“What Should I Know Before Getting Breast Augmentation?”

Whether you are considering breast augmentation surgery or are already scheduled for your procedure, it’s important to know what to expect regarding results and recovery. In this blog post, we explain what previous patients say they wish they had known before their procedure.

Breast Implants That Look Good on One Woman Might Not Work on Another 

Many women show us photographs of friends or celebrities with implants and say they want theirs to look the same. However, many factors come into play when determining the best size and shape of breast implants for each patient, including:

• Body size. Weight, height, rib cage shape, and hip and shoulder width all affect how implants will work aesthetically and physically. Large breasts will look proportionate on a wider frame, but will not look as natural on a narrow frame. And while heavier, larger implants can lead to back pain for smaller patients, someone with a strong stature is more capable of balancing them.
• Desired shape. Breast implants are most commonly teardrop-shaped or round. The natural shape of a breast is a teardrop, so women aiming for a subtle change often choose that option, while women who want rounder breasts opt for the round shape. 
• Skin elasticity. To avoid stretch marks or rippling, patients must have enough soft tissue and skin to cover breast implants. We will recommend a size appropriate for your existing tissue. 

In addition to evaluating all of these elements, we advise patients to slip implant sizers into a bra to demonstrate how different implant sizes will look and feel on their specific frame.

Fitness is a Factor When it Comes to Breast Augmentation 

During your consultation, make sure to tell your surgeon about your fitness routine. If you are a runner or an athlete, you may not want implants so large that they will make exercise uncomfortable. 

It’s also important to discuss how weightlifting will affect your breast implant placement method.  If you lift weights, your pectoral muscles may be too large and inflexible to place implants under the muscle. We may also recommend over-the-muscle placement to minimize animation (being able to see implants move) when your muscles flex. 

You Should Discuss Future Pregnancies With Your Surgeon Before Getting Breast Implants

Pregnancy hormones can cause mammary glands to swell and shrink, making sagging of breast tissue possible after pregnancy. If your implants are heavy, you may want to have a breast lift if this happens.

And if you plan to breastfeed with implants, submuscular placement is the best option to minimize pressure on the breast tissue. We also recommend avoiding incisions near the areola (periareolar incisions) to reduce concerns about milk production. 

Silicone Implants Need to be Checked Regularly

Today’s breast implants are safer and more durable than ever. Saline and silicone implants do not need to be replaced or removed unless a complication arises or you decide you no longer like the look of your augmented breasts.

However, we recommend that women with silicone implants have regular MRI exams to check the integrity of their implants. Because of the sticky, cohesive nature of the silicone gel, it is difficult to detect when they leak. Saline implants do not require MRI exams since their liquid nature makes it obvious if they are leaking. 

Results Will Settle Over Time

Some women wake up from surgery and are disappointed to see that their breasts look larger than anticipated, they sit too high on the chest, or both. It’s important to remember that they do not stay this way, and will change throughout your breast augmentation recovery. 

As the breasts heal and post-operative swelling goes down, the results improve and stabilize. In several weeks, the implants will be close to their final resting position. In three months, movement will no longer be noticed. Athletes with strong chest muscles may require a little more time for breast settling.

Preparation for Breast Augmentation Recovery is Crucial

Prepping for surgical recovery can ensure you are comfortable at home and can focus on healing. We recommend you take the following steps before your scheduled procedure:

• Fill all prescription painkillers and antibiotics ahead of time.
• Arrange for someone to help with childcare and taking care of pets.
• Stock up on ice packs for your breasts, heating pads for your back, and firm pillows for propping up in bed.
• Make healthy meals ahead of time and have fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks on hand.
• Have books or a tablet for reading near your recovery area to help pass the time.

Keep in mind that recovering from an operation and watching your body heal can raise a variety of emotions, from joy to anxiety and everything in between. Clear communication with your surgical team and your loved ones can help.

The Right Plastic Surgeon Will Answer All of Your Questions

When selecting the surgeon to perform your breast augmentation, patience is key. A plastic surgeon who cares about your well-being won’t rush you or gloss over your questions, but will instead take the time necessary to provide answers that make you feel confident with your decision. If you would like more information about breast augmentation surgery, please contact the Breslow Center today. You can reach us by calling (201) 444-9522 or sending us an email.

“I cannot say enough about Dr. Breslow and his team! I have always struggled with large breast all through high school and college. It impacted my daily life and work. After consulting with two other surgeons, I finally landed on Dr. Breslow. The welcoming staff and knowledge of Dr. Breslow made my decision clear that they were the right team for my reduction. I could not be happier with my results! I am able to do my daily life with ease and I am so much more confident in my body. This was the best decision I ever made!”

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