Breast Augmentation

When you undergo breast augmentation, your surgeon will make an inconspicuous incision in each breast. Typically, incisions will be made around your nipples, in the fold under your breasts, or under your arms. Then the surgeon will separate your breast tissue and place the implants behind your nipples. Once the implants are placed, your incisions are closed.  Before your procedure, there will be several augmentation options for you and your surgeon to choose from. Implant options  Silicone implants, which are filled with silicone gel Form-stable implants, which are filled with a thicker silicone gel, making them firmer than traditional silicone implantsSaline implants, which are filled with sterile salt water Round implants, which can be filled with either saline or silicone and have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller  Texture options  Smooth breast implants, which are soft and can move with the breast implant pocketTextured breast implants, which are less likely to move around inside of the breast Fat grafting, which uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts (a good choice for women who are looking for more natural results)

Sometimes general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation surgery, but sedation and local anesthesia can be used, too.

Both saline and silicone breast implants are FDA approved and considered safe for breast augmentation procedures. Still, the decision to have breast augmentation surgery is personal, so you will have to weigh the benefits with the risks. If you’re a smoker, your surgeon might recommend that you stop at least during the time of your procedure, because it can impede healing. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization; and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.

Some of the possible side effects of general anesthesia include nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, bruising (from the IV), itching, shivering and feeling cold, difficulty urinating, and sleepiness. In older patients, memory loss and temporary confusion are possible. 

Some of the possible side effects of intravenous sedation are drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, headache, bruising (from the IV), amnesia about the procedure, and crying. 

Breast augmentation usually changes the size and shape of your breasts and can improve your body image. Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, however, so they may need to be replaced. Today’s implants typically last more than a decade.

You don’t need a referral to see a plastic surgeon.

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. 

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we’ll work with your doctors to get the necessary information. 

Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much breast augmentation surgery might cost.

Because it’s typically elective cosmetic surgery, Medicare will usually not cover breast augmentation unless it has been deemed medically necessary.

Prior to your procedure, you may be asked to get lab tests, a medical evaluation, or a baseline mammogram. (You might be asked to get another mammogram after your procedure so your care providers can better understand future changes to your breasts.) Exercise, including strength training and upper body stretches, can help with your posture and fitness level. If you smoke, you’ll probably be asked to stop for several weeks or months, and you’ll also likely be instructed not to take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding. Your surgeon will also likely tell you not to eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgeries. (Not sure where to go to get your lab tests? Check out Gateway Hancock Health, where you’ll be able to get in and out quickly and pay, on average, 70% less than you’ll pay at a hospital.)

You’ll arrive an hour before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet the members of your surgery team. They will mark the location of your surgery on your body. An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including general anesthesia—can be administered. If you’re using a local anesthesia and sedation, you’ll receive an injection.When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who will check you in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so your procedure is as successful as possible. 

You should bring something to keep you entertained in the waiting area. You’ll also want to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, including a loose-fitting top that buttons up or has a front zipper closure. A blanket and a pillow might also be helpful during the ride home. You may want a bottle of water and some crackers for the ride home after your procedure.

After you are anesthetized and breathing oxygen through a mask, your surgeon will make small, inconspicuous incisions in your breasts and then place the implants. Once the implants are placed, your incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and skin adhesive or surgical tape.

A breast augmentation takes one to two hours. 

You’ll be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

You’ll spend a few hours in the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off and then you’ll prepare to go home. You may feel achy and you might also experience temporary tightness or muscle aches.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

You will receive pain medication immediately after breast augmentation surgery.

You might receive prescriptions for pain, muscle relaxers, and an anti-inflammatory drug. You might also be instructed to use over-the-counter pain medication to minimize discomfort from the procedure.

Ask someone to spend a few days after the surgery at home with you—especially if you live alone. Prepare to take it easy for at least a week—compile reading material or a list of movies or television shows you’d like to watch. You’ll be instructed to avoid straining, bending, or lifting for two to three weeks.Prepare to be asked to wait for at least 36 hours to shower. (You’ll be advised not to take a bath or soak in a hot tub for about a month.)Shop for groceries before your procedure and have lots of hydrating liquids and healthy foods, full of fiber and protein, on hand. Have dark towels and clothing available. They’ll absorb any leaking fluid.Prepare to wear a surgical support bra day and night for several days. You’ll also want to wear loose-fitting T-shirts and front-zip hoodies.Expect your breasts to be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. Prepare to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated, which will help reduce swelling. (Sleeping in a recliner or with a stack of pillows is recommended.)

You can expect to have some inconspicuous scarring, which will fade over time, at your surgical sites. If you have any sutures that aren’t dissolvable, they will likely be removed at that first postoperative appointment.

Call your surgeon’s office, and, if you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.