Preparation
Before you have breast augmentation, you will need to decide what size you wish to be. It may be helpful to do this with the help of a friend or partner.
1. Make sure you know your correct back measurement (i.e. 34, 36, 38, and so on).
2. From Marks and Spencer (or similar) buy two sports bras, firm control, one in the cup size next largest to your existing size and a second, two sizes larger. (e.g. if you are 34A, buy 34B and 34C).
3. At home try on the two bras with the cups stuffed with cotton wool and wearing a thin top over then to see how they look. Decide which size looks most in proportion with your frame size and the rest of your body. Return the size you do not want to the shop and buy a second in the size you want.
4. Bring the bras of your choice to Poland with you. Please, do not forget them. You will need to wear them from the time of your operation for up to four to six weeks, day and night, to give your breasts support and time for the implants to mesh into place and the skin to expand gently without stretching.
5. Patients are advised to take zinc and magnesium for at least one month before the operation to aid the healing process. Aspirin interferes with blood clotting and must not be taken two weeks prior to the operation (many painkillers contain aspirin).
Smokers should stop smoking 2 weeks before and for at least a week after the operation.
What happens during Breast Augmentation?
There are different ways of carrying out a breast implant operation. The incision may be made in the armpit, around the aureole (nipple), or beneath the breast.
The disadvantage of cutting through the armpit is that it can be difficult to stop any internal bleeding if the implant has to be removed later. The lymph glands are also in this area and can cause complications.
The advantage of cutting beneath the breast is that it gives good access. Our surgeon cuts a little higher than the crease beneath the breast so that the scar line does not show when you are lying on your back. The implant is placed either in front of the chest muscle or behind it. Some surgeons prefer to place the implant in front of the muscle especially when working with breasts that have become empty bags of skin as this method fills them up nicely. Placing the implant against the ribs and behind the muscle works well with larger implants. They are less likely to be seen or felt and there is more padding in front of them. The muscle forms a sleeve over the implant and lessens the risk of encapsulation.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes about two hours to perform, during which the patient is of course completely unaware of the procedure taking place.
Aftercare
After the operation you will stay overnight in a private hospital room with round the clock care. Recovery is quick, the patient is usually up and about the next day and goes out within the next day or so. You will have drains that will be removed two to three days later. The stitches are cleaned and checked for healing every day and are removed on the seventh day after the operation if healing has gone well and according to plan.
After your operation you will be advised to sleep propped up in bed. For a few days try to avoid sudden abrupt movements to the side, bending over or exercising.
The support bra must be worn day and night for four to six weeks. However, you can bath or shower after a few days once the surgeon has agreed and of course remove the bra during this time.
Remember to keep taking vitamins everyday, especially Vitamin C, to promote healing. Some pain is usual after the operation, but is controllable by simple painkillers. |
