Your Steps to Breast Augmentation Surgery
By: the For Your Best Self Patient Care Team
Thinking of breast augmentation surgery? Then you’re no doubt wondering what you should expect. You’re probably wondering how long the surgery lasts, how long you’ll need to take off from work, and what to expect during recovery. At Dermatology + Plastic Surgery we have all of these answers for you so you can feel confident with your procedure of choice. Read on to learn more!
What Happens Before the Surgery
Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Novo or Dr. Gasgarth, our double board-certified plastic surgeons and they will talk to you about whatever concerns you might have when it comes to the surgery, as well as your ultimate goals. During the consultation, you’ll also discuss the shape and type of breast implants and the type of surgery that is best for you.
Your surgery will take place at an accredited outpatient surgical facility: Apollo Surgery Center. You should fast for at least eight hours before the big day, and wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially a loose shirt that either zips up or buttons up the front.
Because you’re going to be under general anesthesia, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after your breast augmentation.
You will be “prepped” when you come to the center. That just means that your clothes will be exchanged for a hospital gown. The doctor uses a special marker to make pre operative planning incision marks around your breasts. Then, you’ll be hooked up to blood pressure, heart rate and other monitors so that your vital signs can be watched.
When it’s time to go into the operating room, you’ll be given an IV line to keep you hydrated and to deliver anesthesia medications.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery takes about one and a half hours, though this may vary depending on the amount of change desired. During the surgery, the surgeon makes the incisions according to the markings and creates a pocket behind your breast tissue or under your pectoral muscle. The implant is placed there into this pocket. If you chose a silicone implant, it will be already filled, but a saline implant is filled with sterile saline after it’s put in place. The surgeon will check that the implants are symmetrical before suturing closed the incision.
After this, you’ll be taken into a recovery room where you’ll be monitored for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, you’ll be discharged home to the care of your family or support member. Our doctors will give you a support bra to wear as you heal from the surgery. Please remember to follow our specific post-surgery instructions for optimal results.
After Breast Augmentation
The doctor will have prescribed pain meds that you should take for about two to seven days after the surgery. You can drive after you’re no longer taking pain medications, and likewise for work, as long as you can avoid push/pull and lifting. However, you’ll need to wear the supportive healing garments 24/7 (other than showers) for about six weeks, and avoid strenuous exercise or activity (specifically lifting/pushing/pulling and ANY cardio) for the same amount of time. Call your physician with any sign of infection (redness/swelling/drainage) if you have any bleeding or asymmetry – or if your pain worsens versus decreases.
Are You Ready? Contact Us
Ready to enjoy the shape you’ve dreamed about? Fill out our online contact form and schedule a consultation at Dermatology + Plastic Surgery today! We are dedicated to helping you look and feel your absolute best.
