Breast Augmentation Surgery
Caring For Yourself After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery might not be a mandatory undertaking, but that doesn’t mean proper care and preparation shouldn’t go into the prospect. The efforts you make in advance to help you recover can have a big impact on the overall outcome of the procedure. A surgeon’s skills can take you far in realising your goals for breast implant appearance, but the rest of the work will fall on your shoulders.
So, how can you properly prepare to take care of yourself following breast enhancement surgery? There are a number of steps you can take and things you can prepare for to make the days and weeks following surgery go much easier. These include:
- Lining up a caregiver – You will need a constant caregiver with you for at least 24 hours following a boob job. Make certain the caregiver is given not only medical instructions, but also information on what you might need done around the house. Count on begin out of commission for at least the first day following surgery.
- Making certain you have dressed correctly for the procedure – Going in for breast enhancement in a tight-fitting, complicated outfit can backfire on you in a very big way. To enjoy a more comfortable return home, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to get on.
- Taking off the proper amount of time from work – Expect to not be able to return to normal routine completely for at least a few days after having breast implant surgery. If your job involves heavy lifting, plan on taking off for a week or two.
- Making sure child care is lined up – If you have small children, you will not be able to pick them up for at least a few days after breast augmentation surgery. To make things easier on yourself, it’s a good idea that childcare already be lined up for them. A spouse, relative or family friend might be able to stay and assist for a few days to help get you and your family over the rough patch.
- Being certain you understand postsurgical instructions – Whilst your caregiver will receive these instructions when you are ready to leave the day surgery centre, it is also important for you to understand what needs to be done and when. You should, for example, be aware of the warning signs for complications, the date of your follow up appointment and what to expect in the days between surgery and your next meeting with the surgeon.
- Understanding the rules about bras – Following breast implant surgery, you will need to wear special, fitted bras for a time. This will help you make certain your implants are properly centered and that rapid descent does not occur. Make certain you understand the instructions from your doctor on what to wear and when. Making a bad move here can dramatically alter the appearance of your breast implants.
Breast augmentation surgery is serious business. To help increase your odds of enjoying the desired outcome, it is smart to understand your role in after-care. The decisions you make and the things you do can have an impact on how your breast implants look and how quickly you heal.
When To Call The Doctor After Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you’re preparing to go in for breast enlargement surgery, you can expect a swift and relatively uncomplicated recovery period. The predominance of women who undergo surgery to have breast implants placed have no troubles at all beyond the expected. Sometimes, however, complications do arise. It is smart to know in advance what to expect and when to call the doctor in the event of an emergency.
To be certain that you have yourself covered in the event of an emergency, make sure you and your caregiver both have the doctor’s telephone number handy. Chances are you won’t need to use it, but you should keep it available.
Whilst post-surgical problems are not common at all, these situations would require medical attention and, perhaps, emergency care:
- Fainting attacks – These can occur with any type of surgery and are not entirely uncommon. If a fainting attack does take place following breast augmentation surgery, there are things caregivers should do to help the patient. The patient should lie flat on the back in a fairly cool environment. Whilst fainting attacks likely to not require emergency medical treatment, a call to the doctor should be placed. It is best to let the doctor decide what care, if any, is needed beyond rest.
- Bleeding – Minor spotting is anticipated on dressings following breast enlargement surgery. A large amount of bleeding is not normal. The doctor should be notified immediately in this case. If hemorrhaging is suspected, emergency medical care is likely in order. For very heavy bleeding, seek emergency care immediately.
- Allergic reactions – Medications are commonly given following breast enlargement surgery. These will include painkillers and antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of post-surgical infection. Allergic reactions, although quite rare, can sometimes happen when new medication is introduced into the system. The signs of allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, skin irritations and swelling. Immediate medical attention should be sought out for severe allergic reactions. It is also possible for some patients to be allergic to the tape and dressings used during the post surgical period.
- Infection – Whilst infections in the surgical site are generally prevented through the use of antibiotics, they do sometimes occur. If there is any reason to suspect infection, the doctor should be notified immediately. The things to watch out for include fever, chills, increased pain, swelling or redness in the surgical site.
- Extreme pain – Discomfort and pain are to be expected after breast augmentation surgery. Excruciating pain, however, is not. If the level of pain following surgery is unbearable, do call the doctor right away for instructions.
- Other concerns – During the post surgical period, a number of questions and small concerns may arise. If there is any cause for alarm, a good surgeon will welcome calls. It is best to err on the side of caution.
Breast augmentation surgery generally goes off without a hitch. Whilst some discomfort is expected during the recovery period, major complications generally are uncommon. If they do arise, patients should contact their surgeons immediately for assistance.
What To Ask A Doctor Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
Women who rush into breast augmentation surgery without fully understanding the procedure and what to expect in regard to the outcome and even the recovery period often wish they had been a little more diligent on the front end about asking their doctors questions. Whilst most boob jobs go off without a hitch, there are special instructions women need to be aware of and expectations that should be in place before the procedure is scheduled.
To make sure your breast enhancement surgery goes as smoothly as possible, it does pay to ask your doctor questions in advance of the procedure. When you and your physician are on the same page and you understand what will happen, why it will happen and what to expect, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes in knowing you are fully prepared.
So, what kinds of questions should you ask your doctor before breast implant surgery takes place? Here are some important ones to ask and the reasons why:
- Am I a good candidate for breast implants? Whilst most surgeons will expect a complete medical evaluation prior to surgery, it doesn’t hurt to ask this question outright. Your doctor must know about your medical history, any medications taken and any conditions that might get in the way of a successful breast enhancement before going in.
- What will happen during the procedure? Make sure to get a detailed explanation of how the surgery is performed so you understand what will happen and why. This simply gives you peace of mind and can help you avoid any “surprises” down the road.
- What type of anesthetic will be used? Will I be able to go home after the surgery? Depending on the surgeon you select, you will likely be able to go home on the very same day the surgery takes place. Some breast augmentation Sydney specialists use a special anesthetic called Twilight Sedation to enable their patients to enjoy faster return-to-home time.
- What outcome can I expect? Whilst no surgeon has a crystal ball to be 100% sure of post-surgical outcomes, most can give you a good idea of what you’ll likely look like after the surgery. Make sure your expectations and your surgeon’s match. Communication is key here.
- What can I expect during recovery? The recovery process is a little different for every woman, but there are some normal parameters. Some women do experience a bit of pain following the procedure and there are specific warning signs of complications you need to be aware of.
- When should I call for help after surgery? Discomfort, mild pain, drowsiness and other similar complications are expected following breast augmentation. Some symptoms, however, are cause for concern. Make sure you ask when to call and how to get in touch with your doctor in the event of an emergency.
Breast augmentation surgery can have incredible results. It is surgery, however. This means you should arm yourself with knowledge and ask questions beforehand. Communication between yourself and your doctor is vital for a pleasing outcome.
Twilight Sedation And Breast Surgery
Whilst it used to be fairly common for women to expect a hospital stay following breast surgery, this is often not the case any longer. When surgeons prefer the use of Twilight Sedation over other methods of sedation, patients can typically find themselves back home again within a few hours after a breast enlargement procedure.
Twilight sedation is generally considered to be safe. When a better understanding of Twilight Sedation is gained and the benefits of going this route are explained, most women agree, as well.
These questions and answers can help shed some light on the benefits of Twilight Sedation when breast enlargement surgery is on tap:
Just what is Twilight Sedation?
This is a combination approach to sedation that does not cause a patient to lose control of reflexes. This means patients can still breathe on their own during the procedure. Twilight Sedation is a combination of an intravenous sedative and a local anesthesia.
Where does the name Twilight Sedation come from?
This form of sedation gets its name from the fact that patients are put into a “dream-like state.” Whilst some may have vague awareness of what is happening, most patients have no recollection of the procedure at all.
Is it effective for pain control?
Yes. Since Twilight Sedation involves a two-pronged approach, pain management is not an issue. The anesthesiologist will remain in the operating suite during the entire procedure to make certain that the patient’s comfort and safety are seen to.
Can anyone give Twilight Sedation?
A trained and licensed anesthesiologist will be on hand during breast enlargement surgery to make certain sedation is administered correctly and safely.
Is Twilight Sedation safe?
Yes. This type of surgical pain control is considered very safe. In fact, surgeons prefer this method because it tends to have few potential side effects than other methods that can be used.
What are the benefits of using Twilight Sedation?
This method of anesthesia is considered very beneficial by many surgeons and their patients for a number of reasons. Twilight Sedation tends to present with a much quicker recover time, which means patients can go home sooner. In most cases, patients leave the day surgery center within a few hours.
Is Day Surgery safe?
Absolutely! When a breast augmentation Sydney specialists prefers to use a Day Surgery centre over a standard hospital, the facility will be equipped to not only handle the procedure, but also any complications that might arise. Doctors and patients often prefer day surgery centres because they are designed specifically to see to procedures like breast augmentation.
There is no reason for a patient to expect a long hospital stay following an uncomplicated procedure. When all goes well, patients who go the Twilight Sedation route can often go home within a very few hours. They also run fewer risks of side effects and complications as a result of using this form of sedation.
Having Realistic Expectations For Breast Surgery Is Important
If you’re considering having a boob job to make yourself feel a little better about your appearance, good for you! If you think a surgical procedure can completely change your life and you believe your breasts define who you are as a woman, you might want to reconsider. Whilst it’s true that skilled surgeons can do some amazing things, your expectations should be realistic before you dive into this endeavour.
Breast augmentation is a serious undertaking that can have very pleasing results. Surgeons, however, cannot guarantee that the final outcome will give patients the “life changing experience” many seek. What they often can deliver, however, is a greatly enhanced appearance that gives women an incredible boost to their self-esteem.
Your motivations for having breast augmentation surgery will tell you a lot about whether or not your expectations are realistic. If you have one or more of the following thoughts in regard to enhancement, you’re probably a good candidate for the procedure:
- You are uncomfortable with small breasts – If your breasts are small and you simply want to increase their size in a reasonable manner, your expectations fall in on the realistic side.
- You are uncomfortable with the way your clothing fits – If you have trouble “filling out” clothing and wish to remedy this, you’re likely on the right track.
- You are dissatisfied with your breast appearance after having children – Should you desire the fuller, more perky look you enjoyed prior to having children, a boob job might be a good idea.
- You have lost weight, but are not happy with your appearance – If you have shed pounds, but find your breasts look a tad saggy and misshapen and wish to correct this, your expectations are likely good.
Whilst the above motivations are generally considered healthy lead ins for breast implants, some reasons for having surgery are not so healthy. Women who have particular motivations that fall on the “unhealthy” side are more likely to be dissatisfied with the outcome of surgery no matter how perfectly the procedure unfolds. These thoughts about breast implants might mean you have expectations that are not realistic:
- You desire enhancement to “change your life” – Breast augmentation can enhance the way you feel about yourself, but it cannot change your life. Believing that this will be the case is a strong warning sign of unrealistic expectations. Doctors will generally steer clear of patients who cite this as their motivation.
- You want the biggest, fullest breasts in your community – Whilst this would be nice, it’s not a realistic expectation. When you define yourself by the size of your breasts and use them as statements of who you are, your expectations will never be realistic.
- You have extremely low self-esteem and are looking for a way to improve your perception of yourself – When patients are completely dissatisfied with how they look and do not accept their body images, many doctors will choose to steer clear of their cases. The reality is that boob jobs enhance appearance, but they cannot make a woman “perfect.” Perfection is, after all, a subjective measure.
Breast augmentation surgery can help women look better and feel better about themselves. It is important to be realistic about expectations, however. A surgical procedure cannot change a life or change who a woman is on the inside.
Communication Is Key For Successful Breast Surgery Outcomes
Whilst most women are simply delighted with the results of breast surgery, some find themselves dissatisfied with the outcome. Complications can lead to this, but more often than not, the problem lies in a lack of communication between the patient and the surgeon. When the two don’t see eye-to-eye prior to the surgery, the outcome is not likely to please.
To make certain that you and your surgeon are on the same page prior to breast enlargement surgery, it is wise to make certain that you:
- Have a good rapport – Whilst it’s not necessary to be on a first-name basis with your doctor prior to breast enlargement surgery, you should feel comfortable enough to openly ask questions. Getting a boob job is a very personal and intimate undertaking. If you don’t feel you can speak freely in front of your doctor about your expectations or concerns, you are not likely to have a good experience. Your surgeon should be willing to answer any of your questions freely.
- Clearly state your expectations – Your surgeon should be fully apprised of what you would like to get out of breast surgery. If he or she is not aware of your sizing and shape desired, there is little chance you will be happy with the final outcome. It is imperative for your doctor to understand clearly what you want done, why you want it done and what your priorities are.
- Listen to your doctor’s response – Whilst the most skilled breast enlargement surgeons can produce rather amazing results, they are not miracle workers, per say. Once you share your expectations and your doctor reviews your case, he or she will be in a better position to explain what can and cannot be done. Be certain to listen carefully and ask any questions that arise. Take notes so you can go over the information later, if necessary. It is possible that your expectations are more than reasonable and right on the money. In some cases though, your doctor might offer an outcome that doesn’t exactly match your wishes to the letter. Women who, for example, desire to be the “biggest” on their block or expect breast enlargement surgery to change their lives are often disappointed by the outcome.
Communication beyond the initial consultation can also impact the outcome of breast enhancement surgery. It is also very important to pay careful attention to post-surgical instructions to prevent complications from arising. Rapid descent, for example, can arise when women do not use proper post-surgical bras. Inflammation and infections can also create issues with healing that may have an impact on the final appearance. Follow all instructions you are given carefully and do call the doctor with any concerns that may arise following surgery.
Breast surgery is a very big deal for women who wish to enhance their physical appearance. Making sure that you and your surgeon have an open and clear line of communication can greatly increase the chances that you will be delighted with the outcome.
What To Avoid Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
Getting a boob job isn’t exactly like going in for open-heart surgery. It is, however, still a surgical procedure. With this in mind, there are certain things patients should do and not do prior to the big day. When making sure the outcome is pleasing is the priority, women can do themselves rather big favours by paying attention to the do’s and don’ts prior to the operation.
The things to avoid prior to breast implant surgery include:
- Blood-thinning medications – Whether they are over-the-counter or prescription strength, blood-thinning medications can cause problems with clotting following surgery and might increase a woman’s chances of bleeding during the recovery process. The medications to avoid include plain aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and physician prescribed blood thinners. If prescription drugs are a concern prior to a boobjob, do make sure to let the surgeon know about them and seek proper advice for cessation.
- Picking out post-surgical bras – Whilst it can be quite tempting to pick out sexier bras before a boob job, this is simply not a good idea. The fit of bras following surgery can matter a great deal in the healing process. With this in mind, it is simply best to wait until final measurements are attainable to make purchases.
- Anxiety – It is important to get a good night’s rest before surgery. To help reduce patient stress and anxiety, some surgeons do offer medications for the evening before the procedure. Consider taking what is prescribed to help lessens stress and induce a restful sleep.
There are also a number of do’s that women should adhere to before the surgical procedure. They include:
- Making certain the surgeon does have the full medical history, including current medications – This can be imperative not only for the outcome of a breast implant surgery, but also for safety. Do make certain a doctor is fully informed about everything.
- Being sure allergies are properly reported – Prior to surgery, it is vital that the doctor and the surgical facility are both informed of any allergies to medications, foods and surgical supplies. Check acquaintance forms to make sure they are properly noted.
- Drinking fluids prior to the procedure – It is often recommended that patients take extra care to ensure that plenty of fluids are consumed in the 24 hours prior to surgery.
- Arranging for support person assistance – Check and double check to make sure a support person will be available to assist you following the surgery. Generally, patients who undergo day surgery for breast implants are able to go home within a few hours of the procedure. This, however, does not mean that a woman is released to fully care for herself. It is vital to have a support person around for at least the first 24 hours.
Breast augmentation surgery is simple enough to perform on an outpatient basis, but that does not mean the procedure should be taken lightly. To help ensure a proper outcome, women can help themselves by heeding advice prior to the operation.
Preparing For Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you’re thinking of going in for a boob job, chances are you have made a very good decision that will have a positive impact on your appearance and even self-esteem. There are some things you need to know about getting ready for breast implants, however, that can dramatically alter the experience and even negatively impact the outcome of the procedure. The better armed you are with knowledge and the more prepared you are before you go in for surgery, the more likely it is you will enjoy the look you’re after.
So, what do you need to know and do before having a boob job? Be certain to take care of these things before the day of the procedure:
- Share your full medical history with your surgeon – To ensure your safety and even the outcome of your breast enhancement surgery, it is imperative that your doctor know your entire medical history. Some conditions can have an impact on the prudence of having a breast enlargement. The more informed your doctor is about your medical and family history, the better he will be able to guide you with proper advice during the decision-making phase.
- Share all medications presently being taken – Your surgeon needs to know every medication you are taking. This includes prescription medications, herbal remedies and other-the-counter drugs. Some medications, such as blood thinners, can be dangerous to be on when surgery is impending.
- Share all allergies with the surgeon and surgical facility – It is simply imperative that your surgeon and the day surgery center both be aware of any allergies you might have. This can include allergies to medications, foods and surgical supplies. If you are allergic to latex, for example, be certain everyone knows about it prior to your procedure.
- Arrange for a support person to help out after a boobjob – Having a support person to take care of you in the immediate hours following surgery can be a blessing and it can even help ensure your health and safety. A support person should be willing to watch over you, make sure you rest, eat and take medications on time. The person will also be responsible for monitoring you for any potential complications.
- Be reasonable with your expectations – Prior to breast augmentation surgery, it is very important that you and the surgeon are on the same page in regard to desired breast size and anticipated outcome of the procedure. Whist no surgeon can fully guarantee results prior to the procedure, the more open you both are with expectations, the more likely it is you will be pleased with the outcome.
Breast implants can give you the boost you need to feel better about yourself and enjoy your appearance. To increase the odds of a favourable outcome, however, it is imperative that you properly prepare for this procedure and make sure your surgeon is aware of certain thing. The better prepared you are, the more likely it is your experience will be a good one.
Picking The Right Bra After Breast Augmentation
There are few times in a woman’s life when a perfect fitting bra is an absolute must. After a boob job, however, the style and fit of a bra can make or break the recovery process. With this in mind, making sure a very good bra is selected should be a top priority following breast augmentation surgery.
There are a number of reasons why having the right bra can prove to be very important after surgery. They include:
- Comfort – While many women who go in for breast augmentation surgery have never before needed a bra for the “comfort factor,” this can become an issue with larger size and more bulk. After surgery, in particular, comfort can be a very big issue.
- Recovery – Wearing the right type of supportive bra can make the recovery process following breast enlargement surgery go much more smoothly. A good bra can also assist with the final shaping and help women avoid appearance complications.
- Prevention of rapid descent – When rapid descent occurs, the breast below the nipple is larger than the breast above the nipple line. While this can still give a woman a bigger, more “natural” appearance, the overall effect is unbecoming in the eyes of many women. It makes the breasts appear saggy and aged.
Avoiding potential problems following breast augmentation surgery is often quite achievable when the right bra is worn. The things to consider when picking out a bra following breast enlargement include:
- Timing – A well fitted bra should generally be picked out and worn on a regular basis starting at about two to three weeks following breast augmentation surgery.
- Wire fit – This should fall on the new breast crease exactly.
- The cup – This is very important when selecting a bra following a boob job. The cup itself should be firm and designed to evenly support the new breast. This means it should neither be too shallow, nor too deep.
- The straps – The vertical straps need to be strong enough to hold the breasts firmly in position. The back strap should also be firm, but do keep comfort in mind.
Some tips to help locate a perfect bra following augmentation that are well worth following include:
- Seek assistance – It is not a bad idea to go to a good department store and receive measurement and fit assistance from an experienced saleswoman. This can help insure a good fit.
- Double-check the bra with the surgeon – Do bring fitted bras to post surgical visits to allow the doctor to check the fit.
- Do not wear push-up bras – As flattering as these can be, they can cause improper positioning of the implant and can even cause breast deformities during healing.
Having the right bra following breast augmentation surgery is extremely important. Picking out the correct support can assist with healing, implant positioning and even increase comfort level in the days, weeks and months following the procedure. Women should take care when selecting a bra to make sure just the right fit is obtained.
Having A Support Person After Breast Surgery Is Important
Breast implant surgery is one of many procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. This doesn’t, however, mean that patients should take the procedure any less serious than they would other major operations. To this end, it is imperative for women to make certain they have a support person to help care for them in the immediate 24-hour period following breast augmentation surgery.
A support person plays a very important role in the healing process and can also be a vital safety net in the case of complications. A designated support person will need to be aware of the things to expect following a boob job and also what responsibilities they will assume and even warning signs to watch out for that might indicate complications.
What To Expect Following Breast Augmentation
A support person can expect a few things as quite “normal” following breast implant surgery. The woman will:
- Be in pain – This is an unavoidable side effect of breast implant surgery. Pain is caused not only by the incisions, but also due to the stretching of tissue by the implants. How a woman will react to the pain is impossible to tell prior to the surgery. Some patients only experience mild discomfort, but others face rather severe pain.
- Be rather drowsy – To head off problems with pain, most surgeons will make certain that women are sent home with painkillers to assist them over the first few rough days. It is best for the woman to rest as much as possible under the watchful eye of a support person.
The Responsibilities Of The Support Person
A designated support person will have a number of responsibilities following breast enhancement surgery. They include:
- Administering medicine – The support person should keep up with medicine dosing and be certain it is given to the patient on time and in the proper amount.
- Food preparation – The support person should make sure that meals are prepared, or arranged for, the patient and that other minor household chores are seen to.
- Basic supervision – The main role of a support person following breast implant surgery is simply watching out for the patient and making sure she is as comfortable as possible.
Signs To Watch Out For
Breast implant surgery is a very real, serious surgical procedure. Inasmuch, complications can arise in the post-operative period. Support people should watch out for:
- Fainting – This can occur after any surgical procedure. If a patient does faint, she should be made to lie flat on her back in a cool environment. Do call the doctor for further instructions. Generally, the patient will come around in a short time and be just fine.
- Bleeding – Support people should be watchful for any signs of excessive bleeding. The doctor should be notified.
- Infections – Any signs of infection should be reported to the doctor immediately.
- Other complications – If serious complications are expected, an ambulance should be called immediately.
A support person plays a very important role in the hours following breast implant surgery. Although this procedure does allow for an almost immediate discharge home, it does not mean that aftercare is not vital for healing.