What to expect on the day of Breast Augmentation surgery
We will start your procedure by administering your general anesthesia to provide you with a more comfortable experience. As far as what to expect of your surgery, the details and process will slightly vary depending on the kind of breast implants you are receiving. For example, natural tissue breast augmentation (fat transfer) may require more operative time depending on the extent of areas that are liposuctioned, as well as your desired breast size.
After you are sedated, Dr. Pace will make incisions hidden in your natural creases and folds to minimize visible scarring. Some incision placement options include:
- In the breast crease (inframammary incision)
- In the armpit (trans-axillary incision)
- Around the areola (periareolar incision)
Depending on your augmentation, there are a few options for where Dr. Pace can insert breast implants, most commonly either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, but over the pectoral muscle. The pectoral muscle can help smooth the transition from the upper chest to the implant when the implant is under the muscle. However, some patients are bothered by what is known as “animation deformity” where the implant moves with the contraction of the muscle. Implants placed in front of the muscle are not affected by muscle contraction. You need to discuss the details of the implant location with Dr. Pace at your consultation to identify what’s best for you.
After he is finished with the implant or fat graft, Dr. Pace will close the incisions using layered sutures in the breast tissue to provide extra support and close the external breast skin incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
The operation should take about one to two hours depending on the techniques used and your individual medical history.
Breast Augmentation recovery
After your Breast Augmentation, you will be kept in a recovery room for a few hours, during which time Dr. Pace’s staff will closely monitor you. Since this is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to go home at the end of the day. You will need to arrange a ride home with a family member or friend because you will still be under the effects of sedation. Before leaving the recovery facility, you will be provided with some recovery instructions and temporary prescription pain medication to make your breast augmentation recovery more tolerable.
You will be able to gradually resume an exercise routine about one week after your breast augmentation, except for chest muscle exercises, which can usually be resumed around six weeks. We encourage you to not rush your recovery by using your pectoralis muscle prematurely because it can lead to potential complications such as displacement of the implant to the sides, fluid collection, or an increased risk of capsular contracture.
Most patients can return to work, normal activities, and other daily duties within seven to 10 days. You should not exercise or perform any strenuous physical activities for up to four weeks. Dr. Pace will see you regularly to check on your healing progress. He will also show you various ways to massage your breasts so that your implants settle appropriately and give you the natural results you desire.
Dr. Pace will do his best to ensure any breast augmentation scars are mostly hidden, but the visible ones will naturally fade over time.