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How Long Is a Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Do you want breast augmentation surgery but are unsure how much time you’ll need to commit to the procedure and recovery?

It turns out that having breast augmentation surgery won’t require you to postpone your entire life. Look at how long a breast augmentation treatment typically lasts and how long recovery typically lasts.

Breast augmentation: What is it?

Surgeons perform breast augmentation mammoplasty, a surgical procedure that entails placing breast implants beneath the breast tissue or between the chest muscles to enlarge the breasts.

Breast augmentation for some ladies can help them feel more confident. Others use it to reconstruct the breast to treat various problems.

Speak to a plastic surgeon about breast augmentation if you’re thinking about it. Ensure you know all the potential risks, complications, and aftercare associated with surgery.

Types of Implants

When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, there are two main types of implants available – saline and silicone. Saline implants contain sterile saltwater, while silicone implants contain cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implants have pros and cons, and the choice of implant will depend on your individual goals and preferences.

There are also different shapes and sizes of implants to choose from. Implants can be round or teardrop-shaped, depending on the desired profile. Additionally, implants come in different profiles – high, low, or medium – to achieve a specific look. Your surgeon will help you choose the best implants for your body type and goals.

Why is it done?

Breast augmentation may benefit you in the following ways:

  • Improve any changes you make to feel either one of your breasts is smaller than the other or both are small. Using a suitable bra or dressing can help with the asymmetry.
  • Make up for a decrease in breast size following pregnancy or a considerable weight loss.
  • Redress unequal breasts following breast surgery for another issue.
  • Increase your confidence.

So that you can be honest about the potential benefits of breast augmentation achieved for you, talk about your goals with your plastic surgeon.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries certain risks and complications. One of the most common complications of breast augmentation surgery is capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens, causing the breast to feel firm or become misshapen. Other potential risks include rippling, bottoming out (when the implants sag too low on the chest), and infection.

Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, carefully follow all pre-and post-operative instructions to minimize risks and promote a smoother recovery.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Being a good candidate is essential if you’re considering breast augmentation surgery. Generally, good candidates are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations of the outcome. Your surgeon will also consider factors such as your body type, breast size, and skin elasticity to determine if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery.

If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, and potential risks. With proper preparation and the right surgeon, breast augmentation can be a safe and effective way to achieve your desired look.

What are the different incision types for breast augmentation surgery?

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Scars are a big issue for individuals considering breast augmentation surgery. Although they know breast implants will leave a scar, they still want to minimize it as much as possible. A skilled plastic surgeon can make a significant difference. Still, patients also have various incision options at their disposal. Incisions are typically done in the armpit (transaxillary), areola (periareolar), under the breast (inframammary), and around the umbilical area for breast augmentation (trans-umbilical).

We have highlighted the pros and cons of these four incision styles so that you may make an educated choice. Please be aware that speaking with your plastic surgeon is still the best option to get information. We produced the following overview to give you a broad concept of what to anticipate from each of these sorts of incisions.

Transaxillary Incision

In common practice, surgeons make transaxillary incisions in the built-in fold of the armpit and then construct a pocket behind the breast to insert the implant by following the incisions and reaching the breast through a channel.

ADVANTAGES

  • Transaxillary incisions do not affect the breast.
  • Because of its placement, this incision does not interfere with breastfeeding.
  • This approach is less likely to injure the mammary gland.

DISADVANTAGES

  • It is best only to use the incision site once.
  • Achieving breast symmetry could be difficult. 
  • New scarring would result in a revision.

 

Periareolar Incision

Surgeons make periareolar incisions at the periphery of the areola, following the curve that separates the darker skin of the nipple from the surrounding breast tissue.

ADVANTAGES

  • The deeper hue of the areola conceals scars.
  • Using a periareolar incision during surgery makes controlling bleeding simpler.
  • A periareolar incision enables a more accurate implant implantation.
  • The incision could be utilized again for correction or further breast surgery.

DISADVANTAGES

  • The incision site should only be utilized once.
  • Achieving breast symmetry could be difficult.
  • New scarring would result in a revision.

Inframammary Incision

Inframammary incisions perform at the fold where the lower part of the breast meets the chest wall. Surgeons can then insert a silicone or saline implant above or below the muscle through the incision.

ADVANTAGES

  • A bra or the breast itself can easily conceal the scar.
  • Plastic surgeons have greater control over bleeding and more exact implant placement. 
  • The original incision can be reopened and reused.
  • With an inframammary incision, there are no additional hazards to the nerves, unlike periareolar surgery.

DISADVANTAGES

  • After an inframammary incision, changing breast size is challenging.
  • If the patient’s breast size later grows, the scar can shift upward.
  • If the patient later has smaller breasts, the scar might shift downward.
  • Patients with tiny breasts may find it challenging to make an incision.

 

Incision Trans-Umbilical

Surgeons perform transumbilical incisions on the upper inside edge of the navel. After positioning, they bring up the empty, rolled-up implants to the breasts and inflate them.

ADVANTAGES

  • The scar is hidden in the navel.
  • The trans-umbilical incision is a less intrusive method.
  • Patients recuperate faster.

DISADVANTAGES

  • The implant’s insertion was difficult.
  • A more natural look is more difficult to obtain with a transumbilical incision.
  • In some cases, scars are irreversible for correction surgery later.

How do you prepare?

You will discuss your choices for the size, feel, and appearance of your breasts with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will go through the various varieties, including saline and silicone implants, smooth or textured, teardrop-shaped or spherical, and smooth or textured with texturing.

Review written materials with care, such as the patient’s details provided by the implant’s manufacturer, and save copies for your records.

Before deciding to have surgery, take these things into account:

  • Breast augmentation won’t stop keeping your breasts from drooping. In addition to breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon might advise a breast lift to prevent your breasts from sagging.
  • Breast implants are not guaranteed to stay forever. A regular implant lasts about ten years. Implant rupture is possible. Moreover, as you age, your breasts may vary in appearance due to weight growth or reduction. The likely outcome of these problems is more surgery.
  • Mammograms could be more difficult. You’ll want additional specialist images besides standard mammograms if you have breast implants.
  • Breast implants may hamper breastfeeding. Following a breast augmentation procedure, some women can still effectively breastfeed. Breastfeeding, however, provides challenges for certain people.
  • Breast implants are not covered by insurance. Breast augmentation is not a procedure that insurance will pay for unless it is medically necessary, such as having a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Be ready to cover the costs, including associated operations or upcoming imaging tests.
  • Following breast implant removal, more surgery may be required. You could need a breast lift, or additional corrective surgery can help restore the appearance of your breasts if you choose to remove your surgery implants.
  • It is advised to perform a silicone implant rupture screening. Between five and six years of installation, The FDA suggests regular breast MRI monitoring to check for a ruptured silicone breast implant. Then, a breast MRI is advised twice to three times every year. An ultrasound might be an excellent alternate screening technique if you don’t have any symptoms. Consult your plastic surgeon for the precise imaging procedure required for regular implant monitoring.

Prior to the procedure, you should get a baseline mammogram. Before the operation, your doctor may also adjust some medications. For example, it’s essential avoiding aspirin and other drugs that can make bleeding worse.

If you smoke, tell your doctor, who may advise you to give up the habit for 4-6 weeks before and following the procedure.

Plan to have someone pick you up from the hospital after the procedure and at least spend the first night with you.

What to Expect

Surgeons can perform breast augmentation in an outpatient hospital or surgical facility. You’ll most likely return home that day and rarely does the surgery necessitate a hospital stay.

Breast augmentation procedures may sometimes involve using a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the breasts while the patient is awake. Breast augmentation surgery usually involves general anesthesia, putting you to sleep all through the process. You and your plastic surgeon together will go over your alternatives for anesthesia.

 

Surgery for Breast Augmentation: Average Time Frame

Breast augmentation surgery is surprisingly quick; depending on the patient and the plastic surgeon’s competence, it may only take one to two hours to complete the operation.

As a result, it might take a half-day to enter surgery, have the procedure done, and leave after an hour or so of postoperative rehabilitation.

General anesthesia is a standard method of anesthesia used during breast augmentation surgery. After your procedure, your plastic surgeon should give you some time to recuperate from the side effects of general anesthesia. As you won’t be able to drive following your treatment, you should arrange for someone to pick you up from the medical center and take you home.

 

How long does the healing process for breast augmentation take?

During breast augmentation recovery, every patient recovers at a different pace. Still, you can anticipate returning to work one week after surgery. However, your surgeon might tell you to wait two weeks before returning if your job requires more manual labor and lifting.

After surgery, most patients can resume their workouts three to four weeks later, and the entire recuperation process takes about six weeks.

 

What to anticipate following breast augmentation

24 hours after surgery

Following the breast augmentation recovery procedure, you can feel tightness in your chest, discomfort, fatigue, nausea, and either an increase in or a decrease in breast sensitivity. Bruising and swelling may also be present, but these will disappear with time.

You must stay in the postoperative surgical room for a few hours after the procedure to rest and allow the anesthetic to wear off completely. It would be best to have a ride home from a family member or friend you can rely on to look out for you in the days following your surgery.

You can have significant pain and discomfort for the first 24 hours. As suggested, your surgeon advises you to take over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen. Additionally, your doctor can provide muscle relaxants and painkillers to keep you comfortable.

 

5–7 days after surgery

You can continue having minor pain or discomfort after the first week. But the level of discomfort ought to have diminished. If your surgeon gives the go-ahead, you can resume your regular activities at this point.

However, you should avoid physically demanding tasks like lifting your arms above your head because they might cause bruising and bleeding. Your breast implants will start to solidify in place at this point. Following postoperative instructions is crucial, such as massaging the breast tissue to ease the muscles and lessen swelling.

 

3–4 weeks after surgery

It would help if you experienced little to no pain or discomfort at this point. Breast bruising and swelling ought to have diminished and disappeared. Nevertheless, depending on the type of operation and whether there were any problems, it is customary to have bruising still.

Your doctor could begin to advise you to conduct mild exercise but avoid strenuous activity. Wearing a postoperative or front-closure bra can help you recover after breast augmentation surgery.

 

4–6 weeks after surgery

Most patients have often recovered entirely by this point and are ready to resume their normal activities. It should feel and appear more natural to have breasts. Patients are advised to make an appointment with their surgeon to have their breast implants adequately inspected.

 

Who Should Consider Breast Augmentation?

Consider whether breast augmentation is the best technique for your desired outcomes before scheduling a consultation. It’s critical to remember that this operation cannot alter the location of the breast; only its size and contour can. Consider a breast lift instead of, or in addition to, an augmentation if you’re seeking a procedure to lift or reposition the breasts.

Additionally, the process involves a time and financial cost commitment and some discomfort. Make sure you carefully consider how you will fit appointments, the procedure, the recuperation period, and follow-up appointments into your schedule. It’s also crucial to consider how you’ll handle the financial burden of breast augmentation and the limitations and physical discomfort that follow surgery.

You can see a plastic surgeon get the opportunity or tips for advice on attaining these goals best after you clearly understand the outcomes you desire and how to budget for the time, expense, and recovery of an augmentation.

 

Results

The shape and size of your breasts may change following breast augmentation surgery. Your perception of yourself and your body may vary due to the procedure. But restrain your expectations and refrain from expecting perfection.

Following breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will continue to age. The way your breasts look may also change depending on your weight. You may require more surgery to address these problems if you grow unsatisfied with how your breasts look.

Schedule a Consultation Today and Take the First Step Towards Your Dream Figure

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about the size of your breasts? Do you wish to enhance your figure and boost your confidence? Look no further than Smith Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Lane Smith has helped numerous women achieve their ideal silhouette through breast implant surgery and other procedures such as tummy tuck, mommy makeover, liposuction, brow lift, rhinoplasty, breast reduction, and Brazilian butt lift. Don’t hesitate any longer; schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward the figure you’ve always wanted.

Take charge of your body and transform it into the shape you desire. With the help of Smith Plastic Surgery, you can have a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you want to enhance the size and symmetry of your breasts or contour and firm other areas of your body, Dr. Lane Smith and his team of experts have the skills and expertise to deliver the desired results. Don’t let your insecurities hold you back any longer. Join the many satisfied patients who have successfully undergone breast implant surgery and other cosmetic procedures at Smith Plastic Surgery. Contact us today and start your journey toward achieving the figure you’ve always wanted.

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