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According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation surgery is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure. Women pursue this procedure to have more shapely breasts and an improved physical appearance. This blog will cover the details and benefits of the breast augmentation procedure, as well as the typical symptoms women may still be experiencing and how far their breasts have come after surgery.
4 Min Read:
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation increases the size of your breasts and enhances their shape using silicone or saline implants. Here’s how surgeons perform this cosmetic procedure:
Making Surgical Incisions
After placing you under general anesthesia, your surgeon is ready to begin. Incision options for breast augmentation include:
- Inframammary: in the natural crease below the breast
- Periareolar: around the edge of the areola
Dr. Paydar will discuss your options, including the incision location, implant types, and what to expect after the procedure. Your anatomy, desired outcome, and preference influence the ideal incision location. Dr. Paydar prioritizes safety while aiming to minimize visible scarring and maximize the results of the breast augmentation procedure.
Placing the Implant
After making an incision, the surgeon will insert the implant behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). Where to insert the implant depends on your body, aesthetic goals, and implant type. Subglandular implant placement can take about 30–60 minutes, and submuscular implant placement can take about 60–90 minutes.
Closing the Surgical Incisions
The surgeon may close the incision with absorbable sutures, followed by skin adhesive. With proper aftercare, incision lines fade over time. To avoid complications, strictly follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
The biggest benefit of breast augmentation is seeing instant results. However, the final results can take up to six months when you fully recover.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room. When stable, you may be allowed to go home on the same day. Dr. Paydar will provide a compression bandage and a support garment or post-surgical bra to allow the implants to settle quickly and to minimize scarring and swelling. He utilizes ElixirMD LED light therapy in his rapid recovery protocol. He will also provide specific instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure.
The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to minimize discomfort after surgery and antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also be instructed to massage the implants down a week after surgery to allow faster settling and apply ointment to the incision site a few weeks after to soften the scar line.
To avoid complications and other problems associated with your surgery, we recommend strictly adhering to Dr. Paydar’s aftercare instructions. Prioritize rest and relaxation to prevent bleeding into the pockets around the implants. Increase your activity levels only when you have permission from the surgeon.
What Can You Expect One Month After Surgery?
At the one-month mark after breast augmentation, many women still have some mild swelling and discomfort as the implants are still settling into place. However, you can expect to see significant progress by this time. Your chest will look more natural and shapely. Do note that it can take up to six months to see the full results of the procedure.
After a month, you may be able to resume your regular activities. Avoid strenuous workouts, as they may compromise the final results of your breast augmentation surgery. Light exercises may be allowed.
Your breasts will also improve in shape and size as they “drop and fluff,” which is the process of your implants settling into place. You may still notice asymmetry or even square-shaped breasts, but these are temporary and will continue to improve over the next few weeks. Bruising and swelling may still be present, but they will be less noticeable after a month and should go away within a few weeks. Wear your compression garment and bra to help you heal faster.
You may feel slight discomfort as the implants settle, but they should feel and look more natural in the next few weeks. Avoid bending over and heavy lifting, including lifting children. Swimming is also prohibited, and you must follow restrictions on smoking and alcohol consumption until your surgeon clears you to return to any of the above.
It is paramount to give your body plenty of time to heal to avoid complications that could prolong your recovery. Most patients feel much better one month after surgery, but it’s essential to take it easy for optimal healing and results.
Interested in Breast Augmentation in Newport Beach, CA?
If you feel that your breasts have lost volume or are smaller than you’d like, breast augmentation surgery might be the right fit for you. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Keyian Paydar has extensive experience performing specialized breast enhancement procedures. Call our office at (949) 755-0575 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.