Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape, size, fuller appearance or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BREAST IMPLANTS
We have external sizer technology Motivalimagine, where you can ‘try on’ different looks, before scheduling a surgery.
This system will help us in deciding the type and size of implant to choose.
PROCEDURE TIME & ANAESTHETIC
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours to complete, is carried out under general anesthetic.
Though breast enlargements are often a day case they performed under general anesthetic.
Following your procedure you will feel a little groggy, we recommend a friend accompany you home.
RECOVERY TIME & AFTER CARE
Wear your support garment (a bra or elastic band, called a bandeau) around the clock as instructed by your plastic surgeon. Some surgeons may ask patients cleanse the incision sites and apply ointment, while others will ask their patients to keep tape or a bandage on. Instructions vary, so it’s important to follow all your plastic surgeon’s directions carefully.
It can take up to six weeks to fully recover from a breast enlargement.
Many breast augmentation patients say they experience more discomfort than actual pain, though you can expect to feel sore and tender afterwards, and you will experience a certain amount of post-operative bruising and swelling over the area.
Your Cosmetic Surgeon will discuss your daily activities with you during your consultation.
AFTER SURGERY
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so.
During the recovery the nurses will measure your Blood pressure through a cuff. She will also attach a monitor to your finger to check your pulse and level of Oxygen in your blood to ensure you are fully oxygenated.
Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your breast implant recovery and a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. You may also receive medications or a prescription, but many plastic surgeons prescribe postoperative medications in advance. Your prescribed medications may include pain pills and an antibiotic to prevent infection and a support bra that will be fitted to ensure your new breasts are supported in their position.
We advise no showering for one week which is a very difficult task for anyone. We advise that it is ok to have regular hand showers with lukewarm water and ensuring no water is submerged onto the incisions.
We will advise you of this before you leave the hospital.
7 days after surgery
You will return to the hospital for your post-operative review, in which any stitches are removed.
Though the surgeon uses dissolvable stitches, we will check to make sure your incisions have healed.
You will also be assessed with any leftover swelling and any advice to help improve your recovery time.
14 days after surgery
You can start to resume light gym and cardio in moderation. You should not lift any heavy objects or go
swimming/spa until 6 weeks after your surgery. Your results are instantly visible after surgery, but you must allow between 4-6 months before the implants have fully settled into place. During this time your breasts will be adjusting into place.
1 year after surgery
As apart of your aftercare, we advise all patients to book in once a year to see their surgeon for a brief assessment of the consistent results.
TIME OFF WORK
We recommend taking 7-14 days off of work following your breast enlargement procedure. In this case, I can supply you with a medical certificate for your employer.
POST-OP APPOINTMENTS
Post-operative follow-up is of paramount importance. Each patient undergoing Breast Augmentation surgery will be given post operative appointments for wound management and suture removal.
Post-operative instructions are vital and we consider it very important that you adhere to them. Failing to follow these guidelines and attend your appointments can adversely affect the outcome of surgery and put patient safety at risk.
Following Breast Augmentation the patient is asked to return on specified appointments and
occasionally it may be necessary to return more regularly than those stated.
BREAST IMPLANTS
We only use Motiva Implants, with 30 years of experience and regulatory offices in the United States, a European distribution center in Belgium and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Costa Rica, Establishment Labs is the next generation breast implant producer with regulatory approvals worldwide. The company is creating the most advanced levels of safety for women seeking to improve their appearance through Motiva’s proprietary technologies and higher quality standards.
Why Motiva? Because of Establishment Labs’ experience and success in advanced product design and development, technological manufacturing and product support, Motiva Implants® Silicone Breast Implants represent the most innovative implants available today:
State-of-the-art shell design that results in a strong and durable breast implant.
Exceptional elasticity for ease of insertion and smaller incisions.
Ultra-soft, form-stable filling gel for optimal shape retention and feel.
The most complex and advanced range of implant projections to meet the expectations of both the surgeon and patient.
Specialised choice of surface texturing, without the use of foreign materials that can damage the implant shell. All of our implants are covered against rupture by the Always Confident Warranty®, for the lifetime of the device, and by our Product Replacement Policy against capsular contracture, Baker grades III and IV for a period of 10 years.
BREAST IMPLANT SAFETY
Other important considerations:
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts’ health and to evaluate the condition of your breast implants
Possible breast augmentation surgery risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding/Hematoma
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation
Poor scarring
A wrong or faulty position of the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Persistent pain
A possibility of revision surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
Invasiveness
Small incisions are made under the breasts (3cm). In most cases, we use mostly a Keller Funnel with our breast enlargement procedure to ensure the procedure minimally invasive and recovery times are faster.
Does it matter which implant and which technique?
I do use Motiva Ergonomix implants, I do place them under the muscle and I do use an incision under breast. In my opinion precise planning and combination of these gives the most natural look.