What you must keep in mind after a breast augmentation surgery

Breasts contribute largely to female body proportions, and while shapes and sizes are beautiful, there are some women who feel dissatisfied with small breasts. It also impacts their body image! If you are one of them, you could go for breast augmentation, which improves fullness by increasing the size of the breasts. But please note the post surgery care you need after breast enhancement.

Before we get to that, let us understand that this procedure is best for women who have small, undeveloped, and asymmetric breasts, or in case breasts have shrunk in size post delivering babies. Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation surgery for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.

How is breast augmentation performed?

Breast augmentation is usually done under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon commonly inserts implants through an incision in the fold below the breasts. The pocket for the implant is either under the chest muscle or above it, depending on the pre-existing volume of the breasts.

Breast implants are made of medical-grade, bio-compatible silicone. The outer shell is made of either textured or smooth silicone with saline, silicone gel, or cohesive silicone gel as its content.

Breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure. Complications such as infections, seroma, or hematoma can be avoided with meticulous planning and execution. Capsular contracture (hardening of the breast due to scar tissue) does occur in some cases to a variable extent.

How to care post breast augmentation surgery

The care after a breast augmentation surgery is quite simple and straightforward. After the surgery, the breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings. An elastic bandage or support bra is applied to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.

After the surgery, the patients are observed for any immediate problems or complications. Patients are usually discharged the next day after the surgery. The usual medications on discharge consist of a pain killer, a vitamin, and an antibiotic for the next few days.

Also Read: Is it possible to breastfeed after a breast implant surgery? Let’s find out

Acute pain typically subsides after 2-3 days, but there can be soreness and swelling for a few weeks. The patient usually visits the plastic surgeon in the clinic for a dressing change. The wounds usually heal in 10-14 days. The stitches are usually buried and do not require any removal.

There is a possibility of bleeding in the initial few days. Hence, the patients are expected to not partake in intense activities. Routine exercise and normal activities can begin after 3-4 weeks, as per the surgeon’s advice. Final results appear gradually over the next few weeks when swelling resolves and breast size and shape settle. Adult women of any age can go for breast augmentation.

The newer generations of implants last for a lifetime. However, it is advised to have your implants routinely reviewed by the plastic surgeon.