Breast implants can be used to correct breast asymmetry, restore volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy, or simply enhance the size of your breasts.
Breast implants are silicone or saline filled breast implants that are placed under the breast tissue to enhance the size and appearance of breasts. The procedure is performed through an incision made along the crease under the breast, where the implant is placed in a pocket beneath the pectoral muscle.
The most common type of breast implant is silicone gel, which is soft and flexible. Silicone implants are also biocompatible and have been used for more than 30 years.
Breast implant surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. The surgery will take about two hours to complete, but you’ll need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.
Breast implant surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of a breast implant, which is a silicone or saline device placed beneath the breast tissue. Although breast implants are not secured to the chest wall and can be easily removed, they do require special care. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery so that you can have the best results possible.
If you’re considering having breast implants, here are some things to keep in mind:
Eat a healthy diet.
A nutritious diet is vital for maintaining good health and healing after surgery. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats like olive oil (and limit saturated fats). Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or walnuts to your diet.
Quit smoking.
Smoking can increase your risk of developing blood clots and other complications after surgery. If you smoke, try to quit at least six weeks before surgery so your body has time to heal properly.
Stay hydrated.
This is very important during any surgery, but especially when you’re having breast implants put in or removed. Not drinking enough water can lead to low blood pressure and could cause complications during the procedure. It’s best to drink plenty of water at least 24 hours before your surgery so you’re well hydrated when you go into the operating room.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can increase your risk for developing an infection after surgery, so it’s important to stop drinking at least two weeks before your procedure. This time frame allows enough time for your liver to process alcohol and rid it from your system.
Choose an experienced surgeon
Breast augmentation is a simple procedure that can be done in a short time. However, it’s important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of breast enhancement surgeries and knows what to look for when it comes to complications.
Discuss your goals with a surgeon
First, it’s important to understand that not all women choose to have breast implants. If you do decide to have them, discuss what size and shape will be best suited for your body type. The right implant size and shape will help improve comfort and enhance confidence.
Don’t be pressured into making a decision
You should never feel pressured into getting a breast implant if you aren’t sure about doing so. Many people think that if they don’t get surgery now, they will never get another chance later on down the road because they will age out of being eligible for the procedure (this is not true)
Discuss all of your medications with your surgeon.
The best breast augmentation results are achieved when you are healthy and at a stable weight. It is important to discuss any medications or supplements you may be taking with your surgeon prior to surgery. This is especially true for hormone replacement therapy and other blood thinners that can affect the outcome of breast implant surgery.
Stop taking blood thinners.
Before your operation, inform your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners, including aspirin or Coumadin (warfarin). Stop taking these medications at least two weeks before surgery. This will allow your body to stop bleeding so that there is less chance of excessive bleeding during surgery.
Learn about the procedure.
There are several different types of breast augmentation procedures available today. You’ll need to find out which type is right for your needs and whether it involves an implant or implant-free technique. Many surgeons offer complimentary consultations so you can ask questions and learn about their experience with the procedure.
Prepare Your House
You’ll have to take time off work after your surgery, so prepare yourself by making sure that everything is taken care of around the house before you go under the knife. This includes making sure that all the bills are paid, the kids are cared for, and anything else that needs doing while you’re recovering from having surgery done on your chest. If possible, ask someone close to you (like a parent or significant other) to help out with these tasks so that they don’t fall through the cracks while you’re recovering from surgery.
Avoid caffeine
Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda, in the days before your surgery. Caffeine may cause increased heart rate or blood pressure, which can increase the risk of complications during surgery.
Get your blood pressure under control
If your blood pressure is too high, it can cause complications during surgery and deter the success of your procedure. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes and medications that can reduce high blood pressure before you schedule breast augmentation surgery.
Take time off from work
You will need at least a week off from work after your breast implant surgery, so make sure that you take enough time off before committing to the procedure. Tell your boss about your plans so he or she knows when you will be back at work.
Make sure you’re a good candidate
Breast implants are not for everyone. Your doctor will need to assess your overall health and determine whether any medical conditions would prevent you from having surgery. Women with an active lifestyle may find that their breasts droop or sag more than they did when they were younger and fitter. If this is the case, breast augmentation may be a good option for them.
Prepare for pain after the surgery.
It is natural for you to experience some pain after the surgery. You may experience some swelling and bruising in your breasts, but this is normal and will go away after a couple of weeks. The pain you experience during this period will be due to the stitches and drainage tubes used during your procedure. It is important to follow all instructions given by your doctor so that you can heal faster and avoid any complications.
Stay active as much as you can before surgery.
Regular exercise helps build up your muscles and keeps your joints from becoming stiff. It also helps improve your overall health — which is important after any type of surgery.
Make sure your health is in check.
Before having any surgery, especially when it involves general anesthesia (which means you’ll be asleep), it’s important that your overall health is good and that you don’t have any conditions or diseases that could be affected by the procedure or result in complications after the operation has been performed.
Get plenty of sleep
If possible, try not to schedule your surgery during times when you’ll be tired or stressed out. This will help reduce the chances of developing an infection or other complications during recovery.
Be Mentally Prepared
Breast implants are not for everyone. It’s important to be in the right mindset before making a decision about whether or not to undergo this procedure. If you’re not sure if breast implants are right for you, speak with your doctor and get as much information as possible. It’s also important to be aware of what you’re getting yourself into — both physically and emotionally — after getting breast implants.
