A breast surgery is a surgical procedure that must be realized by a specialized plastic surgeon, and that generally has the purpose of modifying the natural shape of the breasts: it can be an augmentation, a reduction, or a lift.
The breast surgery procedure may vary depending on its purpose, meaning, it may be different if it is a breast augmentation, breast lift, breast Reduction or breast reconstruction.
Below, we explain what each of them is about and what the procedure is like:
1. Breast augmentation (implants & Auto-augmentation& fat): Patients who opt for this procedure are motivated by reconstructive reasons, especially when their breast has been affected by disease, or directly for aesthetic reasons.
This surgery is based on placing implants under the breast tissue to increase its volume, and even lift them.
- Estimated breast augmentation recovery time: 4–6 weeks
- Life span: 20–25 years.
2. Breast lift (mastopexy): It is an ideal procedure for those women looking to obtain a natural-looking breast lift, this procedure is focused on removing excess skin to reshape the breast tissue and achieve a breast lift.
- Estimated recovery time: 4–6 weeks
- Life span: The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Over time, gravity and other factors can cause the breasts to sag again. Age, weight fluctuations, genetics, smoking, etc.
3. Breast Reductuon: It is the ideal procedure for women with a significant breast size, who suffer from back or lumbar pain.
During this process, excess fat is removed from the breast tissue, resulting in a significant reduction, that not only combats pain, but also improves breast appearance.
- Estimated recovery time: 4–6 weeks
- Life span: The results of a breast reduction are long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Over time, gravity and other factors can cause the breasts to sag again. Age, weight fluctuations, genetics, smoking, etc.
4. Breast reconstruction: It is generally a surgery intended for women who have overcome breast cancer, as this surgery can be used to reconstruct the size of the breasts.
- Estimated recovery time: 4–6 weeks
- Life span: The results of a breast reconstruction are long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Over time, gravity and other factors can cause the breasts to sag again. Age, weight fluctuations, genetics, smoking, etc.
Tips Prior to Breast Surgery
- Mammography test: This test will help discard any signs of breast cancer, and avoid complications following the surgical process.
- Avoid smoking: Tobacco can have harmful effects on the amount of oxygen in the blood (and other vital organs), so a detoxification of 6 to 8 weeks before surgery is recommended.
- Pre-surgery feeding: It is not advisable to ingest food or drinks from midnight the day before surgery. This avoids complications with anesthesia, reflux, etc.
- Skin cleaning: It is advisable that before (and after) the surgery to clean the area with antibacterial soap, and avoid the use of lotions, perfumes or fragrances; this way any risk of infection is eliminated.
Post - Surgery Recovery Process
- Follow a balanced and appropriate diet during the first weeks.
- Opt for oral medications to treat discomfort in case you require it.
- After the bandage is removed, you must wear a surgical brassiere, type of brassiere and the time you must wear it will be indicated.
- You must attend the lymphatic drainage appointments, as they will help reduce the inflammation.
- You must keep your upper body resting and sleep on your back.
- Alcoholic beverages and smoking should be avoided during the entire recovery period.
And last but not least, you must attend the follow-up medical appointments to evaluate the evolution process of your surgery.
Have you already decided to go for a great change? Our team is open for consultations and to do the evaluation, in order to help you with all the requirements to plan your surgery.