The Breast Experience

“Will my breasts feel heavy after my surgery?”

Often described as how the breasts feel during lactation, it’s normal for the breasts to feel heavy post-surgery. Remember that you’ve just increased their size and you probably aren’t used to their weight, which can make them feel heavy at first. As your body acclimates to your new breasts, they won’t feel as weighty.

“Should I have my breast tissue scraped before my augmentation so I don’t have to worry about breast cancer?”

Although you may have heard of some women having their breast tissue scraped, or removed, prior to having implants placed, breast augmentations are typically performed on those who have healthy and normal breast tissue without any history or evidence of change. “If a woman has premalignant changes or a strong family history of breast cancer (they are positive for the BRCA gene), she may want to consider a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction,” says Plastic Surgeon Mark Jewell, MD. “However, this is not considered a cosmetic procedure and is associated with different problems than an augmentation, like a high rate of reoperation, dissatisfaction and loss of sensation in the nipples.”

Life Span Of Your Implants

• Implant warranty: Believe it or not, breast implants come with a limited warranty. In the event that your implants rupture, the company that your implants were purchased from will generally cover the cost of replacement implants, but not any other costs that may be associated with surgery or additional procedures.
• How long implants last: About 10 years or so after your augmentation, you may be ready for a touch-up. A desire to change size, obtain a more natural feel, remedy natural sagging or correct capsular contracture are reasons to have implants replaced.

The Surgical Experience: Since breast augmentation surgery instantly results in bigger breasts, it’s important to prepare yourself for what you’ll endure.

• Before Surgery: Make sure you and your doctor are on the same page about your goals. Prep your house and recovery space and have your pain medications ready.
• Immediately After Surgery: You’ll probably feel weak from the anesthesia and may be nauseous. Your breasts will be bandaged, and you may not see them until your first check-up.
• The First Few Days After Surgery: You may be in some pain, and your implants will sit high and may feel hard since they have not settled. There will be some bruising and swelling, and you will need to wear a compression garment or tight sports bra to help the healing process.
• The First Few Weeks After Surgery: Your implants have started to settle and will look more natural. Your scar will still be red and may be thick, but it should fade with time.