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Frequently Asked Questions
BREAST AUGMENTATION
- DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY LEAVE SCARS?
Fortunately, in this surgery scars are concealed, which is very convenient in the first months. For a better understanding of cicatrization evolution, we present below the various periods of cicatrization:
IMMEDIATE PERIOD: Up to the 30th day and presents barely visible aspect. In some cases, there is slight reaction to sutures or to bandages.
INTERMEDIATE PERIOD:From the 30th day up to the 12th month. In this period, there will be a natural thickness of the scar, as well as changes in its color, from “reddish” to “brownish”, which will become lighter over time. This period is the least favorable for cicatrization evolution and the most worrisome to patients. As we are not able to speed natural cicatrization process, we recommend patients not to worry, since the next period (late period) will be in charge of diminishing scar traces.
LATE PERIOD: From the 12th up to the 18th month. In this period, scar will be lighter and less consistent reaching, thus, its definite aspect. Any evaluation of the definite result of the surgery will be made after this period.
- WHERE ARE SCARS LOCATED?
Some surgeons place them underneath the breast and in the contour formed between breast and thorax. Others, around the nipple and even within the armpit. Immediately after the surgery low-cut tops may be used since the scars will be extremely hidden. Over time (see item above), scars will tend to become less visible.
- I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME PATIENTS ARE LEFT WITH VERY VISIBLE SCARS.
Some patients may have a tendency of forming keloids. This, however, may be analyzed, up to a certain extent, during the initial appointment, when a set of questions on your past clinical experiences, as well as an analysis on your family characteristics will be made, which will help the doctor foresee any cicatrization problems. Normally, people with white skin don't tend to have this type of cicatrization problem; people with darker skin are more susceptible to forming keloids. This, however, is not an absolute rule. Analysis of the patient's background, as mentioned above, as well as the analysis of previous scars will facilitate the doctor's cicatrization prognostic.
- CAN KELOIDS BE CORRECTED?
There are different clinical and surgical resources that enable the enhancement of non-aesthetic scars in the due time. This, however, should not be confused with the natural evolution during the mediate period of cicatrization. Any question about cicatrization evolution must be clarified by your doctor who will analyze the course of your cicatrization.
- WHAT WILL BE CHANGED IN MY BREAST IN RELATION TO SIZE AND CONSISTENCY?
Breasts will have their volume increased by the surgery, and their consistency and contour will be enhanced. You will be allowed to choose a new volume since there are different sizes of shells that may be implanted. There should be a balance between breast volume and thorax size, a characteristic that should be preserved when planning the surgery. For a better aesthetic harmony, the symmetry between the new breast volume and the thorax size must be kept. The breast subject to augmentation will undergo different cicatrization periods, as follows:
IMMEDIATE PERIOD: Up to the 30th day. In this period, despite the enhanced aspect of the breast, their contour and volume are beyond the desired result. Remember that NO BREAST WILL LOOK PERFECT IN THIS IMMEDIATE POST-SURGERY PERIOD.
INTERMEDIATE PERIOD: From the 30th day up to the 3rd month. In this period, the breast will start its evolution into the definite form. Major characteristic of this period is some swelling of the breast; also, scarring is under a transitional phase (see item 1). Despite the euphoria of patients in this period, generally we tell them that the result will be much better during late period.
LATE PERIOD: From the 3rd up to the 18th month. It is in this period that the breast reaches its definite aspect (scarring, shape, consistency, volume, sensitivity, etc.) It is in this period that we generally take pictures of operated patients in order to compare them with pre-surgery aspect of each patient. Elasticity of breast skin and volume of the implanted shell are of great importance for the final result. Balance between them will vary from person to person.
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH DEFINITE RESULT?
Although immediate result is quite good, only at the late period (see item above) the breasts will have their definite shape.
- WHAT TYPE OF BATHING SUIT WILL I BE ABLE TO WEAR AFTER THE SURGERY?
In the immediate, intermediate or late periods, any type of bathing suit, provided that the top is not very tight. Of course, after scars mature, you will be able to wear smaller bathing suits, at your discretion.
- MAY I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE FUTURE? WILL THIS AFFECT THE RESULT?
Your gynecologist will tell you on the convenience of having another pregnancy or not. In relation to the result, this may be preserved if during the new pregnancy you control your weight together with the doctor. Generally, there is no risk that a new pregnancy affects the result since the surgery is usually made out of breast tissue.
- IS THERE POST-SURGERY PAIN?
Generally not. Post-surgery period is quite comfortable provided that you follow your doctor's recommendations, mainly regarding restrictions to arm movement in the first days after surgery. In cases of some pain, this can be easily lessened by common painkillers. Your doctor will prescribe you the most adequate medicine. Don’t use medicine without your doctor’s prescription.
- IS THIS SURGERY DANGEROUS?
Rarely a breast augmentation surgery may give rise to serious complications, provided that it has been carried out within proper technical criteria. This is due to the fact that each patient should be carefully prepared for the surgical procedure, in addition to being informed on the convenience or not of using silicone shells, as well as their possible complications.
- WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL I TAKE?
General, peridural or local anesthesia, as the case may be.
- HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
Normally, from 90 to 120 minutes, if necessary. However, surgery duration should not be confused with the time in which a patient stays in the Surgery Room, since that includes the period for anesthetic preparation and post-surgery recovery. Your doctor will inform you on the total duration of the surgery.
- HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO STAY IN HOSPITAL?
From half a day up to 24 hours.
- ARE BANDAGES NECESSARY?
Yes. Elastic bandages are specially adapted for each type of breast. They are changed daily by the patient herself, with no difficulties, from the 3rd day after surgery.
- WHEN STITCHES ARE REMOVED?
Normally stitches are removed up to the 8th day after surgery.
- WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE A FULL SHOWER?
Depending on the case, even in the day following the surgery. Everything will depend on the evolution of your surgery and the type of bandages. You should only pay attention to the special cares recommended by your doctor.
- WHAT IS POST-SURGERY EVOLUTION LIKE?
You should bear in mind that until your breasts reach the desired result, they will undergo different cicatrization phases (see items 1 and 5). However, special caution should be taken if you want to obtain the desired result before estimated time. Be patient since your body will be in charge of dissipating all small intermediary problems which inevitably will call other people's attention, who will probably say: "Will this really disappear?" It is evident that any concern should be transmitted to the doctor, who will provide you with all clarifications for your tranquility.
- WHEN WIL I BE ABLE TO RETURN TO MY EXERCISES?
This depends on the type of exercises. Exercises involving legs may be restarted from 10 to 15 days, avoiding "high impacts". Exercises involving the thorax normally should wait until 30 to 45 days.
- WHAT IS CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE?
This is an exaggerated contraction of normal capsule (which forms around the silicone shell), which causes the breast to feel hard in the region, when touched. Some cases are subject to such retraction; however, if this occurs, the implant will need to be removed through the same incisions. In case inflate shells are used, some may deflate, which will require a review of the case. Since inflate shells develop only a thin capsule which rarely causes the breast to harden, in some cases, it is possible to feel the presence of the shell by touching the breasts. If they deflate, this can be more perceptible when touched. In the future, both surgeon and patient may consider the convenience or not of reintroducing other implants, or adopting a different introduction plan or another procedure that best fits the case. Capsular contracture or implant deflation do not reflect surgeon's fault but an atypical reaction of the body to the presence of the silicone shell. The surgeon will not be liable to incur with future expenditures for new surgeries that may be required as a result of capsular contracture, breast hardening, further implant ruptures or leaks. Presently, the number of capsular contractures has significantly decreased due to the advent of technical innovations in plastic surgeries.
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