In 2018, approximately 313,000 breast augmentation procedures were carried out in the United States. The procedure, which aims to improve the overall appearance and symmetry of a woman’s breasts, is simple, straightforward, and life-changing.
Breast augmentation can be both an exciting and intimidating experience. Still, many people are unsure what to expect before the procedure and are nervous about how their bodies will look once they’re home and recovered. In the following post, we’ll go over the most important things you need to know about breast augmentation, including what to expect before and after the surgery, how to choose your surgeon and how to schedule your own consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Let’s start with the basics. Breast augmentation (also known as mammoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure that changes the shape and/or volume of your breasts. Unlike a simple breast lift, which only lifts and changes the position of the breasts using your own tissue, the breast augmentation surgery places implants beneath the chest muscle or in back of the tissue in the breast. This adds volume and changes the shape of your breasts.
How the procedure is performed will largely depend on your current breasts, overall physique, and what you hope to achieve. One of the most important elements of planning for breast augmentation is selecting the most natural looking option. There are many options to choose from, including different materials, shapes, and sizes. This is something your plastic surgeon can help you decide before your surgery.
What Should You Expect Before Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The first thing that you will do before your surgery is meet with your plastic surgeon for a consultation. This consultation appointment is essential in the timeline of your breast augmentation surgery, and it will usually happen at least several months before the actual surgery.
It is the first time that you will work with your surgeon to decide on the ultimate goals you have for your new breasts. You can discuss possible implant types and sizes, look at examples of breasts you like, and finally make a decision on your ultimate silhouette.
Furthermore, as the date of your procedure nears, there will be a unique set of guidelines that you must follow prior to your surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with these guidelines. Read them carefully.
The following is a list of steps you will likely have to take before your procedure.
- Of course, it’s always a good idea to strive to quit smoking. Still, if you are a current smoker, you can simply stop smoking a few months before your surgery (talk to your surgeon about a specific timeframe). You should also stop using nicotine gum and nicotine patches before your procedure. Again, speak to your surgeon about when you’ll need to stop these things. Before your surgery, you will likely be tested to make sure that there are no dangerous byproducts in your body, which could affect the outcome and your results. If you receive a positive test, your surgeon may choose to cancel your procedure.
- In addition to quitting smoking before your surgery, you should also stop taking aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood thinners. Tylenol is the only thing that you should be taking for pain relief. Your surgeon will tell you when you need to cut these things out of your routine.
- Make sure that you have someone who can take you home after your procedure. This should be someone responsible who you can rely on. This person will not only need to drive you home from that procedure and help you at home, but they should also be on hand to help you with everyday things like moving around the house, grocery shopping, filling prescriptions, and more.
- It’s best to dress comfortablywhen you head into your plastic surgeon’s officefor the procedure. A button-down shirt is recommended for comfort and ease of access for your doctor. Do not wear any jewelry or accessories.
- Lastly, make sure that your doctor knows about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking. It is possible that something you take regularly may negatively impact the surgery or the outcome of your breast augmentation. Always be completely honest with the supplements and medications you take.
What Is the Breast Augmentation Surgery Like?
Rest assured that our facilities are extremely clean, well-organized, and well-maintained. The surgery itself is efficient, painless, and safe.
To start with, after being prepped for surgery, you will be put under general or local anesthesia. This will ensure your comfort. Local anesthetic will be used directly before the surgery right at the surgical site. This will ensure that when you wake up, you do not have immediate pain.
The core steps of breast augmentation surgery are always different. In general, however, after the anesthetic is used, your surgeon will begin cutting into the areola. The small incisions will be made right around the rims of the areola so that after the procedure is over, you will not have a noticeable scar on either side. Depending on what elements of surgery you are having done and what your ultimate goals are, your surgeon will next reshape and insert implants into your breasts.
It’s likely that after inserting the implants, your doctor will also sit you up — even if you are still under general anesthesia — to ensure that your breasts look even, full, and just the way you want them. Sitting you up and examining the results helps your doctor get an accurate visual of what your breasts will look like when you are sitting and standing. When he is happy with his work, you will be stitched up and left to rest.
What Should You Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
After your breast augmentation surgery, get ready to be very happy! Now, it’s simply time to rest, recover, and look forward to your new results. These will come with time, so be patient. With each day that passes, your breasts will drop into their intended positions and become less sore. This will also help you see more of the results you’ve longed for.
Again, make sure that directly after your surgery you have someone to take you home. This person should stay with you and help you get around the house, get dressed, make meals, etc. — especially for the first few days. Naturally, you will need to take time off from work and/or school. If you have children, it’s best to have them looked after by a trusted friend or relative while you recover for the first few days.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
If you’re still on the fence about breast augmentation, a good place to start is with your candidacy for the procedure. To be sure, most people are completely qualified to have a breast augmentation. Still, there are some people who may not qualify. Good candidates have the following attributes:
- A desire for more symmetrical, bigger, or differently shaped breasts
- Breasts that are fully developed
- Good physical and mental health
- Realistic expectations for the outcome
As a final note, remember that it’s best to wait to have surgery until you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also not be battling an infection or be ill. Anything abnormal on your most recent mammogram should also be investigated and discussed with your surgeon.
Considering Breast Augmentation? Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today
Dr. David Sieber is a board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco. Dr. Sieber’s reputation speaks for itself. With a long list of happy clients, he is one of the best and most sought-after surgeons working in San Francisco today.
If you have been considering breast augmentation to fix asymmetry, change shape, add volume, or alter something else about your chest, Dr. Sieber can help you achieve the results you desire. The first step is to book a consultation. Simply contact us today, and we’ll be happy to get you on the books!
