Breast Augmentation: Q&A

What is the ideal breast size?

Picking the right size of the breast implant is absolutely one of the most important decisions in the breast augmentation and implant process. This being the case, good surgeons will discuss several approaches to help the patient make the best decision based on the following:

• anatomy
• personal preferences
• aesthetic appearance patient wishes to achieve 

Some surgeons may even request that the patient wears a bra with the augment inside to see the possible appearance.

In general, attractive breast augmentation should be in proportion to the woman’s overall body shape. An implant too large for a small frame is usually an obvious give away that a patient has undergone a breast augmentation procedure. Women wanting to go from a small A cup to a full D cup also need to understand the stretch limitations of breast skin.

What are the exercise restrictions in the post-operative period?

In the post-operative period, it is necessary to avoid any types of exercise which requires vigorous raising of the arms above the level of the head for at least 10 days after surgery. The majority of patients find it possible to return to work and drive in about 7 days. However, if their occupation requires particularly strenuous movements and lifting then they should not return to work for around 2-3 weeks.

Power walking can commence within 7 days, light jogging within about 3 weeks. Full gym and pilates regimes may start after 4-6 weeks. Most people may begin upper body weights after 6-9 weeks, with contact sports, martial arts, boxing, and football (soccer) allow 12 weeks. Make sure you consult with your surgeon about your own individual needs before and after the surgery.

Is breast feeding possible after breast augmentation?

Breast feeding is certainly possible after a breast augmentation procedure. The majority of implants are placed behind the muscle and the implant is not inserted through the nipple-areolar complex. Preformed this way the procedure in no way effects the milk ducts.

If you are hoping to continue prolonged breast feeding, however, you need to be aware that this can create the possibility of stretch marks on the breasts and certainly accelerate breast droopiness.

Should you become pregnant following your breast augmentation procedure, then your existing breast tissue will be subjected to the normal hormonal influences of a natural gestation period.

During this time it is perfectly natural for your breasts to enlarge and the skin to stretch accordingly.
Once a pregnancy and breast feeding ceases, your breast tissue will naturally shrink down. It is impossible to predict to what degree these natural changes will occur, however the breast implant volume will remain the same throughout this time.

What is capsular hardening and how is it treated?

This is the most serious complication of a breast augmentation procedure. The latest implants are covered in material which has greatly reduced the incidence of capsular contraction formation. A “capsule” or capsule formation is a layer of scar tissue that normally forms around any artificial material placed in the body. It is important to realize that this is the natural response of the body to foreign material.

In the majority of cases, this capsule is so soft that it is virtually undetectable, not affecting the breast implant in any way. Capsular hardening occurs when this layer of scar tissue shrinks around the breast implant, squeezing it so that it starts to feel firm, or in some cases, quite hard. If this is going to occur ,it is mainly in the first three years after implantation. It is not a health concern and implants are only removed if the shape has become distorted or the patient is experiencing pain.

Contact Take Shape today for questions, planning and preparing for your breast augmentation surgery.