Palm Harbor Plastic Surgery Centre
FAQ Breast Surgery
- After surgery I hear a swishing sound. Is
this normal?
- One of my breasts appears larger than the other
one?
- I feel a sudden sharp pain in my breast. Why ?
- How long does it take for the implants to
"drop" ?
- How do I choose a size that is right for me ... ?
- Will I still have the sensation in the nipple
after surgery ?
- Do I
have to keep my bandages on after surgery?
- When
can I start to work out with weights after my surgery?
- When
can I return to my regular work out program?
- When should I massage my
breasts? and how is it done?
- Do you recommend Vitamin E ?
- When is it ok to have sex after breast surgery?
- Can I still
nurse after breast augmentation
surgery?
- Are the implants ever going to leak or have a
problem?
- What companies make the breast implants?
- Should I be at my ideal weight before I have a
breast implant procedure?
- I'm over 40 and I would like to have my breasts
augmented. Should my age influence my decision, and how long will my
recovery be?
- Should I perform self breast examination if
I have breast implants?
- Can you teach me about breast anatomy?
Yes it is normal. After breast augmentation surgery, sounds may be
heard around the implants. This sound is the implant and some fluid moving
around the pocket. As time passes the fluid is absorbed and the swishing
sound will go away. So do not worry.
This situation is quite common. The breasts heal at different
rates. The breasts will swell after any surgical procedure. In time
the swelling will subside and the two breasts will be more similar in
appearance. It may take up to two months for the swelling to go away.
After breast augmentation surgery the sensory nerves in the breast are stretched.
The nerves react in a different way after this procedure. The nerve may be
irritated or pinched. This condition is usually self limited. Try to
move the implant in its pocket. Avoid sleeping on your side and prop
yourself up in bed. These things usually help.
The breast implants are placed into a pocket under your chest wall
muscle. The pocket is usually larger than the implant itself. During
the early healing period, the muscle is in spasm and this forces the implants up
in the pocket. Usually within a 4-6 week time frame the muscle has stretched
and is more accommodating to the implant. At this time the implant will settle
in to its natural space. One implant may progress faster than the other,
so try to be patient.
The particular size that can be achieved varies with the individual and their
anatomy. It is usually possible to go up one or two cup sizes. The
most common requested cup size is a "C" cup. Please communicate
your desires with your surgeon at the time of your preoperative visit.
Look at pictures and bring them with you. Try to fill a stocking with
rice. Each cup size equals one cup of rice. Fit this into your bra
and it will give you an idea of the breast size.
The majority of patients have no change in the sensation of the nipple
following breast augmentation surgery. There may be a short time following
the procedure that the skin of the breast has less sensation but this too will
return. Even with the areola incision, sensation is usually
preserved.
It is strongly encouraged that you keep your bandages on follow your
surgery. If you have an ace wrap on it is there to help the implants fall
into the pocket. If you have tape on your skin it is important to leave it
until your surgeon removes it. If you have steri strips over the incision,
leave the steri strips on. The steri strips can get wet. You may
shower when instructed to do so.
It is recommended that you not lift weights or perform vigorous exercise for
at least 4-6 weeks following breast augmentation. The pectoral muscles
will be sore and the healing process has not been completed. When you have
no pain with arm lifting over your head, than you may begin to progress in your
exercise program.
Each person heals at a different rate. In approximately 3-4 weeks, you
can begin to exercise. If you start too soon after your surgery more
swelling and bruising may occur and the implants may not settle well into their
pocket. You may begin a walking program early on after your surgery.
Also, stretching and a gentle range of motion program is acceptable in the
first week after your surgery.
Within one week you can start to massage the breasts. The reason this
is important is to help the pectoral muscles relax and allow the implants to
fall into the pocket. It is advisable to use ice packs for the first 48
hours. After this time has passed you can use heat followed by cool packs.
You should continue to massage the breasts and move the implants in an
effort to keep the pocket just slightly larger than the implants.
As shown in this example.
We recommend the use of an oral Vitamin E to be started 1 weeks after your
surgery. Current scientific studies warn patients to
limit their intake of Vitamin E to 400 IU per day or less. You can start at a lower dose such as
100-200 IU per day and progress to 400 IU. Also rub some vitamin E cream or oil right onto the incision
site as this will help fade the scar. You can begin this vitamin E topically
after the steri strips are removed.
This is certainly a personal issue. It is best to wait at least one
month before manipulating the breasts. You can start a gentle massage of
the breasts in the first week and this can be incorporated into a personal
relationship. Avoid lying on your chest or having your partner lie
directly on your chest for at least one month postoperatively.
Yes. The ducts of the breasts are still attached to the nipple complex
and nothing was altered during your breast augmentation surgery. If you
had a breast lift (Mastopexy) the nipple may have been lifted and
adjusted. Still the connection to the nipple was not altered. If you
had a breast reduction, on the other hand, you may not be able to breast
feed. Depending on the amount of tissue removed and the technique used,
the nipple may not be functional after this type of surgery.
The breast implants are made out of a silicone elastomer and this material is
very strong. The design of the implant is made to last for your life
time. Keep in mind that the implant is still a mechanical devise and may
have a problem that can be corrected. Each of the implant manufacturers
has a specific warrantee and we will discuss this with you during your
consultation. They are all guaranteed against defects for your life time
and the implant will be replaced at no charge to you. There may be an anesthesia
and OR fee after several years. Please ask us about the specific
details of your particular implant.
Currently there are three companies that manufacture the breast implants.
The companies include: Mentor H/S and McGhan Medical (an
Inamed Company). They are all excellent companies with
a very good product. You may see and feel each of the different implants
in our facility.
Should I be at my ideal weight before I have a
breast implant procedure?
You should be close to your ideal or stable weight. A significant loss
of weight after receiving breast implants could alter the results in a manner
that is not satisfactory to you. There could be some ptosis (drooping) and
a reduction in size. A significant gain in weight could cause an increase
in breast size.
I'm over 40 and I would like to have my breasts
augmented. Should my age influence my decision, and how long will my
recovery be?
Many women over 40 have successful breast augmentation procedures. Your
general health, not your age, is the most important factor. The recovery
period varies for every women. Some women take a week off from work, some
take more or less time. The average time to return to your full activities
is 4-6 weeks. We will advise you when and how to resume your normal
activities.
Should I perform Self breast examination If I
have breast implants?
If you have implants, you
should perform breast self-examination monthly on
your implanted breast. In order to do this effectively, you should ask your
surgeon to help you distinguish the implant from your breast tissue. Press firmly inward at the edges of the implants to feel the ribs beneath,
checking for any lumps or bumps. However, be careful not to manipulate (i.e.,
squeeze) the valve on the implant excessively, which may cause valve leakage and
make the implant deflate. Any new lumps or suspicious lesions (sores) should be
evaluated with a biopsy. If a biopsy is performed, care must be taken to avoid
puncturing the implant.
Know your breasts. It is never too early
to start good habits regarding breast health. The Susan G. Komen Cancer
Foundation recommends monthly at home breast self-examinations (BSE) beginning
at age 20 so a women can become familiar with the look and feel of her own
breasts. Visit komen.com
to order a free BSE card. A few minutes each month can affect the rest of
your life.
