First Time Getting Breast Implants? Here’s What To Expect
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Many women who decide to undergo breast augmentation have actually been thinking about it for years before scheduling their first consultation. Whether you’ve been toying with the idea of breast implants for a decade or have just recently realized you want them, it can be an exciting and monumental decision! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi is proud to help women achieve their ultimate cosmetic goals with breast augmentation in Newport Beach, CA, and is committed to ensuring patients are well-prepared for what to expect before surgery and after the procedure. Use this helpful information from Dr. Hakimi to set yourself up for a smooth surgery, comfortable recovery, and stunning, long-lasting results.
What are my options for breast implants?
Before ever entering the operating room, you’ll have several selections to make regarding your breast implants, including:
- Type: One of the first decisions patients will make is if they want saline or silicone implants. While the choice is ultimately a personal one, Dr. Hakimi will help you understand which type of breast implant may be most appropriate for your particular case. For example, thinner patients are often good candidates for silicone gel implants, which don’t typically show as much rippling as saline implants. For patients younger than 22 years of age, saline implants are the only available option. A third choice – fat transfer to the breast – may be a good solution for women who prefer a more natural approach to breast augmentation without the need for synthetic implants.
- Size: Breast implant sizes are measured in cc’s, which refers to their volume. Many women consider selecting their breast implant size to be the most difficult part of the entire process, but the advice and direction of a qualified and highly experienced surgeon can simplify things. It is important to understand that, unlike standard cup sizes, breast implant sizes may look exceptionally different from woman to woman. For instance, a 450cc implant may look natural and proportional on a tall, broad-shouldered woman, but it may be appear dramatically oversized on a petite patient. Dr. Hakimi will be able to guide you through understanding which implant sizes may be most appropriate for your particular anatomy and goals.
In addition to breast implant type and size, you and your surgeon will discuss incisions, surgical approach, implant placement, and other details before scheduling your procedure.
How does breast augmentation work?
During your Newport Beach breast augmentation, which is performed while you are under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 – 3 hours, Dr. Hakimi will carefully place his incisions in predetermined locations. Most often, breast implants can be inserted through an incision just beneath the breast crease, making the resulting scars fairly well concealed. For patients who require breast lift along with their breast augmentation, additional incisions will be placed around the areola and/or vertically down the center of the breast.
Once the implants are in place, Dr. Hakimi will thoroughly evaluate position, size, symmetry, and other characteristics to ensure the best possible result before closing the incisions with sutures.
How long is the recovery after getting breast implants?
In the first few days after breast augmentation, most patients will experience fatigue, moderate pain or discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Hakimi and his caring team will provide you with prescription medications and other instructions to help relieve these symptoms. Patients typically begin to feel more like themselves about a week after surgery and often return to work within 10 – 14 days, though heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity will still be strictly off-limits for several more weeks. In most cases, patients are considered fully recovered after about 6 – 8 weeks, though their final results may continue to develop over the following months, as the residual swelling subsides and the implants settle into place.
How long do breast implants last?
One of the most important things patients should understand before undergoing breast augmentation is that breast implants are not meant to last forever. When placed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, breast implants can last for many, many years, though patients must understand that they will likely have to have their implants replaced at some point in the future. Possible reasons for breast implant replacement or revision may include:
- Implant rupture or leak
- Capsular contracture
- Implant malfunction
- Change in personal preference
Make sure you are prepared for breast augmentation in Newport Beach, CA
Without a doubt, the best way to find out everything you need to know regarding breast augmentation, including what to expect during surgery and recovery, is to consult with an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. Call our friendly team in Newport Beach today to schedule your private consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi, and give yourself the peace of mind you need for a smooth surgery and stunning outcome!