Los Angeles Breast Augmentation » Breast Implants

Recovery From Breast Augmentation

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:35:51 +0000

Breast augmentation has become the most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. with over 300,000 breast enhancement procedures being done every year. Even so, many women are hesitant to have a breast augmentation done because they worry about the pain after the surgery and the recovery time. They are afraid that they will not be able to return to their normal activities until several weeks after the surgery. What these women should know is that these days breast augmentation is a standard procedure and patients are normally back to work the same week as their surgery.

Simply speaking, the pain and discomfort from a breast enhancement is similar to that from a pulled muscle. The reason for this is because breast augmentation is a pulled muscle. When the breast implants are inserted the cosmetic surgeon lifts the chest muscles to place the implant partially underneath them. It is not inserted fully under the muscle as this would cause the breast to be up too high and would cause the nipple to point down. Not too attractive like that.

The pocket created under the muscle controls the final shape of the breast so it is important that this pocket is located properly. And since the breast implant is stretching the muscle the recovery is similar to that from a pulled or strained muscle. So, for best recovery from breast augmentation you want to do the same thing you would do when having a pulled muscle. Use the muscles lightly and stretch them. This will increase blood flow to the area and aid in healing. There is no need to worry about the implant itself, it won’t shift or move because of this type of stretching and use. You can’t damage the new breast and will simply speed up the recovery process.

In Los Angeles the increased recovery from breast augmentation begins in the operating room during surgery. The patient is normally given a dose of steroids to decrease swelling and can be given medication as well to decrease the swelling and pain. Some cosmetic surgeons choose to use an Actipatch, which is a bioelectric device used to decrease pain and swelling. This device is usually worn for 48 hours after the surgery and reduces the need for pain medication.

It’s best to start with light range of motion exercises and stretching, preferably within 12 hours of the surgery. Combining this with Ibuprofen can often have the patient up and out of the house the day after the surgery. Of course everyone’s recovery from breast augmentation will be different, but an aggressive approach to recovery can substantially decrease recovery time after breast enhancement surgery.

Planning Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Implant Saline Versus Silicone

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:03:35 +0000

Those of you considering breast implants to improve your looks should make sure you find out everything you can about the procedure and the plastic surgeons offering it before you agree to the surgery. Making yourself informed of the potential side effects, complications and risks is critical to having the best breast augmentation possible.

You should know that there are basically two types of breast implants available, those made from saline and those made from silicone. Both types of implants actually have an outer shell made of silicone, the difference is on the inside with saline implants being filled with saltwater and silicone implants being filled with silicone gel. There are currently a few companies approved by the FDA to manufacture breast implants.

Breast implants have been around since the early 1960’s, however breast augmentation didn’t gain in popularity until the past two decades. Silicone was the most used material for breast implants until 1993 when they were banned due to complications from breast enhancement for many women. It seems some of the implants were rupturing causing complications such as Lupus. Later the ban was removed when it was found that there was no connection between the women’s complications and the implants.

When a breast implant ruptures there are different effects. With a saline implant the breast will lose it’s shape which is easily noticeable. Fortunately it only leaves you with saltwater in your body, which is harmless. If a silicone implant breaks you won’t notice it at all. The only way you can tell the implant has ruptured is with an MRI. Research has not found any connection between ruptured silicone implants and any type of other complication. It should also be noted that silicone breast implants also contain platinum, though this has not been proved to cause any problems in the body either.

Saline breast implants are much easier to work with. They are easier for the cosmetic surgeon to implant and are filled after being implanted, which means a much smaller incision is used. They can also be made bigger or smaller later on by adding or removing saltwater without any additional surgery.

On the other hand, silicone implants do have a better look and feel and some women feel that any potential dangers are offset by the improved look of the silicone breasts.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of any breast augmentation prior to undergoing the procedure. Breast enhancement can and does leave many women very happy with their new bodies and with an increased confidence.

FAQ’s About Breast Augmentation