• The surgery is done as an outpatient under general anesthesia using only Board Certified Anesthesiologists and a fully accredited outpatient surgery center. Surgery takes 2-3 hours.
• Expect discomfort and some chest pressure after the procedure, the degree varies from patient to patient. Some patients describe mild discomfort while others have a much harder time because of the more severe discomfort. Every individual tolerates recovery and pain differently and that is the biggest reason we see variability in the post-operative course. Patients must sleep on their back for 3 weeks and minimize upper body activity. Patients who are already in a habit of sleeping on their back fare better during the recovery process. Muscle relaxers and oral pain medication are prescribed to keep the pain and tightness well under control.
• The patient goes home dressed in a surgical bra lined with gauze.
• Drains are used rarely in primary cases of augmentation mastopexy and always in secondary cases.
• Expect an initial unusual appearance of the breasts and nipples. The implants look unnaturally high, the nipples can be swollen, and the lower aspect of the breast contour may appear mildly flat. It takes a few months for the implants to drop, settle, and soften, and for the appearance to look natural. The lower pole rounds out and the nipple edema resolves. This time frame varies from person to person, but expect mild appearance changes for about 6 months after surgery. Most patients will get an initial attractive post-operative photograph of their results at 8 weeks. Swelling can vary, some patients have more swelling than others, and it typically lasts about 2-3 weeks.
• Strict underwire bra support is recommended for at least 8 weeks day and night after surgery to stabilize the lower and outer aspect of the breast pocket dimensions as the implants drop and settle with gravitational forces. An appropriately sized underwire bra is comfortable and does not irritate the incision, and Dr. Brown will specify your bra style and size at your pre-operative visit. Long-term bra support is encouraged to decrease risks for recurrent sagging and maintain a close central cleavage.
• All sutures are absorbable; end knots are removed in the office between 7-14 days.
• It takes at least one year for the scars to fade. No tanning of the scars during this time.
• Most patients take two weeks off of work. No heavy lifting, fitness or strenuous upper body activity for at least 4 weeks. Incisional healing can take 3-4 weeks. A gradual resumption of exercise as tolerated may be allowed 4 weeks after surgery, provided complete incisional healing is achieved.
• Follow up visits are weekly for 3 weeks or until incisions are healed. Dr. Brown will advise you on effective scar treatments as you heal. Avoid the temptation to “self-treat” your scars based on an advertisement or a friend’s advice. Rashes, dermatitis, and widening can occur from unproven scar treatments.
• All patients continue routine self-exam and mammograms as dictated by their gynecologists and American Cancer Society screening guidelines. Patients are not at risk for not being able to screen or detect breast cancer. MRIs will be advised for all patients with silicone breast implants per FDA recommendations. The first will be 3 years after surgery, and then every 2 years thereafter.
• Long-term follow up is provided by Dr. Brown.