What happens during the first consultation?
The consultation involves 3 phases:
1. Patient directed review of plastic surgeons website education materials on breast augmentation.
2. Patient education consultation (via phone or in-person) and completion of patient preference documents.
3. Consultation with plastic surgeon
During the consultation the plastic surgeon will evaluate your general health, and take measurements of your breasts. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. The Dr. will describe alternatives and risks and limitations of each as well as review the recommended pre and post operative course with you.
You will have the opportunity to view pre and post op pictures, and discuss in detail what size you would like to be. The plastic surgeon will you objective and scientific methods to determine the correct implant size and type for your breast tissues and body. At the end of the consultation, you will have pictures taken. These are for your medical record to assist your surgeon to give you an optimal result.
The office manager will give you the total fee, which includes the fees of the surgeon, anesthesia and operating room. Financing is available as well. She will give written pre and post-op care and informed consent to review before signing and discuss your consultation appointment.
How is the surgery done?
Some plastic surgeons prefer to do breast augmentation in the outpatient surgery center using a board certified anesthesiologist. Although there are cheaper methods and places to do this type of surgery, Some feel that patient safety is of utmost importance and this is best provided in this setting. Furthermore, this optimizes patient comfort and allows the doctor to give you your best result.
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your chest size and shape. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest (breast fold) or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the axilla (armpit). Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as small as possible.
Working through the incision, the doctor will lift your breast tissue (using only precise dissection and no blunt dissection to minimize post-operative pain and edema) to make a pocket, either directly behind your breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
Some surgeons do not use drains for breast augmentation.
Recovery time:
The patients can return to baseline activities of daily living after breast augmentation usually by 24 hours.
Some plastic surgeons perform several specialized maneuvers to minimize your post-operative pain. In fact, many patients can go shopping or travel 1 or 2 days after surgery without any complications. Your surgery can be done on an outpatient basis and you can go home the same day. At home, you will need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours.
A surgical bra with a small piece of gauze on the incisions will be used for the first 2-3 days. The doctor allows you to shower the night of the procedure.. You will be seen for follow-up in 3-4 days, to learn and demonstrate how to massage and exercise your breasts and to have post-op care reinforced. You may return to work in 2-5 days with some limitations on physical activity.
No lifting over 10 pounds for 3 weeks. No aerobic workouts and increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute for 3 weeks. Walking may begin after 1 day. Chest/ weight exercises may be resumed 6 weeks after surgery.
Some plastic surgeons use absorbable sutures that do not require removal.
The surgeon will be able to provide you with more specific details about the recovery process, and he or she may have other recommendations based on your individual needs. Should any problems occur after your surgery, contact your doctor immediately. This is especially important if you have a high temperature, or if one or both of your breasts are excessively swollen, tender to the touch, painful, red or inflamed.
Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery. Learn more about breast augmentation and plastic surgeons in Dallas like Dr. Adams a plastic surgeon in Dallas that offers plastic and reconstructive procedures.
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