Breast Aesthetics
Breast Augmentation

Breast AugmentationBreast Augmentation Surgery (Mammoplasty) is a  surgical procedure aimed at correcting the shape and volume of the breast. Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular procedure in aesthetic surgery.

Last 5 years, surgery methods and implants have improved so that women after plastic surgery can resume their daily life as soon as possible. Mammoplasty is an outpatient operation under general anesthesia.

Patients can usually go home 1 day after the procedure. Breast augmentation can be combined with other surgeries that could be breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction or face aesthetics.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time of Breast Augmentation

Rehabilitation after breast augmentation depends on:

  • breast tissue size,
  • breast implant size,
  • implant pocket plain placement,
  • surgical entrance technique.

Recovery time of breast augmentation varies depending on the individual – technique of surgery and healing process.

Breast implants are available in different sizes and shapes . Implant size also may have an impact on the recovery time; large implants make more pressure under or on the pectoral muscle that causes stretching of skin. This causes long rehabilitation time after breast augmentation. Discomfort lasts about 10-12 days. Breast implants can be placed above or below the pectoral muscle, which changes to the patient’s lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

Submuscular placement from the axillary area is more invasive after skin incision, separation of a pocket in or under pectoral muscle for the implant. This placement is recommended for most natural looking results. This technique also requires two to three months to see the last results, because muscles keep the implant in a high position.

In subglandular or subfascial breast augmentation  recovery time is shorter and discomfort lasts about 4 days. The recovery time after breast augmentation is shorter with the subglandular technique (under the mammary gland), compared to submuscular breast augmentation. Discomfort in the first case lasts about 4 days, and in the latter – 10-12 days. For minimizing discomfort and to shorten the healing process, following post operative instructions carefully is important.  recovery period after any surgery, recovery after mammoplasty will take time.

To prepare patients better for recovery process, information about coming weeks and months after breast augmentation surgery includes following steps:

  • First 1-2 days pain – use pain killers
  • After 3 days;can return to work
  • After 2-3 weeks;begin light exercise
  • After12 months;Scar maturation

Breast AugmentationFirst weeks after surgery

During the first 24 hours complication risk like bleeding continues. To reduce swelling and pain ice packs can be used.

1- 4 days you feel swelling, pain, discomfort is normal. During this period, painkillers, antibiotics and anti-edema drugs are used. After mammoplasty feeling tightness in the breast area is normal as skin and neighbor tissues adjust to size of breast implants.

For the first 2-3 days patients should wear a bandage and also surgical compression bra. Dressings of surgical incision are removed but surgical compression bra should be worn for the next four weeks.

4 to 10 days, taking shower allowed by the surgeon, after shower dry the wounds and dressings. To raise your hands above your head is forbidden so you need to wash your hair.

Pain would decrease every day with less need for medication. Usually you feel more pain if implants are placed under the muscle.

7 to 10 days after surgery bruising and swelling are normal and usually dissolve within a few weeks.

It is advised to avoid heavy work and exercise for 4-6 weeks after surgery.  Everyday activities such as brushing teeth, combing hair and eating should be limited.

Sleeping at least two or three pillows under your back helps relieve pressure on the breast, and reduces swelling and pain.

10 to 21 after surgery, increase physical activity, perform simple exercises like walking. Edema begins to dissolve. Sometimes you feel pain at night.

First 2-3 months after surgery

4-6 weeks wound healing occurs, painkillers are rarely required. You can begin aerobic exercise. You can touch your breast gently for four to six weeks.

Sensation of the skin of the breast and nipples changes are common.  After breast reduction surgery, numbness may be felt by some women for up to a year, while others may experience  breast hypersensitivity. In some cases altered sensations may become permanent after surgery.

  • Wearing a well-fitting sports bra 24 hours a day is recommended for up to three months.
  • Sleep on your back, sleeping on your stomach or side is prohibited.
  • Breast massage as shown by your surgeon is recommended to facilitate correct positioning of breast implants and also prevent capsular contracture.
  • Breasts may swell and become firm in the first 4-6 weeks. In addition, pain for several months, especially during menstruation is normal.  Pain medication could be used to relieve these symptoms.
  • Up to 9 months you will relax progressively and swelling remains 5-10%, the chest becomes softer and feels implants as part of your body.
  • Breast shape becomes stable in its new shape but still fluctuates in response to hormonal and weight changes.
  • For one year it is necessary to protect incisions from direct sunlight for avoiding scar fade.

Complications After Breast Augmentation

Soreness and pain

  • Persist for several weeks,
  • Controlled with painkillers,

Edema

  • swelling and puffiness disappear within 2-3 weeks. 
  • edema may persist for up to 3-4 months, 
  • 90% of the swelling has resolved after 3 months, 
  • increase fluid intake recommended,
  • decrease sodium intake recommended, 
  • physical movement such as walking is recommended.

Scars

  • scars will fade, they improve significantly over time. 
  • Surgery techniques hide and minimize scars.
  • To place the implants, an incision made in one of the following areas: on the underside of the breast; under the arm  around the nipple
  • Follow all instructions to control infection and other complications. Care incisions to reduce scars
  • After ten days stitches are removed.
  • Smoking slows down the healing process of the wound  and can also increase the risk of infection.
  • Scars stay red for several months and begin to fade after 3-6 months. 
  • The final result can be seen in 1 year in the form of thin white lines.
  • Hypertrophic scars ( Keloid scar) can occur in about 5% of incisions.

To prevent ugly scars, use special silicone patches and compression bras.

Capsular contracture

    • Implant is inserted into the breast, a protective coating around the implant formed as a body reaction.  
    • The capsule is formed by body tissue that in some women tends to shrink. This tissue that compresses the implant is called capsular contracture. The  capsule makes the breast  firmer.
    • Capsular contracture force over implants surface.
  • Medical therapy is usually not successful.C

Capsular contracture treated by surgery.

Physical exercise after breast augmentation

  • First 2 weeks – walking is recommended for swelling or edema,Breast Implants
  • After 3-4 weeks – light exercise is acceptable,
  • After 8 weeks – return to previous activities that require effort,
  • Using a compression bra during activities is important.

Under the muscle implant placement, exercise is not recommended for 6 weeks

Child care during Post Operation

If patients have young children

  • After 2-3 days need help
  • You can not lift children 1-2 weeks
  • Only can be lifted from seating position
  • After 2-3 weeks light care for young children 
  • Full care can be within 5-6 weeks.

Postoperative risks

All procedures with surgery carry some degree of risk. Potential complications of breast surgeries: 

  • anesthesia reactions 
  • hematoma 
  • seroma 
  • infection
  • allergic reactions;
  • skin sensitivity
  • scars
  • unsatisfactory results
  • thrombus
  • bleeding.
  • uneven nipples;
  • breast asymmetry
  • loss of sensation
  • capsular contracture;

When to Call Urgently The Doctor 

Contact with the doctor or clinic immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms;

  • chills or fever , 
  • excessive bleeding. 
  • excessive breast swelling
  • very severe pain,
  • redness, swelling, and pain in the chest,
  • intense burning in the chest,
  • discharge from incision area,
  • noticeable discoloration of the nipples or wounds

During rehabilitation,  regularly measure your temperature.

Complications and restrictions 

The most common local complications of breast augmentation is;

  • capsular contracture –
  •  tears or deflation, 
  • folds,  
  • scarring,
  • asymmetries,
  • pain,
  • infection on incision site.

If you notice any pathological changes in breasts, contact your doctor immediately.

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About Op. Dr. Leyla Arvas

Op. Dr. Leyla Arvas is a specialist in Aesthetic Surgery, specializing in Body and Facial Aesthetics, Liposuction, Breast Aesthetics, Tummy Tucks, Fat Injections, and Hair Transplantation. She is a female aesthetic surgeon.

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