Breast Augmentation

General anaesthesia is used so you’d be asleep during surgery, and it will therefore be pain-free. Moderate pain can be expected within the first two weeks and the size of implant and type of procedure will influence the level of pain patients might experience. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications and be sure you contact him/her in cases of severe pain.

No. Many studies have proved how augmentation has no effect on increasing the risk or affecting the detection of breast cancer in any way. Patients with cancer also have the exact chances of remission as patients without implants.

The most common patient is a woman in her 30s – 40s who already had children. Women in their 40s and 50s have also undergone this surgery with good results and during a consultation the Plastic Surgeon will provide clarity on whether you are a good candidate for breast surgery or not.

Pregnancy changes the shape of the breasts and breast implants can improve the roundness and appearance afterwards. To ensure optimum results, pregnancy should be avoided for the 6 months after the procedure and normal breastfeeding is possible if you do fall pregnant after that.

The causes of the sagging and your desired outcomes will determine the necessary procedure. In some instances, the implants themselves won’t solve the problem of sagging due to drooping and excess skin. A consultation with your Plastic Surgeon will give you answers, discuss realistic expectations and provide you with a recommended procedure to address your concerns.

Choosing the size of implants can be tricky and by working with your surgeon you can establish how best to obtain healthy expectations with your breast surgery. Think about the bra size you’d like to move to as this might help in the process.

There’s a range of precautionary measures your doctor will explain to you pre-surgery that include:

• Do not omit health details during your consultation with the Plastic Surgeon.
• Avoid blood-thinning agents and medications like aspirin and herbal supplements including Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort and garlic supplements.  
• Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, fish oil or any medication containing these products for 14 days before and 48 hours after surgery. 
• Avoid smoking before surgery.

After your procedure, it is common, and completely normal, to experience bruising and mild swelling, aching or throbbing. Below are some precautions you can take after your surgery to ensure a full and swift recovery:

• Keep incisions dry when bathing/showering and avoid warm and lengthy baths.
• Wear the compression garment after surgery to control swelling and decrease bruising. Compression garments assist with the shaping and are important to achieve your desired results.
• Take the medications as prescribed by your doctor, which might include antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. 
• Avoid vigorous exercise, but try not to be stationary.
• Surgeons recommend wearing a sports bra 24 hours a day for up to 3 months after breast surgery (confirm this with your surgeon).