Breast augmentations are very popular procedures. Enhancing the breasts can help many women gain more self-confidence and lead happier lives. When Dr. Diederich performs breast augmentation at his Illinois practice, he strives to achieve the shape and size of the breasts to meet patient expectations.
Although Dr. Diederich plays a big role in performing your breast augmentation, it is important to remember that YOU play a big part in your long-term results. Being prepared and knowing how to care for your breast implants after breast augmentation surgery is beneficial in helping you see long-lasting results.
How do I take care of myself after breast augmentation?
The weeks following your surgery should be a time for rest and relaxation. You should expect to take about a week off of work. Patients with physically demanding jobs can expect to be required to take more time off.
Compression garments should be worn for 6 full weeks, 23 hours a day. Slowly increasing activity over the course of 6 weeks is recommended for proper healing. Sleep is important while you are healing; we offer tips for sleeping after breast augmentation surgery in a related blog post.
Remember, everyone heals at different rates, so there is no exact timeline for recovery.
When is your post-op appointment after breast augmentation?
We loved having you in-office, and we would love to see you again! All of your follow-up appointments (3-week/6-week/1-year) are important for you to attend. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Diederich and our patient care coordinators to see how both you, and your new breast implants, are doing. Breasts can be swollen for up to 3 months after surgery and may appear larger, which is why we want to see you and ensure that everything is healing properly.
How often do breast implants need to be checked?
Because breast implants are man-made, they always run the risk of rupturing. If you are concerned that your implant has ruptured, our patient care coordinators are able to check using ultrasound imaging.
We recommend starting your ultrasound 2 years after your procedure and every year after that. The FDA offers additional information about monitoring your breast implants.
Signs of Rupture by Implant Type
Although the rate of a breast implant rupturing is lower than ever before, there is always a chance an implant can fail. Different implants rupture in different ways, so it is important to know how to identify if it has happened.
Saline– Saline implants have a less natural feel and appearance but are easier to correct when a rupture occurs. Ruptures in saline implants are usually more cost-effective and are easily detectable. When saline implants rupture, the body absorbs the saline solution, resulting in the breast going flat.
Silicone – Silicone breast implants offer patients a more natural look and feel but make it hard to tell if a rupture has taken place due to the density of the silicone gel. A slow leak may take place, putting a patient at possible risk if ignored for a prolonged period of time.
Living Your Life
Having a breast augmentation should enhance your life, not limit it. Being precautious and taking the necessary steps in recovery can really impact the longevity of your breast implants. As one of the most studied medical devices in history, breast implant technology is more advanced now than ever before.
Breast implant life expectancy averages 10 to 20 years, and they are very difficult to rupture. Just ask our team, we have driven over implants with SUVs, dropped them from the top of buildings, used them to play baseball, and even stepped on one with a stiletto heel. Breast implants are tough!
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or other plastic surgery options in the St. Louis area at our Glen Carbon, IL, practice use our online form to request a consultation or call us at 618-288-7855.
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