What to expect with your Breast Augmentation Surgery

When you are considering breast enlargement the first thing to do is schedule an appointment. During your consultation discuss your specific goals and expectations. It can be helpful to take along some pictures of breasts that you feel best depict what you would like to look like. It is important to understand that the more you share in your consultation, the happier you will be with the results. Another helpful tool is to try on different size implants to get a feel for what looks right for you.

It is equally important to understand the limitations of your body type and size. It is a myth that you can be as big as you want; your body frame and current size will ultimately determine what you will comfortably be able to carry. It is also a myth that uneven breasts will be perfectly symmetrical. Much can be done to achieve this goal, but perfectly matched breasts may not be possible.

Breast enlargement is a relatively simple surgical procedure and is done on an outpatient basis. Surgery is performed under light sedation (also known as “twilight sleep”), so you will need someone to drive you home. It is recommended, the first couple of days after surgery, to have someone stay with you. After the first few days you will be able to resume most normal daily activities.

Heavy lifting is discouraged for several weeks; light lifting is difficult for a couple of days, you might want to think about getting help caring for smaller children. You can usually return to work within a week provided your job does not require lifting or vigorous activity.

There are several surgical insertion options to consider; through the armpit (transaxillary), at the areola’s edge (periareolar), underneath the breast (inframammary) or through the belly button (transumbilical). Dr. Mok or Dr. Kotlus will discuss the pros and cons and help you decide which is right for you. Pain medication will be prescribed to help you through the healing process. Sutures are removed within 7-10 days.

You may experience some side effects common to all surgeries such as, nausea, bleeding, inflammation or risk of infection. Side effects specific to breast augmentation may include swelling, bruising, itching, numbness, discomfort or pain, loss of sensation to the skin or nipples, wrinkling or asymmetry. However these conditions should diminish over time for the most part the surgery is usually uneventful. Discuss all your concerns and any risks prior to your breast surgery.