Breast Augmentation

The Post-Operative Period
It is necessary that a responsible adult escort be available to transport the patient to and from the operation, and be available for the first 24 hours. During that time, the caretaker person will assist the patient in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. It is best to stay in bed for the first 12 - 18 hours following surgery, and to limit intake to liquids.

You need to anticipate some discomfort until the blood level of the narcotic pain medication reaches a therapeutic threshold. This usually takes a double dose of the pain pills for the first 2 to 3 doses, after which a single dose is sufficient to maintain control of the pain. Antibiotics are continued for 7 days after the procedure to lower the risk of infection. Activity should be restricted to no lifting, pushing, pulling or driving for 48 hours. It is not advisable to drive a motor vehicle until one is completely off of narcotic pain medication and there is no restriction of upper extremity mobility, such as may be required in an avoidance maneuver with a car. The bra is left in place until the first post-op visit, and the breasts must be kept dry. A small amount of oozing at the incision sites is to be expected. The breasts should not be manipulated in any way. One should be up and walking on the morning following surgery, and a light solid diet begun to the point of tolerance.

Certain events should be reported to the office immediately. A temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides, and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain.

Patients are seen 2 - 3 days after the operation and their bandages removed and the healing assessed. After removal of the compressive bra, Dr. Parson will ask you to wear only a sports bra for 6 weeks, or will provide you with a garment that maintains your implants in a desirable location. Bras with under-wires are not desirable as these may push the implants upward, creating an unnatural appearance. After this first follow-up visit Dr. Parson may ask you to gently massage your breasts several times a day. Some data suggests this keeps your breasts soft over time. Patients are then allowed to bathe and to wash their hair. Showering is then permitted but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool. Most patients can resume a reasonably normal activity pattern and non-exertional type job situations within 5-7 days after surgery.

Risks of Breast Augmentation

1. Bleeding (hematoma formation) - Unexpected, significant bleeding into the space around the implant can occur in this operation, although it is unusual. Large collections of blood around the implant require a return to the operating room for removal. Not doing so would produce an abnormal shape to the breast and a potential for hardening in the future.
2. Infection - Some of the tissues of the breast normally contain bacteria and are likely to come in contact with the implant during augmentation surgery. All of our patients are placed on antibiotics during surgery and for several days afterwards. The risk of infection is less than 1%.
3. Loss of nipple sensation - Most patients have some change in nipple sensation following augmentation surgery. The change may either be increased or decreased sensation and lasts several weeks. Nevertheless, the change is usually temporary. Permanent loss of sensation is unusual.
4. Malposition of implants - Every effort is made to make the breasts appear as symmetrical as possible. This requires fine adjustments in implant placement. On occasion, a second procedure is required to achieve satisfactory symmetry.

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