Although considerable effort has gone into making breast augmentation more comfortable, you should expect that after your surgery your breasts will be tender and swollen for a few days. During this time there are a number of things you’ll be advised to do.
Because you will have had a general anaesthetic, you may experience some nausea in the hours after your surgery. If so, please let your nurse know so you can be given appropriate medication. It also helps to avoid drinking too much fluid early after your operation. Try taking small sips at intervals of several minutes to see if you tolerate them comfortably.
The initial tapes placed during your surgery should be left undisturbed for the first week, by which time your wound will normally be healed. After this time it is advisable to apply Micropore tape to the scars for another four to six weeks. This often leads to a better quality scar.
Be sure to take the painkillers that will be prescribed for you and to limit arm movement.
Postoperative haematoma (a collection of blood under the breast) may occur in the first 24 hours which is why you are advised to limit your arm movements. Should you develop haematoma it may be necessary for you to return to the operating theatre but it should not affect your long-term outcome.
AS YOU RECOVER
The day after your surgery you may be able to go home, depending on the degree of pain you are experiencing. If you do leave the hospital that day it is very important that you have a responsible adult who is willing to stay with you through the day and your first night at home.
DURING THE EARLY WEEKS OF YOUR RECOVERY THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU SHOULD EXPECT:
Many people are able to drive after two to four days, depending on their level of discomfort.
As with any surgery, pain may occur in the area for some time. Most commonly this resolves in a few months but it can last longer in some instances and may require special treatment.
Even if your discomfort is limited you should not assume that you are healing faster than normal or ready to exercise. Exercising too early can cause seroma, a collection of clear fluid around your implant, which may require drainage. Most surgeons recommend you refrain from upper body exercise for the first three weeks. After this time you can start exercising gradually, with the goal of being back to your normal activity level after six weeks.
There may also be changes in nipple and breast sensation. These are usually temporary.
It is also fairly common for the skin above the incision to feel a bit numb for some months, but this rarely extends to the nipple.
Complete loss of sensation is more common in large volume augmentation because severely stretched nerves have more difficulty recovering. Some patients experience increased sensation, which can last for as long as three months.
The most common complication following breast augmentation is capsular contraction, a condition in which the scar tissue around the implant shrinks, squeezing it so it feels firm or even quite hard.
Most capsular contracture stems from the use of smooth shell implants. With modern textured surface implants the incidence is low, probably around 5%. It is not known why this condition develops in some cases and not others.
Extreme athletic activity such as marathon running, is definitely a factor, however normal activities such as aerobics or badminton do not appear to cause this problem.
If it is necessary to relieve the firmness of a contracture, it may be appropriate to surgically release the capsule under general anaesthetic. Several medications that have shown positive effects on capsular contraction are currently under trial.
Infection is fortunately very rare after breast augmentation. Should it occur, it will exhibit itself by swelling and redness appearing up to three weeks after surgery. Should this occur, the implant will be removed and the infection allowed to clear before the re-insertion of a new implant.
MORE TO CONSIDER
Only you can decide whether breast augmentation will improve your appearance and quality of life. It is our job to give you the facts and guidance to make a sound decision. As you think about breast augmentation surgery, you should also consider the following information
Scarring is a consideration. Scars are noticeable initially but will fade to a more normal skin colour in time depending your healing characteristics. Thick and lumpy scars (keloids) are fortunately very rare but may require special treatment.
Regular breast self-examination is important for every woman and it still possible after breast augmentation surgery. If you find a lump you should inform your GP or your plastic surgeon immediately.
The Royal College of Radiologists have stated that any device inserted into the breasts leads to some reduction in the ability of investigators to detect a malignancy early. This decrease, which is from about 90% to 70%, seems to be relatively similar for all types of breast implants.
Despite this situation, mammography can still be performed by an experienced radiographer. It is recommended that women with breast implants should have their screenings only at dedicated centers.
There is no known link between silicone implants and increased risk of breast cancer or autoimmune disease.
It is logical to assume that breast implants will not last forever and may need to be changed. This, however, would be many years in the future.
