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What Aftercare Is Necessary for Breast Implant Surgery?

As you prepare for your breast augmenation surgery, it’s essential that you know what to expect afterward. These include the short-term precautionary measures, required healing and recovery time, and what side effects you can expect.

Successful breast augmentation depends not only on the surgery itself, but also on how you take care of yourself during the recovery process. There are just a few aftercare essentials you can keep in mind to improve the chances of a smooth recovery.

Your Pre-Op Checklist

In preparation for your big day, dedicate some time to make sure you have:

Medications, vitamins, and dressings. Stock up on these to have on hand when you need them.

Digital thermometer. You’ll be wise to invest in this to keep an eye on your temperature after your surgery. A high fever may indicate infection signs, although your temperature could be slightly elevated for the first 48 hours after surgery.

Reading materials. Now is an excellent time to buy those best-sellers and update your favorite magazine subscriptions. And, of course, there’s always another Netflix show you can watch.

Ice packs. Ice packs or bags of frozen raspberries, blueberries, or peas will be crucial for icing any swollen areas.

Wet wipes and make-up removal pads. These essentials will help you freshen up before you can shower or bathe.

Recovery foods. You will be glad you thought ahead to buy canned, frozen, or packaged soup, protein shakes, healthy frozen dinners, and other recovery foods. Consider cooking your own meals in advance and freezing them.

Recovery clothes. Invest in some oversized shirts with buttons or zippers down the front, as well as comfortable sweat pants, a bathrobe, slippers, and thick socks. And don’t forget a few post-surgical bras.

Post-Operation

Immediately after awakening from anesthesia, it’s likely you’ll feel groggy and be in some pain, but these effects should soon wear off. Remember, you will need someone to drive you home and to take care of you overnight.

The first 3—7 days

The first three to seven days typically are the most uncomfortable, and this is where you might need your prescribed pain medication.

Depending on where you get to work, you might be able to return to your desk jobs about a week after surgery.

The next few weeks

After your first week of recovery, you should be able to slowly ease back into doing some light exercise and following a regular daily routine. It’s vital that you refrain from strenuous activity until you are fully recovered.

Make sure you get plenty of rest and focus on eating nutritious foods and drinking healthy drinks to help speed your healing.

Full recovery

During your scheduled follow-up appointment, your doctor will assess how far along your healing has progressed. It’s usual that after two months most patients are fully cleared to resume all normal activities.

Be sure to closely follow your doctor’s post-operation instructions so that your implants heal properly and without any complications.

Enjoy Your New Figure!

Armed with the correct knowledge about what to expect during your breast augmentation recovery, you can look forward to the procedure with confidence. Already, you can imagine your new breasts and all the compliments you’ll receive!

For a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, please contact us or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

Selecting the Right Implant Profile

Breast augmentations are by far the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S., with over 300,000 implant surgeries done each year. As techniques have evolved, and implant design has developed, women can now choose from an array of implants sizes and shapes that result in different breast profiles.

As the number of breast implant surgeries has increased, however, so too have the number of breast implant revision surgeries. There are many reasons why patients may change their minds about their implants; change of lifestyle, change of aesthetic goals with age and career development, or dissatisfaction with the results from the initial procedure are just a few.

To minimize the likelihood of needing revision surgery and getting complete satisfaction from your breast augmentation treatment, patients must choose an appropriate breast implant to begin with. A critical component of this process is selecting the correct “profile.”

What is Breast Implant Profile?

Essentially, the profile of an implant is the height or depth of the implant. The higher the profile, the more volume the implant has. The implant’s profile determines how much the implant causes the breasts to stick out from the chest; the higher the profile, the more augmented the breasts appear.

To use an extreme example, in her Baywatch heyday, Pamela Anderson had implants with a particularly large profile. Her breasts were obviously augmented, and this aesthetic had been popular during the ’90s and early 2000s.

Increasingly, however, women are turning away from high-profile, larger volume implants and moving towards lower-profile implants that provide more structure to the breasts as opposed to obvious size.

The Differences Between High and Low Profile Implants

High profile implants provide a thoroughly buxom aesthetic, causing the breasts to protrude off of the chest significantly. They can also positively benefit nipple position, moving it into a higher, more forward spot.

However, complications are more likely to arise with higher implant profiles. Many petite women who have chosen high profile implants have gone on to experience shoulder, back, and postural problems caused by the disproportionate weight of the implants relative to their natural frame.

On the other hand, lower profile implants cause the breasts to sit higher on the chest in a firm, supple position while providing subtle shape and structure.

This aesthetic aligns much more with a fit appearance, which is why plastic surgeons are noticing a trend towards smaller breast implants. These options better reflect the increasingly active lifestyles of women around America.

Implants with a lower profile provide stunning aesthetic results, which are more subtle than higher profile implants. In some cases, patients opt for a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation, which often provides an incredibly satisfying, youthful aesthetic to the breasts, with firm, youthful positioning high on the chest, with nipples and areolas proudly facing forward.

The choice is ultimately up to you, so you should do everything you can to give your surgeon the best idea of what you want.

The Rice Test

One handy technique to help visualize your breast implants is the rice test, which offers a great way to test drive your implants before surgery.

To get started, cut off the foot part of old pantyhose, fill it with rice, tie it off, and place it in your bra to see how it changes the aesthetic of your breasts. Changing the amount of rice and the shape of your “rice bag” can really help give you a clear idea of what you want your breast implants to look like. You can then take your pantyhose-rice-implant to your surgeon to help them visualize the correct implant size and profile for you.

The critical thing to know, going into any breast augmentation surgery is to be clear on the results you want. We suggest you be ready to discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon and do your own research.

Get Started Today!

The expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg have decades of experience recommending implant profiles. We invite you to call 540 371 7730 or arrange a virtual consultation now to begin your implant selection process today!

Can I Change My Breast Implant Size?

Breast augmentation with breast implants is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the U.S., with over 300,000 surgeries done annually.

Interestingly, an emerging trend in the cosmetic and beauty industry has been the increased number of breast implant exchanges and removals, with approximately 30,000 women opting to change their implants in 2019.

There are several reasons which may lead women to consider changing the sizes of their implants. Fortunately, with a trained, certified, and experienced surgeon, changing breast implant sizes is a highly successful and highly satisfying procedure for many patients.

Here, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg offer their industry-leading insight into how implant sizes can be changed and ways to ensure you are content with the results from your revision surgery.

Why Do Women Consider Changing Implant Sizes?

As time moves on, most things in life change. From physical appearance, body shape, personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyles, things may now not be what they once were.

For many women, losing or gaining weight can be a significant factor compelling them to reconsider the size of their breast implants. Others, who once desired a buxom, Pamela Anderson look, may now enjoy a more active lifestyle, which involves rigorous exercise that can be hampered by overly large breasts.

For whatever the reason compelling you to consider changing the sizes of your implants, know that the procedure will differ depending on whether you desire bigger or smaller.

Smaller Breast Implants

For women wanting smaller breasts, there are three options – exchange for a smaller implant size, fat transfer, or removal of the breast implant entirely. This is achieved via breast revision surgery, in which the surgeon reopens the initial implant incision, through which to exchange or remove the implants. This minimizes scarring. While this reduces the size of the breasts, going smaller can have other aesthetic implications such as breasts appearing deflated.

In many cases, surgeons often offer breast reduction in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries. Procedures like fat transfer can provide the added shape to your breasts that you may need after a breast reduction.

Breast lifts are another procedure that can restore breast shape and volume after a reduction and can position the breast higher on the chest in an appealing, youthful manner. Some women with naturally large breasts also benefit significantly from breast reduction surgery.

Larger Breast Implants

The case for most breast revision surgeries is that women went too small initially and wish to get larger implants.

Similar to going smaller, the surgeon will reopen the first incisions and insert new, larger implants into the breast pocket. This procedure is more complicated than the initial breast augmentation due to scar tissue formation and capsulation. The surgeon must be incredibly precise and artistic with the operation to ensure the correct position of the new, larger implant and minimize scarring.

Although changing your breast implant size can be an inconvenience, women who are unhappy with their initial implants are always glad that they made the decision to have them corrected. As you consider changing the size of your implants, consider a virtual consultation with the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg to have any questions answered. Alternatively, book your appointment by calling 540 371 7730 or by filling out our  online form.

Implant Options: How to Ensure You Make the Best Choice

Selecting the right breast implants can be a nerve-wracking process. There are a number of variables to consider—such as the type of implant you want, what size you need, and where you want your implants placed—and all of these factor into achieving a pleasing outcome. If you’re not sure how to begin weighing all of your options, we can help; this simple guide to choosing the right breast implants covers all of the basics you’ll need to know before booking a consultation:

Choosing the Right Implant Size

One of the most common misconceptions about choosing breast implants is the idea that you can simply walk into a plastic surgeon’s office and request a cup size (e.g., “Make me a D cup.”) This approach is not advised because cup sizes are not standardized; they vary between different band sizes and even different underwear brands. What you should do is try on a set of “mock implants.”  Ask your plastic surgeon for a set of sample sizes.

Choosing an Implant Type

Today, patients over 22 years of age can choose to have either saline or silicone gel implants. Both options are safe, contrary to some of the early rumors about silicone implants that made their way into the media. Silicone implants are made from a type of medical-grade, durable silicone. Other types of silicone implants, like highly cohesive implants, are increasingly popular because if the implant ever ruptures, the filling sticks together rather than leaking into the body.

The only caveat to be aware of when choosing silicone implants is that implant ruptures can be harder to detect. Unlike saline implants, silicone gel implants do not obviously deflate after rupturing, so you will have to pay close attention to any minor changes in the shape of your implants. If you notice any small dents or lumps around one of your implants, make sure to book an MRI as quickly as possible.

Silicone implants are the preferred choice for most breast augmentation patients because they look and feel more like natural breast tissue. That being said, some people still prefer traditional saline implants because surgeons can adjust the filling during surgery before the pocket has been sewn up. They are also slightly less expensive and leave a much shorter scar. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, both saline and silicone implants can be made to look very natural, so you should choose the implant type that works best with your goals.

Choosing the Right Implant Placement

Breast implants can be placed either above the pectoral muscles or below them. When implants are placed under the muscle, the top of the implant is effectively hidden by muscle tissue. Some surgeons believe that placing implants under the muscle allows for more natural results, while others believe that placement can interfere with athletic activity. This creates a very natural “slope” to the breast and prevents the overly round look that’s associated with breast augmentation surgery.

However, not all patients are suitable candidates for under the muscle implant placement. Most notably, patients with very small chests who want to have large implants inserted usually require over the muscle placement. (This is necessary because they do not have enough natural breast tissue to accommodate under the muscle placement.) Fortunately, if you’re not able to have your implants inserted beneath your pectoral muscles, there are other options available. For many patients, over-the-muscle placement can still create natural results, but it’s crucial that they work with a skilled plastic surgeon with years of experience with breast augmentation.

If you still have questions about breast augmentation surgery after reviewing the information above, feel free to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to explain your options in more depth or help you book a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons.

Mommy Makeover Series: Breast Implants – Breast Lift

You’re a mother, and you love being one. You wouldn’t change anything in the world about motherhood – except for one thing: your body.

You had a different body before pregnancy; you felt confident, healthy, and you even turned a head or two. You’ve sacrificed for your children, and that’s okay – but you want to feel proud of your body again. You want to look in that mirror and feel confident. You want to go into that closet and fit into your best clothes. You can get that feeling again with a mommy makeover and with one mommy makeover procedure in particular: the breast lift with implants.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, elevates your breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. A breast lift reshapes the breast to a more youthful form, and it resizes overly large nipples that were stretched by sagging breasts.

Breast Implants (Mammoplasty)

While a breast lift can reshape your breasts, addressing volume loss is another issue. Many women experience volume loss once lactation and breastfeeding are over. Pregnancy has stolen both size and volume from your breasts, and they need help!

To address both issues, the breast lift can be paired with breast implants. A breast lift with implants can:

  • Restore volume loss due to breastfeeding
  • Reposition and elevate sagging breasts
  • Create a perkier shape
  • Resize overly large nipples
  • Enhance the cleavage

Choosing Breast Surgery

The decision to get breast surgery is a big one. It is a major procedure, and it’s not to be taken lightly. Being fully informed is vital to making the right choice, that’s why a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is critical. A qualified surgeon should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Don’t forget to ask your surgeon these questions about the breast lift with implants:

  • Am I a candidate for the breast lift with implants?
  • How frequently do you perform this procedure?
  • What are your qualifications for performing the breast lift with implants?

Contact us today for your consultation to determine if breast augmentation is right for you. Call us at (540) 371-7730 or contact us online today.

What You Need to Know about Breast Augmentation in Your 60s+

As a whole, people are living longer now than they ever have before in the past. As such, if you’re a woman over 60, you’re probably looking forward to a bright, healthy future, and you want a body to match your aspirations! Many women over 60 are turning to cosmetic surgery to reshape and revitalize their bodies, with tummy tucks, breast lifts, and breast implants being among the most popular procedures. If you’re one of the many “baby boomers” who are interested in breast augmentation, here’s what you’ll need to know beforehand:

You can combine breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.

Combining these two complementary procedures is recommended for a number of reasons: One, women tend to lose volume on the upper part of their breasts as they get older, leading to both a reduction in breast size and a “flat” look. Having both a lift and augmentation performed will correct this issue completely by adding volume and repositioning the nipples so that they sit higher up on the chest. Combining surgeries makes sense from a practical point of view as well: It minimizes the patient’s recovery time and keeps costs reasonable.

You’ll need to be in good overall health.

Even if you feel healthy and lead an active lifestyle, you’ll need to have a comprehensive medical exam before surgery.  Ideally you have had a recent or have been receiving regular mammograms, or you may need to have one performed prior to surgery.

If you smoke, you’ll need to stop before surgery.

Older women don’t heal as quickly as younger women, so it’s of paramount importance that you do everything in your power to prime your body for recovery. In addition to getting medical clearance prior to surgery and eating healthily, you’ll need to stop smoking for at least three weeks leading up to your surgery. This is because smoking decreases the amount of oxygen available in the blood and therefore impedes the body’s natural healing processes.

If you have further questions or concerns about having breast augmentation surgery, feel free to get in touch with us. Our caring, knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you plan for a successful, satisfying augmentation procedure. Contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg today to schedule your consultation.

What You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation in Your 30s

The 30s are a prime time for breast augmentation. You’ve grown up, figured out what you want, and are ready to love your body. If you’re thinking about breast augmentation in your 30s, this guide will help. Contact us to schedule a consultation and to take the next step toward your ideal breasts.

Why Do Women Choose to Have Breast Augmentation in Their 30s?

Why do you want breast implants? There are many reasons to choose breast augmentation in your 30s. Here are some top reasons why our patients choose breast augmentation from age 30-39:

  • Increase breast size or correct asymmetry
  • Restore the breasts after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Finally able to afford cosmetic surgery
  • Boost confidence
  • Look and feel younger again

Whatever your reason for considering breast augmentation, we’re here to help you make your dreams a reality.

Special Considerations for Breast Augmentation Patients in Their 30s

Breast augmentation is safe, simple, and effective for women in their 30s. In fact, more women get breast augmentation in their 30s than in any other age group. If you’re in your 30s and are thinking about breast surgery, pay attention to these special considerations to ensure your best results.

  • You May Need a Lift– Many women in their 30s have undergone pregnancy and likely have some breast sagging. We may be able to correct mild sagging with implants, but more advanced sagging will likely need a breast lift. We can perform both your breast lift and your augmentation with one trip to the operating room.
  • Do You Need a Mammogram?- We don’t require patients to get a mammogram before breast augmentation in their 30s. Come on in and let’s get the process started.
  • Are You Finished Having Children?- You don’t need to wait to finish having children to get breast augmentation. Many women get breast implants before pregnancy and can successfully breastfeed after. Pregnancy can change the breasts, but these changes would occur with or without implants. If needed, we can perform a breast lift when you’ve finished having children to rejuvenate your breasts and correct any sagging. Don’t wait for your dream breasts; learn about breast augmentation today.

If you’re 30 and fabulous and ready for implants, let us know. Contact us today and learn more about breast augmentation at any age.

Spring, the Perfect Time for Breast Implants

Spring is a time for beautiful flowers, light sweaters, and breast implants. If you’ve been wanting to increase your cup size or reshape your breasts, now is the perfect time. When you get implants in the spring, your new body is ready for summer. Can you think of a better way to reveal your stunning new implants than in a bikini lounging at the pool? Come talk to us about breast implants today and have your best summer yet!

A Perfect Summer Body Starts Now

Many of our patients come into our offices to talk about breast implants after their first swimsuit shopping experience of the season. They put on that bikini and realize they would like a little more up top. Many women can benefit from breast enhancement surgery: mothers that have lost volume from childbearing and breastfeeding, pear shaped women that need a little extra up top to balance their figure, women that want a more shapely figure, and women that have lost a lot of weight. How will breast enhancement help you?

By the time bikini season hits, you would have missed an ideal for breast augmentation. New implants take time to settle in and soften. If you want to look great for summer, now’s the time to prepare.

Are Breast Implants Right for Me?

Many women want breast implants, but worry about making a lasting change to their bodies. They wonder what their new implants will look like and wish they could see themselves with new breasts before the surgery. We understand your concerns and want to help you make an informed and educated decision about your breast augmentation. 

Each patient considering breast implants has the opportunity to meet with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons where they can discuss the procedure, different types of implants, recovery, and more.

We’ll help you understand the cost of the procedure along with financing options that may be available. We’ll show you why Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg is a top choice for breast enhancement in the area.

At this appointment you’ll also have the opportunity to “test drive” your new implants. This breast implant sizing appointment will give you a better understanding of how you’ll look after surgery. What size implants do you want? We can help you decide.

Are you ready to take the next step in your breast implant journey? Give us a call and schedule your consultation. If you want to be bikini ready come summer, spring is the time to get breast implants.