When we see before and after photos of celebrity ladies having breast augmentation, of course we want to look like them.But if you don't want to limit yourself to sighs of envy, it's important to learn as much as possible about the procedure.For example, regarding preparation and recovery periods.
Weigh the pros and cons before surgery begins
If you want to do the same thing, you need to determine why you need to do it.Get your surgeon's advice and opinions about breast augmentation before and after surgery.
Weighing the pros and cons is an initial and important preparation stage
Let’s talk about when to have surgery:
- The body shape before plastic surgery was uneven and unattractive;
- Clothes don't fit well - there's too much free space in the chest;
- Bust size starts to look worse due to childbirth, sudden weight loss, or normal age-related changes;
- One breast gland is much smaller than the other.
But here's why it's better to abandon this idea:
- In conditions such as breast cancer, fibrocysts, excess weight, diabetes, etc., intervention is not possible;
- Hypersensitivity to medications and blood, heart, and lung problems are also contraindications;
- If the woman smokes, the procedure will not be beneficial;
- If it cannot be observed by the surgeon after some time, it is better not to start the operation;
- You also need to be prepared to replace your implants in the future.
What tests should you have before surgery?
Like any surgery, plastic surgery requires passing certain tests.
- General and biochemical blood tests.The deadline for completing these tests is two weeks before surgery.If inflammation or anemia is diagnosed, treatment will be needed.
- Mammography.This is a compulsory part of the exam and allows you to identify existing questions.The slightest change in the normal state of the breasts is reason to refuse breast augmentation surgery.
- Blood tests for platelets and coagulation.Unsatisfactory results indicate a risk of hematoma formation.
- Pregnancy test.Even one week pregnant is a reason to refuse surgery.The fact is that anesthesia can have negative effects on the fetus.
- Pulmonary fluoroscopy and electrocardiogramto determine the condition of the heart.If the result is negative, surgery is prohibited.
What nuances should you know before surgery?
Before having breast augmentation surgery, you should follow these recommendations:
- If you are taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, you need to stop taking them.They significantly reduce blood clotting;
- You should not drink alcohol for at least three to four days before surgery.Even better – within 7 days;
- You should definitely consult a breast doctor and surgeon.They will give personal recommendations and look into initial breast volume;
- Before and during the recovery period of breast augmentation, it is necessary to keep the body filled with water.This will help you tolerate the surgery better.
The importance of wearing a bra after surgery
Recovery after breast augmentation requires wearing special compression garments.And no matter how big the end result is.
This type of underwear is usually kept for about three to four weeks to allow:
- The implant did not move, so the shape remained as the doctor intended.To avoid irregularities in shape, regular bras cannot be worn after surgery;
- Postoperative breast enlargement did not cause sagging.In this case, the breast tissue will move somewhere in the nipple area.Therefore, after surgery, the entire positive effect may be lost;
- The breasts are not spreading in different directions.Implants can produce similar results;
- The body gets used to the new weight.For example, having significantly enlarged breasts to a size 3 after your first breast augmentation can be uncomfortable.A woman will certainly feel uncomfortable carrying such an unusual weight at first.
Patient's condition after surgery
After breast augmentation, recovery may begin with pain, heaviness, and swelling.They last about a week.Especially if the implant is located under the pectoral muscle.
The first two days of the week will be particularly painful.During this recovery period, you may use pain relievers prescribed by your doctor.However, if you don't take them, the discomfort will still go away, but it will fade away gradually.
The skin may itch, burn, and react to the slightest touch.It must be hard for you to raise your hand.The possibility of widespread weakness and rising temperatures cannot be ruled out.
During the initial recovery period after surgery, your breasts may feel tight or even larger than planned.Edema is the culprit.However, it will go away on its own after up to a month.
If the pain after breast augmentation is particularly severe and lasts for a long time, you should seek medical treatment in time.Swelling and redness, while normal, should be seen by a specialist.
What to expect in the first week after surgery
In the first week, in addition to what’s listed above, you can expect the following:
- The dressing may be removed for the first few days.Dressings are applied on the third and seventh days after surgery.The subsequent recovery period also needs to be done, but the specific amount depends on individual characteristics;
- The stitches after the breast augmentation will be removed this week.If the specialist used special tape or glue during the procedure, it does not need to be removed manually.Over time, this connecting material will disappear on its own.
- Ideally, you can take a shower within a day.However, you may have to wait a week;
- There should be no pushing, twisting or pulling movements.In addition, patients are not allowed to lift anything.Not just heavy ones, but also light ones - in principle, it is best to avoid raising your arms during the recovery period after breast augmentation;
- Women are also concerned that the less sensitive their nipples are, the better.This phenomenon is natural and will disappear over time.
What happens in weeks two to six?
The first week—the most difficult week—is over.But what next?
Some patients can return to work during this time.However, everything here is personal and depends on the nature of the job itself.The same applies to intimate life - it all depends on the characteristics of the patient's body.
Excessive physical activity should still be avoided.It is best to replace exercise with regular walks in the fresh air and a balanced diet.
The chest at this point can still be "decorated" with stitches.But there is no need to worry as they will dissolve.Only experts can see such seams over time.
Starting in the second week, you can start trying sleeping on your side.But be careful.If you feel uncomfortable, it is best to return to the supine position.
During the second week, you cannot go to the solarium, bath or sauna.However, your doctor will most likely recommend that you abstain from these medications for an extended period of time.
Possible complications
Of course, you should hope for the best, but you also need to consider the possibility of complications.These may be:
- Allergic reactions, such as to anesthesia;
- Subcutaneous fluid is hematoma and serum.In any case, expert intervention is required;
- The sutures will look the same as when they started and will not dissolve;
- Implant migration – no one is immune.And this movement can be in any direction, which would require additional surgery.However, this complication is uncommon.
- Implants leak and rupture.Definitely needs to be replaced.But the risk of this deformation is also small: about 1% in the first 12 months after surgery and about 4% thereafter;
- Infections – These may appear within the first few months.The risk is also very small - about 1%.This problem can be solved with antibiotic treatment and elimination of the source of infection.New implants can be installed later, but not earlier than six months later.
It is worth noting that breasts look perfect after plastic surgery for a long time.Of course, if all the recommendations regarding the preparation period and the postoperative period are followed correctly.