Your guide to breast implants: 10 things you need to know
It is very important to make your research about the different options and alternatives involved when about to undergo breast augmentation surgery.
For this reason, here are a few things you need to know on breast implants:
Silicone gel-filled implants, on the other hand, are widely used because silicone often creates a more natural look and feel to the breasts. It also results in discrete scarring rather than saline-filled implants.
It is also to be noted that while anatomical breast implants usually imitate the original shape of a woman’s breast, contoured breast implants give a more extravagant and eye-catching effect. In this sense also, anatomical breast implants are more used as they do not present a risk of rotation after the procedure.
Choosing the size of your breast implants will also depend on the quality of your skin and its elasticity, the initial size of your breasts and the desired outcome.
It is nevertheless important to note that placing big implants (the size has not to exceed 300cc) on a skinny patient with small breasts would be unreasonable and risky. Regardless, it is mandatory to consult your surgeon prior to the procedure. S/he is the only entitled person to advice you and give you reliable information on your surgery.
This placement is usually opted for when the patient has developed muscles. Sub pectoral placement involves lodging the implant under the pectoralis major muscle.
This placement is usually opted for when the patient initially has small breasts. The surgeon may also combine both placements in certain cases.
Regardless of your incision type, the scar will be well hidden and discrete.
Wet compresses dipped in tepid water or ice may help reduce the swelling if applied on the breasts for 10 minutes every day. You may rejoice the results of your surgery after three months.
Your surgeon would generally recommend starting off with light walking to help your blood circulation. Other sporting activities may be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks. Intense sporting activities should be avoided until the third month after your surgery to promote quicker and proper healing.
For this reason, here are a few things you need to know on breast implants:
1. The type of filling material for your breast implants
There are two basic filling materials for breast implants: saline and silicone gel. Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water, and they are less used nowadays because of their high risk of rupture.Silicone gel-filled implants, on the other hand, are widely used because silicone often creates a more natural look and feel to the breasts. It also results in discrete scarring rather than saline-filled implants.
2. The most adequate breast implant shape for you
The two basic breast implant shapes are anatomical and contoured. Both come in different sizes and profiles. The reasons for choosing one breast implant shape over another include a woman's unique aesthetic goals, preferred incision location, and implant placement.It is also to be noted that while anatomical breast implants usually imitate the original shape of a woman’s breast, contoured breast implants give a more extravagant and eye-catching effect. In this sense also, anatomical breast implants are more used as they do not present a risk of rotation after the procedure.
3. Which breast implant size to choose?
The choice of breast implant size also comes down to selecting a desired profile for the implant. Indeed, while a high profile implant generally corresponds to big breast implants, a low profile implant corresponds to a smaller one.Choosing the size of your breast implants will also depend on the quality of your skin and its elasticity, the initial size of your breasts and the desired outcome.
It is nevertheless important to note that placing big implants (the size has not to exceed 300cc) on a skinny patient with small breasts would be unreasonable and risky. Regardless, it is mandatory to consult your surgeon prior to the procedure. S/he is the only entitled person to advice you and give you reliable information on your surgery.
4. Sub glandular or sub pectoral placement?
The choice of the implant placement is only decided by the surgeon and this according to the patient’s medical case. There are two types of placements for breast implantation: sub glandular and sub pectoral. Sub glandular placement puts the implant directly behind the mammary gland and in front of the muscle.This placement is usually opted for when the patient has developed muscles. Sub pectoral placement involves lodging the implant under the pectoralis major muscle.
This placement is usually opted for when the patient initially has small breasts. The surgeon may also combine both placements in certain cases.
5. Surgical scarring after breast implantantation surgery
The type of placement and incision you and your surgeon choose will determine the location of your scars. There are three types of scars after getting breast implants: scarring resulting from an inframammary incision, scarring resulting from a periareolar incision or scarring resulting from a transaxillary incision.Regardless of your incision type, the scar will be well hidden and discrete.
6. Post-operative care of breast implants
After your surgery, it is very important to follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter by taking your prescriptions and wearing a contention garment for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Note that the size of your breasts will seem bigger than expected, but they will lose in volume after swelling dissipates in the following days.Wet compresses dipped in tepid water or ice may help reduce the swelling if applied on the breasts for 10 minutes every day. You may rejoice the results of your surgery after three months.
7. Which precautions to consider after breast implantation surgery?
It is mandatory to avoid sun exposure for 6 months after your surgery. Also, avoid the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. This will promote quicker and better healing for your post-surgical scars.8. Which measures to follow after breast implantation surgery?
Being hydrated at all times is very important after your surgery (6 to 8 glasses of water). It is also important to maintain good hygiene and follow a diet to promote quicker healing.9. When to resume work after breast implantation surgery?
Work resumption generally happens 7 to 10 days after the surgery. However, it is for your surgeon to define the period according to whether your job necessitates extensive physical activity or not. As far as sports are concerned, you may resume them gradually.Your surgeon would generally recommend starting off with light walking to help your blood circulation. Other sporting activities may be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks. Intense sporting activities should be avoided until the third month after your surgery to promote quicker and proper healing.
