Posted by Dr. Hardesty

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BREAST AUGMENTATION, IMPLANT OR BOOB JOB RECOVERY

Recovery after boob job surgery is often patient dependent but in general the effects of anesthesia are gone after 12-24 hours. Inter-operative local anesthesia injections last 12-24 hours.  If a non narcotic pain pump had been inserted pain is a minimum and usually non prescription pain relievers are only necessary. Thus, driving and returning to sedentary work can be accomplished in 24 hours after surgery. Patients usually will return to non physically demanding jobs in 2-3 days and 1-2 weeks for occupational physically requiring upper body activity.

WATCH PROCEDURE

Video

TIME TO HEAL

Depending on how you define “healing in general is 6-8 weeks to return to full or all pre-breast implant or “boob job” physical activity without restrictions. However the final breast augmentation results may take several months.

WHAT ARE THE HEALING PHASES?

There are several phases:

The Acute Phase

This is usually between 2-3 days when it is expected to have the most pain because the early stretching of the muscle (if Implant is placed under the muscle). Most patients return to non physical demanding jobs during this phase.

Early Phase

This usually the first 5-6 weeks at which time implant has now “seated”, “fluffed” or “dropped”. Silicone gel strips are started to minimize the external scar appearance. Progressive upper body exercise is permitted as long as there is no chest pain.

Mid Phase

This time period is the first 6 months. Full exercise with out restrictions is permitted. It is expected for the breasts to becomes progressively more naturally feeling, the absorb-able sutures have absorbed, the incision is softening/fading and the breast implants have “become you”.

Late Phase

Is categorized as the 6-12 month period. The incisions are often soft, supple and have lightened. The breasts have the look and feel you desire. If a revision is needed it is usually performed during this time period.

Before & After

HOW TO HELP THE HEALING PHASES

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hardesty is a  firm believer in early and often massage or displacement exercises to hasten the desired location and permanent positioning of the breast implants. Just as size is a personal decision, so is the position of the implant in relation to the chest wall.

Without displacement exercises the natural action of submuscular placement of breast implants is to push the implants “up and out” which is most often not the desired position of the breast implants. I thus recommend a “5-5-5” program for the first 5 weeks after surgery which is:

• 5 min a time
• 5 times a day
• 5 weeks

Where the patient massages and presses the implant centrally for more cleavage, down If to high or if asymmetry asymmetrical pushing to create symmetry. We have different straps, splints and additional displacement exercises that can be recommended or performed during “early phase” time period. During this period it is recommended to wear a non support or stretch bra.

Once the desired location and appearance is achieved I recommend a good supportive bra during regular activity and “double” sports bra during high impact activity as a preventative measure to prevent premature sagging (ptosis) of the Now enlarged bra.

HOW LONG DO BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS LAST?

Once the breast implants are “seated”, “fluffed” or “dropped” the position is made permanent by placement of a underwire bra. The “bigger you go… the faster you will drop” or sag is a natural fact. Thus good support is mandatory during usually activity and extra support during vigorous or high impact exercise. Since implants have technically improved (shell durability and cohesive “gummy bear” silicone gel) so much there is no longer a recommended 10 year replacement.

WHAT WILL NOT BE TREATED?

Both internal (capsular contracture) and external scarring is predominately a genetic and individual phenomena. Despite delicate and precise surgical technique, precautionary treatments and compliance with post operative instructions a small minority of patients will need revisions surgery during the first year.

CAN I COMBINE BREAST AUGMENTATION, IMPLANT OR BOOB JOB WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?

Yes. Breast enhancement surgery often includes a lift (mastopexy), liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or any other body enhancement or face procedures.

BREAST AUGMENTATION RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Besides the generally very low risks of any surgical procedure such as bleeding, infection and anesthesia there is an additional uncommon risk of capsular contracture, implant mal position and asymmetry.

COST/FEES

The breast augmentation costs are based on the anesthesia used (local vs sedation or general anesthesia), the facility (minor surgical suite, outpatient operating room or hospital setting) and if combined with other procedures. All pre and post operative care is included. Some preoperative laboratory analysis may be required (usually covered by your medical insurance).

SUMMARY

The most important factor to consider is seeking the opinion and services of a skilled, experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who are experts breast enhancement techniques often referred to as breast augmentation, breast implant placement or “boob job”. The Imagine Plastic Surgery team uniquely provides the full array of both non surgical and surgical alternatives to thus filling our motto of “One Goal, Many Options”. For more information, call and schedule a consultation.