Before undergoing any form of breast operation, most patients have questions, both about the procedure itself and about the recovery phase. Learning all you can about what to expect is one way to help yourself feel more comfortable with having breast surgery. This knowledge is also essential to ensuring that your procedure is as successful as possible. While you are on the operating table, the success of your breast operation lies in the hands of your surgeon. But there are steps you can take ahead of time to help ensure that the procedure is successful:
1) Select the right surgeon. The success of your procedure depends a great deal on who is performing it. When undergoing breast augmentation, select a highly qualified surgeon who is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and who specialises in breast surgeries.
2) Explain your goals. Before the surgery itself, ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page regarding the aesthetic goals of the procedure. For example, do you see eye-to-eye with the surgeon regarding the desired size and shape of your breasts? This is critical information your surgeon will use to plan procedure details such as breast implant size. Because cosmetic surgery is both art and science, you must be able to trust your surgeon’s artistic skills as he or she sculpts your breasts.
3) Realistic expectations? It is important to have realistic goals regarding the outcome of your breast augmentation. While reshaped breasts can have a substantial impact on your life, there are limits to what the procedure can do. Some women feel let down when they realise that breast surgery has not met their life-changing goals, even if the procedure is otherwise a success.
4) Become informed. Your full understanding of the surgical procedure is critical to its success. A well-informed patient is able to actively participate in discussions about the breast surgery they are about to undergo. Your surgeon should take the time to answer all of your questions thoroughly, making sure that you understand the surgical process and potential risks before committing to the procedure.
Judging Success
Following a breast augmentation, you can look forward to enhanced contours that are appropriate for your frame. After surgery, your chest area will be a little swollen. You won’t experience the full results of the procedure for a week or two, but gradually, the new shape of your breasts will become apparent. For most women, the most important factor in judging the success of a cosmetic procedure is the aesthetic outcome. Before-and-after photos can be used to judge the true success of your surgery.
Beyond aesthetics, proper healing is essential to a successful breast augmentation. Expect this process to take several weeks. While most breast operations are successful, some side effects are common and are a normal part of the healing process. Swelling, discomfort, and redness is to be expected, but is not generally a cause for concern. During the healing period, these side effects should subside gradually, and you will begin to feel more comfortable at your normal activity level. This is a sign that the operation has been successful.
Warning Signs
How do you know if your breast augmentation is not going as planned? As with any surgery, breast-related procedures do have some risks. These depend on the type of breast surgery you are undergoing and generally include infection, scarring, and tissue numbness. If you experience substantial pain that lasts more than a week after surgery, or any other complications, contact your surgeon immediately. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms to determine how the recovery process is proceeding. During this time, it is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions so that your breasts heal properly.
A truly experienced surgeon will understand exactly what steps you need to follow in order to ensure a successful outcome and know the warning signs of complications.