You will be doing yourself an invaluable favor by carefully reading the comments we wrote about the inevitable questions all candidates for breast augmentation cosmetic surgery usually ask the plastic surgeon.

Does a breast augmentation cosmetic surgery leave scars?
Fortunately, this surgery allows us to place the scars well hidden, which is very convenient in the first months. In order to better clarify the scar evolution, we report the different periods by which the scar will infallibly go through:

Immediate period: Goes until the 30th day, when it presents a little visible aspect and in some cases it shows a mild reaction to the stitches or dressing.
Intermediate period: From the 30th day until the 12th month. During this period, there will be a natural thickening of the scar, as well as a change in its color, as it will become darker (turning from the red to brown) that will gradually fade. This is the period of greatest concern for patients, as it is the least favorable for scar evolution. As we cannot hasten the natural healing process, we recommend patients not to worry, as the scar remains will be reduced in the late period.

Late period: From the 12th to the 18th month. In this period the scar begins to become lighter and less consistent, thus reaching its final aspect. Any assessment of the final result of the surgery should be made after this period

Where are the scars located?
Some surgeons place them in the groove between the breast and chest, while others place them in the area around the areola, and even in the armpit. Since the first postoperative days it is possible to wear a “a very generous neckline” because the scars are well disguised. As time goes by (see previous section), the scars will improve, to become almost unnoticeable in some cases.

I heard that some patients are left with very visible scars?

Some patients tend to develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. To some extent, this tendency can be assessed during the initial consultation by making a series of questions about your clinical history, as well as the analysis of family characteristics, which help us greatly about the prognosis of scars. Generally, fair-skinned people are less prone to have keloid or hypertrophic scars than dark-skinned or Asian people. However, this is not an absolute rule. As we have said, the analysis of the background will facilitate the prognosis of scars.

Can hypertrophic scars be corrected?
Several clinical and surgical resources allow the improvement of non-aesthetical scars, at the appropriate time. However, they cannot be confused with the characteristics of the healing period. You should clarify any doubt about the scar evolution with us rather than with other people who “are also anxious about the final result.”

What will be the size and consistency of my new breasts?
Breasts may have their volume increased by surgery. We also aim to improve their consistency and shape with surgical intervention, as we can choose the new volume with different sizes of silicone prosthesis available. We may use either preformed prosthesis (gelatin) or inflatable (saline solution), which gives us greater choice in the aesthetic result. There is a harmony between the optimal volume of the breasts and the chest size, and this is a characteristic that should be preserved in the planning of a surgery. The ratio of the volume of the new breast and the size of the chest must be maintained in order to achieve a better aesthetic harmony. The operated breast will go through several stages of evolution:

Immediate period: Up to the 30th day. In this period, although the breasts present a greatly improved appearance, their shapes and volumes are still below the desired outcome. Have this on your mind: //NO BREASTS WILL BE “PERFECT” IN THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PHASE //.

Intermediate period: It goes from the 30th day to the 3rd month – In this period the breasts begin to show an evolution towards the definitive form. Some lesser or greater degree of “swelling” of the breasts are characteristics of this period. Moreover, the mark of the scar is in full transition (see item 1). Despite the euphoria of most patients in this period, we usually say the results will be even better in the late period.

Late Period: From the 3rd to the 12th month. It is the period when the breasts reach their final look (scar, shape, consistency, volume, sensitivity etc.).
In this period we usually take pictures of the operated patients to compare them with the preoperative look of each of them. The degree of elasticity of the breasts’ skin and the volume of the inserted prosthesis have great significance on the final result. The balance between them varies from case to case.

How long will it take to see the definitive result?
Even though the immediate result is very good, only in the phase known as “late period” (see previous item) your breasts will have their final form.

What type of swimsuit can I use after the surgery?
Any kind of swimsuit of 1 or 2 items in the immediate, intermediate or late period, provided that the upper item is not very tight. For sure, after the maturation of scars, the suits may be more “generous”, as you wish.

Will the result last in case of a new pregnancy?

Your gynecologist will tell you about the convenience of a new pregnancy. As for the result, it can be preserved, as long as that expert controls your weight gain during the pregnancy. Generally, the new pregnancy does not affect the results, as the surgery is usually performed “outside the breast tissue.”

Is the postoperative painful?
Generally not, as long as you follow the doctor’s instructions, especially the ones regarding the movement of the arms in the first days. Eventually some pain may occur, but they can be easily overcome with the prescribed painkillers.

Is there any danger in this operation?
Rarely does an augmentation cosmetic surgery present serious complications, as each patient is adequately prepared. Additionally, we make a careful study on the convenience of the use of silicone implants, as well as on their possible complications.

What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia, high epidural or local anesthesia with assisted sedation. It depends on the case.

How long is the surgery?
About 02 to 03 hours.

How long is the hospital stay?
01 day (general anesthesia)
01 day (high epidural)
08 hours (local anesthesia with assisted sedation)

Are surgical dressings used?
Yes, elastic and modeling dressings, especially adapted to each type of breasts. The doctor exchanges them after the 7th postoperative day.

When are the stitches removed?
The type of stitches usually applied can be removed after the 10th postoperative day.

When can I take bath a full bath?
Usually, after 21 days. However, baths are near normal before that, you just need to observe the special cares.

How is the postoperative evolution?
You should not forget that, until your breasts reach the desired result, they will go through several stages (see items 1 and 5). If you happen to be concerned about “achieving the desired final result ahead of schedule,” do not turn it into suffering: be patient because your body will take care of spontaneously removing all the immediate inconveniences that inevitably will draw the attention of some friend who will not refrain from saying: // IS THIS REALLY GOING TO DISAPPEAR //? For sure you need to inform us of any concern you may have and we will give you all the necessary explanations so that you can have peace of mind.

When can I return to my gym?
Generally, after 60 days, with progressive exercises.

What is a capsular retraction?
It is an exaggerated retraction of the fibrous capsule of the organism (that forms around the prosthesis), which gives some degree of hardening in the region when touched. A certain percentage of cases may be subject to such retraction, but if this occurs in a high degree, the prosthesis can and should be removed through the same scar, through a surgery with local anesthesia. Surgeon and patient may consider on the convenience of reintroduction of smaller prosthesis or other procedure that best fits the case, at the same time or later. Capsular retractions is never a reflection of inexperience of the surgeon, but an anomalous behavior of the organism of patients.

Recommendations on breast augmentation cosmetic surgery

Preoperative recommendations:

• Inform us up to two days before the operation any case of flu, malaise or anticipation of the menstrual period.
• Be hospitalized at the hospital or clinic indicated in the Admission Guide, according to the schedule.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on the eve of surgery.
• Avoid any slimming drug that you may be using for a period of 21 days before surgery. This also includes diuretics.
• Schedule your social, domestic, professional or academic activities so as not to become indispensable to others for a period of approximately 30 days.

Postoperative recommendations:

• Avoid making efforts in the first 21 days
• Do not move your arms excessively. Follow the instructions that will be given at the time of hospital discharge in relation to the movement of the upper limb or massages.
• Avoid wetting the dressing until you are authorized to do so.
• Do not expose yourself to sun or cold, until you are authorized to do so.
• Follow the doctor’s prescription.
• Have a normal diet (except in specific cases that are prescribed otherwise).
• Return to the clinic for subsequent dressing, in the stipulated days and time.
• Refer to this booklet regarding the postoperative evolution as much as needed.
• You will probably be feeling so well to the point of forgetting that you have recently been operated. Be careful! This euphoria may lead you to an untimely effort, which will cause certain disorders.
• Do not worry about the forms in intermediate phases. Clarify any doubts with us.