Breast Implants Procedure

Breast Implants are a procedure to alter the size of breasts, also known as breast augmentation or mammoplasty. This type of cosmetic surgery is very common in America and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, particularly on the Gold Coast.

Saline filled and silicone gel filled implants are two types of breast implants where in saline filled implants is done with silicone and saline liquid and silicone gel filled implants done with a silicone shell filled with silicone gel.

Breast implants are primarily used for primary reconstruction, revision reconstruction, primary augmentation and revision augmentation.

The highest incidence of breast implants is with married people with high socio-economic background. The most obvious reason for breast implant is to change their appearance in public and other variety of places. Today breast enlargement is one of the most common reasons for distress among youngsters.

The Procedure

The procedure for breast implants normally take one to three hours depending upon the procedure opted for.  The various different types of breast implant procedures are -

Inframammary
Under this procedure an incision is placed under the breast, this procedure leaves visible scars in undersized breasts, and moreover, the scar may cure thicker.

Transaxillary
An incision is placed in the armpit and the dissection tunnels medially. With this procedure, there are no visible scars on the breasts.

Pariareolar
A cut or incision is done along the areolar border. Under this procedure, scars are visible but less then inflammamary procedure.

Transumbilical
A very rare technique where cut is placed in the navel and dissection tunnels superiorly. There are no visible scars under this procedure.

Pre Operative Preparation

1. Please don’t take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (Ask your doctor, list of OTC medicines to avoid)
2. Quit smoking for at least two weeks pre operation (smoking greatly enhance chances of risks and complications and anticipate no smoking for the recovery)
3. Obtain a copy of your doctor's protocol
4. Make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from the operation
5. Arrange for someone to care for you the first 24-72 hours after surgery
6. Fill prescriptions (especially pain medications and antibiotics) before surgery
7. Consider a pill case with time chart for taking medications
8. Set up home recovery area: lots of pillows, books, magazines, journal, stationery, T.V., remote control, videos, favorite CDs
9. Black out windows so you can rest during the day
10. Whistle, bell, walkie-talkies or intercom system for requesting help
11. Prepare and freeze meals for two weeks

Post Operative Care

Pain Level
There will be mild discomfort above the muscle and moderate to severe discomfort with the placement under the muscle.

Swelling
Above the muscle: four days-two weeks. Below the muscle: two-twelve weeks.

Bruising
Normally Up to two weeks. Some patients experience no bruising.

Numbness
One-two weeks.

Work
Above the muscle: one week below the muscle: one-two weeks. If job is strenuous or requires lifting, wait a month.

Exercise
Wait 2-4 weeks

Result
Breast Implants above the muscle: 1 month. Breast Implants below the muscle: 4 months

You will feel sleepy on the day of surgery and may feel pain or be nauseated. Your chest will be tight and not comfortable. Arms and back will pain as well. To minimise your pain and discomfort pain medication could be prescribed.

Your breast will be high and firm after breast surgery and it will take a month’s time for breasts to come in normal shape and size. It will take a year’s time for breasts to become normal and permanent.

For faster recovery:

• Apply ice packs to your chest on the day of surgery.
• Upright position is best after surgery and it is advisable not to sleep on your stomach for the first two weeks.