FAQ: Breast Augmentation

In cases of implant weights, the bigger the implants the more they will likely weigh. The size of 100 cc silicone implant generally weighs 0.23 lbs while that of the saline implant with size 100 cc weighs 0.21 lbs. Going bigger in size, a 300 cc silicone implant weighs 0.69 pounds and a pair weighs 1.38 pounds. 300 cc saline implants weigh 0.63 lb and a pair weighs 1.26 lbs. In this case, implants weigh almost the same as the exact amount that an actual breast tissue would weigh. 

In most cases, the weight varies slightly depending on the manufacturers. There might be a slight weight variation from different manufacturers.

Whether or not a person performs a breast augmentation, the genetic makeup of the individual has a major role to play in the contribution of breast sag. Factors such as weight (increasing or decreasing), gravity, age, skin elasticity & ethnicity have a lot to do when it comes to breast augmentation sagging. In this case, use a very good supportive bra that will help you to reduce the effect of sagging.

The lifespan of breast implant is not actually guaranteed as it is not predictable when the implant lifecycle will eventually end. In which case, no matter how your counseling process has been with your surgeon before the operation, always bear in mind that you cannot have a breast implant that will last a lifetime. 

There is no set expiry date attached to breast implants because there has not been a reason to get them replaced unless there is a possible rupture or have other problems. Most times implants exceed more than 12 years and even last up to 30 years in some cases.  

There are quite a number of new implants that have been introduced for breast augmentation and are known as “jelly bean”, “gummy bear”, or “highly cohesive gel” implants that are also available for breast augmentation and they have a firmer feeling, but there are no effective long term results to indicate that they are much better or tend to last longer than the saline or silicone implants.  

Breast augmentation is normally performed in our Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. It also has certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeon OHP program.

Since the surgery is under general anesthesia, there is no pain during the procedure. 

The greatest period of discomfort for the patient is usually the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after breast augmentation surgery. Afterward, pains will reduce and there will be no need for too much pain relievers as usual. We do a 24-hour recovery routine that most patients have a very little discomfort after 24 hours. In the case where breast implants are placed in the submuscular position, there will initially cause more discomfort than when it is placed in the subglandular pocket ( in front of the muscle).

In the case of breast augmentation, general anesthesia is commonly used. This will guarantee a painless procedure and also the surgeon can concentrate to deliver his best surgical result. 

• Take pain and other medications as prescribed

• Do not drive when you are on prescription pain medications

• Do not soak in a bath or go swimming for ten days after your surgery

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on caring for any drains you may go home with

• Keep your incisions clean and dry

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on massaging your breasts to prevent hardening of breast tissue around the implants

• Wear a special supportive bra as long as advised by your doctor

• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting as long as your doctor advises

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming normal daily activities

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming sexual activity

• Inform your care providers before having a mammogram or other testing (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)

• You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• You have shortness of breath or chest pain
• You notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around your surgical incision
• You notice that your incision is separating or you have infected discharge from your incision
• Your bandages are repeatedly soaked with blood
• You have pain that your existing pain medications cannot control

• In general, you should not drive the first 48 hours after surgery. Also if you are taking heavy narcotic, one should not be driving. Most of my clients are usually driving after 3 to 4 days.

   

  After your surgery
  Make sure your care providers wash their hands before and after your care
  Do not wait until your pain is severe before you ask for pain medication
  Make sure the call button is within reach before medical staff leave the room
  Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before you stand up to prevent getting dizzy
  Do not get out of bed without help if you feel weak or dizzy

Patients can return to their normal routine in a few days.

Sexual activity can be resumed after 2-3 weeks and if the patient does not feel comfortable after the given time frame, they may prolong when to be sexually active again.

You will be sore and in pain, it is suggested that patients rest the first day and continue to increase activity when the pain and soreness has subsided.

It is recommended that patients remain braless during the recovery process and if the patient wishes to wear a bra, they must make sure that the breast does not feel too tight.

The sutures will be removed 5 days post-operatively.

I usually like to see my patients the first one to two days after surgery.When will my bandages be removed?
Your bandages will be removed the next day after surgery.

It is suggested that patients avoid any activity that will raise their blood pressure, the primary concern is to prevent any amount of bleeding to occur.

You should remove the bandage dressing after 24 hours and after the removal of the dressing, it is encouraged that you start on stretching exercises.

You should keep the area clean with minimal contact and avoid swimming.

Any medication that can cause bleeding or alternate your medical condition need to be stopped or changed before surgery. I will be discussing with you in detail at pre operative visit.

You should have the medication filled before the day of surgery.

You need to meet all the discharge criteria before you can go home.

My procedure is usually as an outpatient and you will be staying for a few hours after. I only let my patient go home if they are ready.

You can drink water and liquid shortly after the procedure.

My usual protocol does not use drains, tubes or catheters because I use special closure technique to decrease the needs of these devices.

I usually like you to continue with your usual medication with exception of medication that can cause bleeding. I will discuss this with you further.

This depends on your medical conditions and I will discuss this with you at your preoperative consultation.

I usually talk to you in the recovery room as well as with one to two days after surgery in your postoperative visit to explain how your surgery went.

• Make sure your identity has been confirmed with name and date of birth
• Make sure your procedure has been confirmed
• Make sure the correct site of your surgery has been marked
• Make sure the correct side of your surgery has been marked
• Confirm any allergies and side-effects you might have

Yes, patients are provided with antibiotics to take.

They may see you as soon as you wake up.

You usually wake up within 10 minutes from the procedure.

The surgery can vary from 1-1 1/2 hours.

• Arrange for personal items you might need during your hospital stay
• Arrange for someone to take care of responsibilities at home and work
• Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital
• Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night after surgery
• Call your doctor if you think of other questions
• Notify your doctor if you get sick within 10 days of your surgery (even minor illnesses like a cold)
• Do not eat or drink alcohol 24 hours before your surgery. Do no smoke 6 weeks before surgery
• Make sure you have the doctor’s contact information
• Make sure you have directions to the hospital/office for visitors
• Wear a button-front shirt and loose clothing to the clinic/hospital

Yes, patients should arrange for a drive home since they will be sedated during the surgery and will feel drowsy afterwards. It is not recommended for the patients to drive themselves home.

It can be found on my website, by calling or our mobile app.

We recommend that you arrive at the time we have indicated on the pre-op sheet . We will also try you on your mobile phone if the time of surgery has been changed.

You should not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to the surgery.

You should not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to the surgery.

In general, all medication that may cause bleeding or prolong bleeding time may need to be stopped or alter. One should not stop any medication without consulting with your family physician and the specialist that put you on these drugs.

I review all patient medications on initial consultation, pre operative appointment and day of surgery.

An anesthesiologist will be at the clinic to assist during the surgery and will evaluate your medical history before the surgery to determine any allergies or possible reactions to anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss the possible options of anesthesia for you and address any concerns you may have.

The choice of anesthesia will be discussed and chosen for you before surgery by an anesthesiologist that will review your medical history.

Patients can return to their normal routine in a few days and you are not using narcotics.How long will it be until I can go back to work?
Patients can return to their normal routine in a few days.

It is recommended that sexual activity be avoided for 1 week to 10 days and after that time frame, if you do feel comfortable enough to engage in sexual activity, you may do so afterwards.

Patients can return to their normal routine in a few days.

The surgery is an outpatient procedure. Patients are kept in the clinic for a couple of hours until they have awoken from the surgery and are ready to leave.

The scars from the incision are usually well hidden.

Patients are recommended to wear loose clothing that will not compress or irritate the chest area.

I do not usually use drain after breast augmentation.

Patients may take extra strength Tylenol, Tylenol 3, Percocet to help with the pain.

Patients will experience a moderate degree of pain that will subside over time, along with soreness, swelling, and bruising.

Breast implants can make it more difficult to read mammograms, therefore the patient may need to inform your doctor after the surgery.

Usually, it does not affect your ability to breastfeed.

After surgery, they will feel temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and change in nipple sensation.

Most residual swelling diminishes within a month.

Yes

The surgery can range from $7,500 – $8,500 for both breast. Saline is on the lower end of pricing.What can I expect after my surgery?
After surgery, some discolouration and swelling will occur, but this will disappear quickly. You may also experience temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and change in nipple sensation.

Refer to my website for before & after pictures or request them during consultation.

Refer to my website for before & after pictures or request them during consultation.

There are different locations of incisions that will produce different incision size. The choice of location will depend on what the patient wants, the doctor’s recommendation, and the agreed size of implant chosen for the surgery.

The implants should last for about 10 years and will need to be replaced after that time period.

There are two types of breast implants, Silicone and Saline. Silicone is mostly common since it is more authentic to the feel of a natural breast.

There are two major brands that carry breast implants that have a large range of size that differ in height and width. Consultation will help determine which size option is best suited to your body structure and current breast size.

This depends on the size of the patient’s breast, soft tissue over the chest wall and before operation and patient request. It can be sub muscular (under the muscle) or sub glandular (under the breasts but above the muscle).

The alternatives to breast augmentation are fat grafting, and using external prosthesis

The most common risk is capsular contracture. Other risk can include hematoma, keloids, and infections.

Breast augmentation will aim to enhance the overall appearance of your breast and add volume to the area of the chest.

If you are concerned with the size of your breasts being too small, unflattering, asymmetrical, and believe that enhancing the size of your breast will improve your appearance and give you more confidence.