What to expect after your Breast Augmentation surgery

One of the most important conversations you’ll have with your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation is what the healing process will be like. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines.

For a few weeks after surgery, you will probably have soreness and swelling. You might also have numbness or a burning sensation in your nipples as you heal after breast augmentation. We suggest that you wear a compression bra for extra support and to minimize movement of the breast implants.

Will I Need to Take Time Off Work?

Yes, most patients will need to take a few days off following surgery. It will vary by patient and also by job description.

If your job isn’t physically demanding, you may be able to return to work within a week. If your job is physically demanding, you many need to take more time off. Most surgeons recommend that physical activity should be avoided for the first few weeks following surgery.

Will I Be Able to Care For My Children?

As with your job, you will probably be able to get back to your routine of caring for your children within a few days.

However, if you have an infant or young child, it may be longer before you can completely care for them,  as you may not be able to pick them up. It is suggested not to lift over 5 pounds for at least a few days and no heavy lifting for at least a few weeks after surgery.

When Will I Be Able to Exercise?

Most often the recommendation is to avoiding physical activity for at least three weeks to a month following surgery. Even after that period, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recommends making sure whatever activity you engage in is extremely gentle on your breasts for at least another month.

When Will I Be Able to Drive?

Usually it’s about a week before you’ll drive and only once you are off any pain medication your surgeon has prescribed.

Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s specific instructions for your recovery period to ensure the best results for your surgery.

What is the difference between Laser Liposuction and Traditional Liposuction?

We get many patient's inquiring on the differences between Laser Liposuction & Traditional Liposuction. The answer is that there is no scientific evidence that laser liposuction offers any benefits over standard liposuction.  The retraction of the overlying skin has to do with its turgor rather than the instrument used to remove the fat.  No matter the modality, (whether laser, vaser, smart liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction) they all produce the same results.  Through small incisions a liposuction cannula is inserted and fat cells are gently removed. Liposuction is the ideal procedure for removing small localized areas of fat to create a smooth, contoured physique.

*Actual Patient of Doctor Todd C. Rau

5 things you must know before a Breast Augmentation

Know Your Doctor

I rank this as number 1, because picking the right Plastic Surgeon will assure you a great outcome and happy results.
Some tips on getting to the right Breast Augmentation Surgeon are: Ask around, I’ve found the best referrals come from nurses who work with different doctors and can compare their surgical skills.
Also, make sure your Breast Augmentation Surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Most persons don’t realize that there is “NO” recognized Board Certification for Cosmetic Surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the State of California. This is important, because only Plastic Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery learn how to perform Breast Augmentation surgery while in hospital residency training prior to starting private practice.
An additional factor to help find the right Plastic Surgeon is to inquiry of about length of time in practice. An experienced surgeon is a valuable asset.

Understand if a Breast Lift is Necessary for a Good Shape

This is important because breast implants look the best if you have good shape to your breasts. If your breasts have stretched out or fallen, then a shaping lift may be necessary before or at the same time as a Breast Augmentation.

Understand the Limits of the Size and Shape Implant for Your Body

The more detailed in your discussion with me, the easier it is for me to match the breast implant size and shape to your new look. Specific things I find important include, a cup size, whether you want to be on the fuller or smaller side and photos of women who have already had Breast Augmentation.

Ask if You Should Have a Submuscular or Subglandular Implant Placement

If your nipple position is high and your breasts have not stretched out, then I will place the implant under the muscle. This places an additional layer over the implant to reduce visibility. However, if your breasts have dropped somewhat, your skin is loose and you are not very thin, then I will place the implants on top of the muscle. This subglandular placement of the implant may mean you can avoid a Breast Lift.

Find Out Which Implant, Either Saline or Silicone is Right for You

Here are some of the differences:

Saline implants have the following advantages;

Lower cost, ease of replacement, less interference with a mammogram reading and the most important of all, overfill and adjustability. Overfill means I can add more saline if you’re petite and want more fullness. Adjustability on the other hand gives me the ability to add more saline to one implant, if one of your breasts is smaller that the other.

Silicone implants have these advantages;

Sometimes a softer and more natural feel, less chance of visibility of the implant edge and better durability. Silicone implants on average last longer than saline implants.