Breast augmentations are some of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. They can allow you to get the fuller look you may have always wanted. At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, we offer this surgical procedure. But perhaps you are wondering: what is breast augmentation, and what can you expect from the recovery process?
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is a common surgical cosmetic procedure that can help change the size or shape of your breasts. Breast augmentation can help people who want to:
- Correct breast unevenness after surgical procedure
- Change the size or shape of their breasts
- Correct natural breast asymmetry
- Restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy
There are two main types of breast augmentation, those that use breast implants and those that rely on a fat transfer process. Breast implants can be made from several materials, including saline and silicone. There are also many methods of setting them in place depending on the results you want, their size, and other factors.
Fat transfer breast augmentation requires us to first remove fat from another area of your body via liposuction and then inject that fat into your breasts. To be a good candidate for breast augmentation, you must:
- Be in good enough health to undergo surgery
- Not smoke
- Be able to take time off to recover
If you have excessively drooping breasts, you may benefit from a breast lift and augmentation procedure. And if you would like to receive a fat transfer augmentation, you must also have enough viable fat in another area of your body.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
The implants we rely on for breast augmentation procedures can last for decades, depending on the material they are made of. Considering that the recovery time can be as short as four weeks, the procedure provides quality results that you can enjoy for a long time.
Natural breast augmentation procedures that use your own fat allow you to improve the way your breasts look while also removing fat via liposuction from another area of your body. You essentially receive two procedures in one.
If you have sagging breasts, a breast augmentation alone won’t offer the results you want, but you can pair that procedure with a lift. A breast lift and augmentation can provide your breasts with a more youthful appearance.
For women who have been through a pregnancy or have lost weight, losing breast volume can be a concern. A breast augmentation helps you recover that lost volume.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you would like to obtain a natural breast augmentation procedure or implants, you want to turn to our team for a consultation. During this consultation, we will ask about your medical history, any medical conditions that may disqualify you from surgery, previous cosmetic procedures, and any medications you take.
We will also ask that you get a blood test and a physical exam to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. And if you smoke, you will need to stop at least a few weeks before the procedure.
You should additionally avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements and alcohol consumption for at least a week before surgery. Furthermore, because you will receive anesthesia, you need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you should come to our center wearing comfortable clothes and no makeup or jewelry. You will receive anesthesia, usually via IV, and then the procedure can begin.
If you are receiving implants, we will make an incision either at the crease under your breast, in your armpit, or along the edge of the areola. We will then insert the implants and close the incisions. For a fat transfer breast augmentation, we will first perform liposuction and proceed to use that fat on your breasts.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Right after the surgery, we will take you to a recovery room where we will monitor you as you wake from the anesthesia. After about an hour, you can go home. You will want to take over-the-counter or prescription painkillers during the first 24 hours, as needed.
We will also give you instructions on how to take care of the incisions, change bandages, and more. Remember, though, that you do need to rest during your breast augmentation recovery. Take at least two or three days off from work and other responsibilities to give your body a chance to begin healing.
You can shower the day after surgery, but avoid hot tubs, baths, and swimming. Moreover, for the six weeks following the procedure, you will need to wear a compression garment, which helps hold the implants in place as you heal.
Throughout these first six weeks, it’s also best to avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous exercise and to sleep on your back or side. The implants or fat transfer will settle into place about three months after the procedure. By then, you will likely be able to resume all your normal activities.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty
If you have always wanted fuller breasts or would like to correct asymmetries or other issues, a breast augmentation procedure might be a good option for you. You can decide between implants or a natural breast augmentation, allowing you to get the exact results you want.
At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver in Denver, CO, we provide quality cosmetic surgical services that can help you enhance your natural beauty. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
