Breast Augmentation: Q&A

Patients today are so knowledgeable and ‘up’ on all kinds medical details, from trends, to surgery, to safe recovery. And that’s great news. An important part of the education process, is knowing how to ask good questions.

And, we get some great ones from people everywhere. Our own patients, and people around the world, interested in plastic surgery topics. Frankly, answering your great questions helps keep us on our toes too!

Here’s a recent exchange with a patient, who had great, specific questions about breast augmentation. It started as one, but includes five topics that might help you as well:

Q:  What are good things to know before Breast Augmentation?

When can I start working out after the surgery? I work out about 5 times a week. Is getting implants more painful on females who work out due to the amount of muscle? What is good for the incision scars? For gummy bear implants, do you have to massage your breast to help them to drop a little? I saw a video that stated that for the gummy bear textured implant you don’t really have to massage your breast after surgery. Is that true?

A:  There are a number of things to consider before having a breast augmentation.

  • First, a patient should be doing this for themselves and not just to please a spouse or partner.
  • You should have the procedure when time permits.  Don’t schedule the surgery at a time when you are over-stressed either at work or at home.
  • Don’t sacrifice necessities for a breast augmentation – this is an elective/cosmetic procedure – treat it as such.
  • When choosing a surgeon, get at least two consultations and be certain your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast augmentation experience.  Ask your doctor if you can talk to former patients about the surgery – this can help you know what to expect both before and after your procedure.

With regard to the specific questions asked:

1) When can I start working out?

Most plastic surgeons will advise their patients not to exercise strenuously for at least 3 to 4 weeks following the procedure.

2) Does greater muscle mass make implant surgery more painful?

No, just because you exercise and are fit, it will not make the surgery more painful or your recovery more difficult.

3)  Any tips for treating the incision scars?

There are a number of good topical scar treatments (treatments available through your doctor’s office, or some that can be found at the local drug store), check with your surgeon for scar healing information, and their preference for products you might use.

4)  What about massage? Do you need to do it after surgery even with a ‘gummy bear’ implant?

Breast massage can help decrease the risk of a tight scar capsule from forming in all types of implants – saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants.

Natrelle silicone implant
I hope this has been helpful to you.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

(That was Dr. Lepore’s response in this case. If you have questions, please feel free to call us at (408) 356-4241, about Breast Augmentation, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure. Cosmetic Consultations are free of charge.)

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