Breast Augmentation FAQ
Is breast augmentation surgery painful?
Will I need a breast lift with my augmentation?
Are there natural ways to enhance breasts?
How can I ensure that my breasts will look how I imagined?
Do I need a mammogram before my augmentation surgery?
Will my implants need replacement in the future?
What anesthesia should I expect during my procedure?
How long is the recovery for breast augmentation?
Does breast augmentation have any risks?
What will happen during your consultation?
What is the goal of breast augmentation?
Is breast augmentation surgery painful?
The surgery itself is not very painful for the patient, but does involve incisions. These incisions can be uncomfortable in the early stages of healing, but you will have prescription medication to keep you comfortable, which is typically unnecessary after a few days. Most patients upon whom we perform breast enhancement tell us that recovery was less of a problem than they expected. Dr. Andres uses highly advanced surgical techniques to limit incision size as well as a rapid-recovery type of breast surgery.
Will I need a breast lift with my augmentation?
If you see your breasts sagging after pregnancy and breastfeeding or due to aging skin, you may need a breast lift along with augmentation in order to achieve the look that you envision for yourself. A private consultation will reveal whether this is necessary in your individual case.
Are there natural ways to enhance breasts?
While you may see promotions for creams that increase breast size, these do not work. One method that does not involve breast implants is a natural fat transfer breast augmentation; however, this procedure cannot significantly increase breast size and is appropriate for patients who want a moderate increase in breast size or want improved shape.
How can I ensure that my breasts will look how I imagined?
Dr. Andres will offer that you use his sizing system as well as show you many images of women with similar body types before and after the surgery. The main point in achieving the breasts that you envision is open, accessible communication with Dr. Andres. He will advise you about the types and sizes of implants that will achieve your desired look, an accurate surgical approach to your individual body, as well as help you decide together what will be best for you in regards to your goals and expectations. Click here to learn more about breast implant types.
Do I need a mammogram before my augmentation surgery?
Some women, depending on age or breast history, will be advised to have a mammogram before their breast augmentation surgery to rule out the presence of breast cancer. A mammogram is a simple procedure; once complete, you can proceed to surgery with confidence that your breasts are in good health.
Will my implants need replacement in the future?
Implants are artificial prosthetics and eventually may need to be replaced. The question is… how long? Most patients with modern implants can expect them to last a long, long time. The FDA issued a report that revealed the facts about implant replacement. One out of five women will require revision after approximately ten years, while the others must do nothing. It depends on the individual and whether an issue has developed, such as excessive scar tissue affecting breast shape (capsular contracture) or implant rupture.
What anesthesia should I expect during my procedure?
Dr. Andres may suggest three options for anesthesia during your breast augmentation in Phoenix. These are local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation. Each type of anesthesia has pros and cons; it is best to select it in consultation with your doctor.
How long is the recovery for breast augmentation?
Every patient who comes to our Scottsdale Plastic Surgery office differs in regards to how quickly the body heals. Generally, younger and healthier patients recover more rapidly. When planning your surgery, you must expect to take at least a week off from any activity that puts additional stress or pulls on the upper body – including stretching, lifting, or raising your arms. You are advised to take at least one week off from work. Some patients may need more time, but a typical patient feels strong enough to return to work (other than jobs requiring heavy physical activities such as lifting) after approximately one week. You will wear a compression garment to secure your new breasts while healing for up to six weeks. Dr. Andres will advise you when you can remove it.
Does breast augmentation have any risks?
All cosmetic surgeries have some risk. As far as the breast augmentation procedure is concerned, some risks include:
- Surgical and anesthetic risks
- Unfavorable scarring
- Rippling
- Implant displacement
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding and infection
- Unsatisfactory results
Some of the potential long-term problems may include the following:
- Implant leakage or deflation: This usually requires implant removal and replacement surgery.
- Capsular contracture: occurs when the capsule or scar surrounding the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. The patient can feel their breast harden, or potentially pain, when there is capsular contracture.
What will happen during your consultation?
A comfortable, compassionate aura that your surgeon is listening to you will be felt from the first meeting. During your consultation with Dr. Andres, he will review your your medical history, desires regarding physical enhancement through breast augmentation, as well as perform a careful physical examination and breast aesthetic measurement. Doing so gives Dr. Andres a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and allows a development of a surgical plan to help get you there with your goals in mind. Dr. Andres will then examine the areas that you have discussed so that he can give his professional opinion on what course to take for your breast augmentation and help you decide what is best for you.
During your consultation, you are encouraged to voice any questions or concerns so that he can address them appropriately. You must feel comfortable and confident in your choice for physical enhancement and breast implant types, so that come your surgery day, you need only to focus on relaxing. Dr. Andres aims to provide the best breast augmentation results Phoenix/Scottsdale offers, utilizing his expert education, training, and experience throughout the years.
What is the goal of breast augmentation?
Whether you choose breast augmentation as a single procedure or alongside adjunct breast enhancement procedures, Dr. Andres’ goal is to help you ultimately feel confident in how your body looks and how you feel.
If you would like to further discuss your available options for breast augmentation in the Phoenix & Scottsdale area with Dr. Andres, you can request a consultation online. Or, you are more than welcome to contact the office directly, and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.