Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most frequently sought plastic surgery procedures. If you are seeking a first-rate breast augmentation specialist on Long Island or in Manhattan, contact Brian D. Cohen, MD today to schedule a consultation. Like all elective surgery, it should not be undertaken lightly. Let’s explore a bit about what is required to prepare for breast augmentation, so you can begin deciding whether this surgery is right for you and, if so, begin preparing for the procedure.
Good Reasons to Have Breast Augmentation
In some cases, women want to have breast augmentation surgery because they have always felt self-conscious about having small, asymmetrical, not fully rounded breasts, or breasts that seem inappropriately small in contrast to their hip contours.
In other situations, women have noticed negative changes in their breasts after pregnancy, weight reduction, or surgery that they would like to have corrected. In any case, patients come to Dr. Cohen wanting to feel more attractive and to feel like a better version of themself.
The improvement in your appearance and self-confidence due to breast augmentation can be dramatic. Looking the way you always wanted to look can affect your comfort level in social situations, in intimate relationships, when you shop for clothes, and as you dress. You should be aware, however, that although breast augmentation can make a substantive difference, it will not correct severely drooping breasts unless performed with a breast lift.
The Surgical Procedure Itself
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes place in a hospital, a free-standing ambulatory facility, or an office-based surgical suite. In most cases, the operation will take one to two hours to complete, though it may take longer if you are having a breast lift at the same time.
During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia, and local anesthesia will be used as well. Your vital signs and oxygen level will be carefully monitored throughout the operation.
There are two types of breast implants that may be used for this surgery: saline or silicone. Dr. Cohen will explain the differences between them, but both are approved by the FDA and considered safe. There are also two possible locations for the breast implants—behind the chest muscles or in front of them. Again, there are pros and cons to each choice; after a careful discussion with Dr. Cohen, you will be able to make an informed decision.
The incisions Dr. Cohen makes will be in inconspicuous places — on the underside of your breasts or around the areolas — so that barely any scarring will be visible. He will insert the implants into the pockets his incisions have created and skillfully close the incisions, bandage the area, and put a surgical bra on to support your breasts. Within a few days, you will be able to exchange the surgical bra for a sports bra.
What will recovery from breast augmentation be like?
For the first few days after breast augmentation, as after other surgeries, you will be tired and feel sore, but you should be able to return to work in a week or so. You can count on the fact that all stitches used by Dr. Cohen are dissolvable and that during the weeks after the procedure any pain, inflammation or sensitivity will diminish and disappear. By the same token, your scars will fade and be hardly apparent.
Things to Be Aware of After The Surgery
Mammograms may be more difficult to read postsurgically, so more images of your breasts may have to be taken. In addition, since nursing can be difficult, you may want to delay having the procedure until you feel that your family is complete.
How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation in the Period Before the Procedure
In addition to preparing yourself emotionally for the procedure by becoming well-informed about what to expect, your plastic surgeon will instruct you to:
- Stop smoking
- Stop using recreational drugs
- Take newly prescribed medications and/or stop taking other medications temporarily
- Get a blood test to rule out foreseeable problems
- Avoid taking aspirin and other NSAIDs that can increase bleeding
- Avoid certain herbal supplements that may also increase the risk of bleeding
- Hydrate both before and after surgery
- Wear a special bra to prepare your breasts
- Have a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammogram a few months after surgery (if you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer)
- Arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery and stay with you at least overnight
You will undoubtedly have other questions about breast augmentation. Nothing beats having a frank discussion with your breast augmentation surgeon before making the necessary decisions involved in having the procedure.
Contact Our Experienced Breast Augmentation Surgeon Today
Once you meet Dr. Cohen, you will realize that he is more than a renowned plastic surgeon. He is also a compassionate person who wants to help you feel attractive and more comfortable in your own body. Do something significant to change your life. Contact us in Great Neck or Manhattan now.