Breast Augmentation

Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery in New York

What happens after breast augmentation surgery?

Your breasts will be somewhat swollen and bruised postoperatively. This usually settles in about two to three weeks. Sometimes swelling may be slightly different between the two sides. This is normal and settles with time. However if a great difference develops between the two sides then you must contact us for advice.

Following a breast augmentation, the breasts may appear to be placed quite high up. This is also normal. During the first two months postoperatively the implants will gradually lower and settle from the effects of gravity into a more natural position. Do not be alarmed if one side settles quicker than the other, as this sometimes occurs.

Following the operation you will have a light dressing in place which will need to be kept dry until your follow-up appointment. At this time the wound inspected and lightly cleaned. There are no stitches to remove, as these are internal and dissolvable. Always remember to read and follow the postoperative instructions that will be given to you.

What kind of after effects should I expect?

Changes in nipple and breast sensation (feeling) can occur. Some patients may loose sensation entirely, others report only a slight decrease, and some even report heightened sensation. In the majority of cases where sensation changes occurs, these are only temporary and soon recover. The recovery period can sometimes take up to 18 months to complete. In a small minority of patients, however, permanent loss of sensation may occur.

Breast Feeding can proceed following a breast augmentation providing of course that you are able to produce enough milk in the first place. You must understand that regardless of whether you have implants or not, all women cannot breast feed satisfactorily.

Pregnancy: Should you become pregnant following your operation then your existing breast tissue will be subjected to the normal hormonal influences of this period and therefore your breast will enlarge and the skin will stretch accordingly. Likewise, once the pregnancy and any associated breast feeding ceases, your own breast tissue will then shrink down. It is impossible to predict to what degree these changes will occur; however, the breast implant volume will remain the same throughout these.

Palpation of the implants may occur in thinner women following breast augmentation. In these situations the implants are more likely to be felt at the lower part of the breast near the fold. Again this has no medical implications, although women who do not bear this in mind may suddenly become worried about feeling a "lump" in their breast. In any instance of uncertainty it is always best to contact your surgeon to have this examined.

What are the scars like?

Scars are not a complication but a normal event after any surgery. Thankfully the scars in a breast augmentation operation are short, being about 3-4 cm in length. You should always expect these to be red, raised, lumpy and even itchy to begin with but with time they should fade and flatten. This is the natural evolution of the healing process. However it is important to keep in mind that this may take up to two years to complete. Daily massage of the scars during this time period is advised to expedite and facilitate this process. You must understand however that no responsible surgeon will ever be in a position to predict any scars ultimate appearance.

How long before I can get back to normal?

Although you can gently walk about and do very light duties from the next day, please avoid any stretching or lifting during the first 7 to 10 days. Depending on your job many ladies go back to work after this time. Obviously if this involves excessive stretching and lifting you are then advised to refrain for a further 10 days. You can usually commence light lower limb exercise after three weeks. Upper arm exercises and swimming can begin after six weeks. When exercising always try and wear a good sports bra. Driving is allowed after 1 week. Sexual activity can be commenced at around 4 weeks although at this stage only very gentle handling of the breasts is advised. More vigorous handling can be commenced only after 2 months!