Breast Implant Surgery: Preparation, Procedure & Recovery

Preparing for Your Breast Enlargement Surgery

• Arrangements should be made for a ride to and from the Surgery Center and for someone to take care of you if needed for 24 hours after surgery.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and ephedrine (and all products containing these ingredients) should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to surgery and avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. If aspirin or other blood thinning medication is taken for cardiovascular reasons, please discuss this with us.
• Herbs, diet pills, homeopathic preparations and any other supplements not regulated by the FDA should also be omitted for 2 weeks prior to and at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Patients are encouraged to take a multi-vitamin and vitamin C for general health and to promote healing. Vitamin E supplements should not be taken 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.
• Refraining from smoking for 2 weeks before and after surgery will improve your healing

Breast Implants: The Day of Surgery

Your surgery will be performed at our private, state licensed ambulatory surgery center located adjacent to our office. It has the highest level of certification that a surgery center can obtain. This is not office surgery. We have to meet or exceed all of the same requirements as a hospital. Our staff is trained to take the best possible care of elective cosmetic surgery patients.

General anesthesia will most likely be used to allow you to sleep during the procedure. This is the most pleasant and safe way to undergo breast augmentation. You will not remember anything other than waking up with your new look. The procedure itself takes around 1-1 1/2 hours. Expect to be here, though, for about 3 hours for pre-op and post op care. Breast augmentation is commonly performed with other procedures such as breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. After the implants are placed, the incision is closed with internal absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. There is no need for drains with breast augmentation. Following surgery, the incisions are covered with Steri-strip surgical tape and gauze. You will be wrapped in an ACE bandage or surgical bra or strap until the post-op appointment when you may be placed in a bra.

Breast Implants: Your Recovery

• You should be up and around the day of surgery to prevent blood clots in the legs.
• Your breasts will feel sore the first few days after surgery. This discomfort is generally well-controlled with pain medication.
• Showering will be permitted.
• You may resume non-strenuous work.
• Bruising may persist 2-3 weeks.
• Arm use should be limited during the first week. This includes limiting driving, lifting or reaching. Eating and brushing teeth is ok.
• At one week, most normal daily activities may be resumed; vigorous exercise and weight lifting can be resumed at 4-6 weeks post surgery.
• Swelling will last weeks to months. Breasts may appear tight for up to 3 months, but will relax.
• Breast massage should begin within 2 weeks post surgery: 3 times daily for the first 3 months, followed by daily for life.
• Bras with underwire should be avoided for 2 weeks.
• Scar care can start around two weeks after surgery. Scars will fade over time. It takes up to one year for a scar to mature. It is recommended that you do not tan incisions for one year.
• Remember everyone heals at a different pace!

Breast Augmentation: Results

If you go into breast augmentation with realistic expectations, you’ll most likely be very pleased with your results. Most procedures produce beautiful, natural-looking breasts. Many patients experience a boost in their self-image, enjoying getting out, shopping for clothes and showing off their new shape. Though breast augmentation provides long-lasting enhancement, it is important to remember that issues such as age, genetics ,weight fluctuation, and pregnancy can change the size, shape and position of even enhanced breasts over time.