Breast implants are surgically placed saline or silicone sacs that increase breast size. Many women opt for breast implants for cosmetic reasons or to boost their confidence. They're also used for reconstructive surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery, with an estimated 307,000 procedures performed in 2008. The recovery experience from breast implants varies, depending on the size, type and placement of the implants, but most patients fully recover by the four-month mark.
Types
Breast implants come in different shapes, sizes and textures. Breast implants are composed of a shell that may be round or anatomical. Round implants are circular, whereas anatomical ones are teardrop-shaped and heavier on the bottom. Implants can also be smooth or textured. Smooth implants have a thinner, more flexible surface, while textured ones have a rougher outer shell. Breast implants are filled with either saline, a natural saltwater substance, or silicone, which is gel-like and thicker.
Time Frame
Your surgeon will place the implant either above or below the chest muscle. For implants placed above the muscle, recovery time tends to be faster and less painful, as the surgery is less invasive. Implants placed above the muscle may cause moderate pain and swelling, which may last a few weeks, with full recovery in about one month. Implants placed below the muscle may cause moderate to severe pain for the first two weeks, often requiring pain medication for a week. Below the muscle implants are usually completely settled and healed by four to six months.
Effects
Common side effects that breast implant patients may experience during recovery include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness of chest muscles and changes in nipple sensitivity. These effects should be temporary and go away within a few days or weeks. There is also a risk of infection following surgery, and plastic surgeons prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. If you have a high temperature or extreme pain, however, you may have an infection and should see your doctor immediately.
Considerations
Breast implants can be surgically placed in a variety of ways, including through the belly button, armpit or around the nipple. Some scarring is common during recovery, and scarring varies, depending on where the incisions are made. Saline implants placed through a tube going through the belly button usually cause minimal scarring, whereas silicone implants, which are often placed through incisions around the nipple, may cause more scarring. Armpit incisions may cause scars as well, but are usually not visible unless the arms are raised high.
Prevention/Solution
Side effects from breast implants can be minimized by taking a variety of precautions. After surgery, most doctors advise resting at home for up to one week. Putting ice packs on the swollen breasts after surgery will help reduce swelling and pain. Patients can take pain medications and antibiotics to cut down on pain and infections. Immediately after surgery, patients should not shower or raise their arms.
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