What to Expect from Breast Implant Surgery?
Before the Surgery
Some tests may be conducted to detect the breast abnormality. The surgeon may also ask the patient to stop eating or drinking anything 24 hours before the surgery. A patient should also carry some loose clothing like a loose-fitting bra without underwire. A doctor will discuss the breast implant procedure in detail, the estimated duration of the surgery along with the recovery process.
During the Surgery
Once the patient is given anaesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in one of the below areas:
- Along the underside of the breast (most popular)
- Around the nipple
- Underarm (only in selected women)
The location where the incision has been performed can affect how visible the scars would be after the surgery. It will also decide the complications which a patient may experience after breast implant surgery. The surgeon will put the breast implant into the pocket above or below the chest muscle. After the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures and may also place temporary drains to prevent fluid or blood accumulation.
After the Surgery
The patient’s breast will be wrapped in gauze or a surgical bra. The surgery scars of a breast enlargement may fade in two or three months, depending on the skin type of the patient.
Following the surgery, some pain, swelling and tenderness are normal, which may last for a month or longer, but should go away with time. For most women, scars will turn into thin lines over the time. The surgeon may prescribe some medications to relieve pain and nausea and will also discuss ways to take care of the surgical area.
At the surgeon’s recommendation, a patient is likely to return to work within a few weeks. However, it is strongly advised to avoid any strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and pulse rate, for a minimum of two weeks. Be sure to ask the surgeon about a schedule for follow-up visits along with the precautions which need to be taken.
What You Need To Know About Breast Implant Surgery
Like any other surgery, breast implant surgery is also associated with risks like pain in the breasts, bleeding, formation of hard scar tissue around the implant, bacterial infection, non-symmetrical breasts, loss of nipple sensation and ruptured implants. In many cases, a painful fibrous shell develops around the implant.
