After Breast Augmentation


Defined Tag: After Breast Augmentation.

When you awaken after breast augmentation surgery, you will most likely be stiff and sore. Tissues will be stretching to accommodate the breast implant and the swelling that occurs from the surgery itself. Most discomfort may be controlled with oral medications. Placement of a pain pump, which delivers medication directly to the surgical site may be recommended to control discomfort during the first 3 days after breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, small thin tubes may be placed at the incision sites to drain any excess fluid that might accumulate. You will be wearing a support bra, elastic bandage or chest band for the first week or more following the breast augmentation surgery, as recommended by your surgeon.

Breast augmentation is most commonly an outpatient procedure performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, in an office-based, free-standing, ambulatory or hospital based surgical facility. An overnight hospital stay may be recommended in some cases.

The risks and complications of breast augmentation include hematoma of blood pooling beneath the skin, breast tenderness and heightened or lack of nipple sensation. A condition called capsular contracture that results in irregular and firm tissue surrounding the implant can also develop. There is a slight chance you may have unexpected milk production following insertion of implants. This may stop on its own or require medication. There is also the possibility of poorly healed or wide scars. Implants can be displaced, leak or rupture. If they become infected, they must be removed. There are also the risks associated with anesthesia.

Early, mild cases of capsular contracture can be reduced with breast massage and minimal surgical release. In some cases, it may be so severe that the scar tissue needs to be removed and the implant replaced. It can, however, reoccur. Capsular contracture may sometimes be the result of previous bleeding or a low-grade infection.

In addition, wearing your support bra as directed is imperative to proper healing. Even when your surgeon allows you to discontinue wearing a support bra, you may find wearing light support, such as a shelf bra or camisole, to be comfortable for sleeping. Proper wound care and subsequent breast massage, as instructed by your plastic surgeon, may help to avoid capsular contracture and unsightly scars. Once healing is completed, an annual examination with your plastic surgeon to assess the condition of your implants and your breasts is also important. Such kind of check up is important to the full recovery of your implants after the breast augmentation surgery.