18 Nov 2024 | by Dr. Sean Doherty
Breast augmentation has long been one of my specialties. It is a relatively
straightforward procedure with a high reward. However, it is surgery. In the right
hands, it is low risk, but it is not no risk. This is something that many seem to
forget due to the ubiquitous nature of breast implants online. I always spend
considerable time during an initial consultation talking about how to best prepare
for your breast augmentation. Many patients don’t think about this, yet
preparedness is critical for ensuring the great result that we both want. The first
step is meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as myself, who has
considerable expertise in breast augmentation. You want to be examined in-person
if at all possible. Any procedure is only successful if it is the correct one for your
individual anatomy and desired outcome. Once you have your surgeon and a
surgery date on the calendar, here are some others things to consider before you
enter the operating room.
Type of Breast Augmentation Dictates Recovery in Boston
As you know from your consultation, there are a number of variables to consider
when it comes to a breast augmentation. These include:
• Saline or silicone
• Placement above or below the muscle
• Do you need a surgical mesh?
• Initial or revision surgery
In general, I use a smooth, round, silicone breast implant. But implant placement is
going to depend on your lifestyle and needs. Some patients do best with the
implant below the muscle, but this will require more time for recovery and perhaps
heavier pain meds. This is the same with a surgical mesh which is a product I use if
your breast tissue is too weak to support our chosen implant. Furthermore, if this is
a revision surgery where we are replacing old breast implants with new ones, this
may also require more recovery as it’s a more intense procedure. I will go over all
of this with you during your consultation so that you know exactly what to expect.
Set Up a Support Structure
Once you know the particulars of your recovery, you can set up the appropriate
support structure for your lifestyle. I do not want you reaching your arms over your
head, across a table top or lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. for at least 2 weeks
after your procedure. This means NO:
• Dusting
• Cleaning
• Heavy loads of laundry
• Picking up a child
• Walking a dog
• Taking care of elderly parents
It is important to set up a schedule with friends, family or hired help who can take
over these tasks while you heal. You are also probably not going to want to cook
so this may be a good time to try out those new restaurant options on Uber Eats.
Medications
The other thing to think about may sound obvious, but it is surprising how many
people wait until the last minute to fill any necessary prescriptions. In general,
most of my breast augmentation patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable,
not painful. But every person has her own unique pain threshold. I will spend a lot
of time during our initial consultation talking with you about any prior procedures
you may have had and how your body recovered. My goal is to get a realistic idea
of your body’s reaction to surgery. Most patients deal with post-op discomfort with
something over-the-counter, but if you are someone who needs more, I will
prescribe an appropriate pain med. You want to have this ready before you have
surgery, not after.
Clothing for Breast Augmentation Recovery
Another obvious sounding thing to consider is appropriate post-op clothing. You
will not be able to pull things over your head. So, make certain that you have
comfortable sleepwear and clothing choices that you can either step into or that
button up the front. And don’t choose anything scratchy or tight. The important
thing is for you to feel comfortable and relaxed so that your body can focus 100%
of its energy on healing.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, or any other surgical or non-surgical
procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us
today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
