for other conditions
Improving your self-confidence

Some also choose to reduce the size of their breasts after pregnancy or due to back pain.

You’ll want to discuss your goals with your surgeon so that you can set yourself up for a realistic breast augmentation.

Is it Right for Me?

While breast augmentation surgery can certainly increase your self-confidence, it’s certainly not for everyone.

Breast augmentation surgery isn’t an in and out procedure. It requires money, time, and you’ll experience physical discomfort.

The surgery is an investment, which is why you should take time to consider your desired outcome. And, once you have a clear idea of what you want to gain from the surgery, you can schedule a consultation with a surgeon to get their opinion on how you can achieve the best results possible.

The Consultation

Although you may come into the consultation with an idea of what you want, you should also be open to recommendations from your surgeon.

The surgeon you consult with will have performed a lot of breast augmentation surgeries, and they’ll know better than anyone how to determine an ideal size for your breasts.

During the consultation, your surgeon will explain the entire process. And, in addition to choosing a size, you’ll also have to choose the kind of material you want for your implants.

The two main types are silicone and saline, and these materials will determine the size and shape of your enhanced breasts. Then, depending on the material you choose, you will select a shape.

Depending on which shape you choose, your surgeon will either recommend placing the implant above or below the muscle.

While all of these choices may sound overwhelming, don’t worry, as your surgeon will help you through the entire process.

Plus, surgeons can create computer-assisted visualizations so you’ll have a good idea of what the final outcome will be.

The Procedure

So, what does breast augmentation surgery involve?

Typically, this is an outpatient procedure. However, some clinics allow you the option to stay overnight.

The surgery only lasts between one and two hours, and the surgeon will likely provide you with general anesthesia to help with the pain.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions either under your arms, under your breasts, or under the nipples. Then, after inserting the implants, the surgeon will use a suture to close the incision.

The Recovery

While the actual breast augmentation surgery doesn’t take up much time, you’re definitely going to need some time to heal.

However, it doesn’t take nearly as long to heal from breast augmentation surgery today as it used to. In fact, most patients are able to return to work shortly following their surgery.

Here’s what to expect with your recovery:

What to Expect Immediately After

In order for your body to heal properly, you need to allow yourself optimal time to heal. Here’s what to expect within the first few days of your recovery:

You’ll need plenty of rest, as you’re likely going to feel very tired and sore in the first several days following the procedure
You can remove your dressings 24 hours after the procedure, except for the skin tapes that cover the incisions
The skin tapes, also known as steri-strips, can be washed over without you needing to remove them. You can then blot them with a towel to dry them, and then they’ll eventually fall off
In the following week, you can cover your incisions with gauze dressings
For the first several days and for the next several weeks, you may experience mild bruising around your breasts
Your surgeon may also have you wear a post-surgical bra, elastic bandage, or sports bra to help with positioning and support during your recovery
Do not wear an underwire bra, as this can affect the position of your implants
Your surgeon may also advise you to not wear a bra at all
If you are instructed to wear a bra, remove it when you’re bathing and put it on after
Most of the time, you can shower within 24 hours after your surgery
However, for two weeks following the surgery, you’ll need to avoid pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and whirlpools
Within a few days, you should be able to return to work
If the surgeon sends you home with drains, then empty the drainage bulb three times per day and record the amount of fluid loss

What to Expect in the Following Weeks

And, here’s what to expect the following weeks after surgery:

For up to a month, your breasts will likely remain sensitive and swollen
For a while, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities that raise your blood pressure and pulse, and that requires extensive use of your chest and arms