Have you made the decision that you are unhappy with your current breast size and would like to make some surgical enhancements? Are you tired of feeling like you can’t properly fill your bra, or perhaps your breasts are two completely different sizes, and you’re looking to “even them out,” or then again, maybe you just want to create a more balanced body shape?
There are plenty of factors that go into the decision-making process to go ahead with breast augmentation surgery, but what women also have to be aware of is their expectations.
Now that you’ve made the decision to go ahead with breast augmentation, what can you expect before, during, and after the procedure? Let’s take a closer look.
What to Expect Before Breast Augmentation?
Before you go ahead and book an appointment, the first step will be a consultation. This provides you with a chance to meet with the doctor, discuss what your expectations and wishes are, ask questions about the procedure, discuss your own medical history, and learn what your expected outcome will be.
You will discuss the size, proportions, where the incision will be, and even what kind of implants you want (saline or silicone).
As Dr. Lincenberg points out on his website, this is a great time to not only learn about the procedure itself but also the aftercare, and what kind of results you should expect. Dr. Lincenberg is a board-certified surgeon based in Georgia who you might want to request a breast augmentation consult from before making a decision.
An expert like this can go over your health records and provide you with the trusted advice you’ll need. Talking with an expert in person will give you the change, to both the patient (you) and the doctor, to lay everything out on the table.
What to Expect from the Procedure Itself?
As for how the breast augmentation procedure is done, you can expect to be put under general anesthesia for the entire process. This ensures everything is stress-free and pain-free. The surgery duration will depend on the procedure itself, but you won’t wake up until everything is done.
Ideally, you should have a friend or family member there with you in order to take you home. There will also be immediate swelling and some pain when you wake.
What to Expect from the Recovery Process?
In terms of the after-care or recovery process, this will vary from person to person. In general, it’s completely normal to feel pain and discomfort, at least the initial few days or even a couple of weeks. There is usually a lot of swelling in the area, and until that starts to come down, it can be uncomfortable.
There will be specific breast massage techniques that you will need to follow during the recovery process, which your doctor will show you. As well you will likely need to wear a special bra to be worn during the initial days/weeks. In general, you can expect the recovery process to last about six weeks in total, but the pain is usually gone after week one or two.
Make Sure You Go Into the Procedure Informed
At the end of the day, breast augmentation can be a very straightforward procedure with a smooth recovery period. The key, of course, is to go into the procedure informed and ask any questions you may have.
Photo by Dainis Graveris on Unsplash
