INFORMATION
BREAST AUGMENTATION
- A 4-5 cm incision is made in the inframammary fold. The resultant scar is well hidden by the breast, bra and bikini top.The implant (usually smooth) is placed behind the Pectoralis major muscle. Drains are inserted and the incisions closed with dissolvable stitches.Plasters are applied to keep the implants in position. Patients usually go home the same day, unless if they are from out of town in which case they are kept overnight. A script for pain killers and antibiotics is provided on discharge.
- Drains are usually removed after 3-4 days and plasters after 6 days. Patients are then shown how to massage/manipulate the implant to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the breast). The sick leave period ( stay at home and do not drive yourself ) applies for the first 2 weeks. The following 4 weeks of light duty means that arms may only be used for minor activities. Patients may go back to work and drive themselves. It is mainly shoulder movements that involves action of the Pectoralis major muscle, that must be avoided, since this could lead to displacement of the implant. Wrists and elbows may be used.
- Weight gain or loss in excess of 5-10 kg after the surgery can have a negative influence on the cosmetic result.
- Avoid any medication or supplements that have a blood thinning effect two weeks before the surgery. This increases the risk of bleeding . These include all aspirin containing medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines, herbal/homeopathic medicines and most vitamins/supplements.
- Stop smoking and the use of nicotine containing products for 4 weeks before until 4 weeks after the surgery. Nicotine reduces blood circulation to the skin. Nicotine also thickens the blood that increases the risk of DVT. The effect of smoking on the lungs increases the risk of coughing when waking up after the anesthetic thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
All the above and additional information as well as questions will be discussed in detail during consultation.
RISKS
BREAST AUGMENTATION
- Pain and swelling is quite significant, but can controlled by medication.
- Bleeding during or after surgery is usually associated with the use of blood thinning medicines that should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.
- Bleeding after the surgery could cause a hematoma ( blood collection in breast ) that may require surgical drainage in theatre or aspiration in the consulting rooms.
- Seroma is a collection of watery wound fluid that is treated in the same way as hematoma.
- Infection with/without wound disruption is rare. Preventative antibiotics are used to reduce this risk.The risk is higher in patients who smoke or use nicotine containing substances.
- Necrosis of skin ( death of skin due to lack of blood circulation ) on the breast or nipple-areola is also rare and is usually associated with smoking or the use of nicotine containing substances.
- Altered sensation in the breast or nipple-areolar skin can vary from none to hypersensitivity and is mostly of a temporary nature. Few patients may even experience temporary production of milk ( lactation ) by the breasts.
- Scarring is usually not significant, but varies between patients.
- Capsular contracture ( hardening ) occurs in roughly 2-5 % of patients. The sheath/capsule that the body forms around the implant shrinks/contracts creating less space for the implant. This causes the breast to feel firmer. It could progress and cause deformity of the breast or even become painfull. This may require further surgery.The implants are massaged in an attempt to reduce this risk.
- Asymmetry usually follows pre-operative asymmetry. Perfect symmetry between the two sides can never be achieved.
- Displacement or malpositioning of implants may happen if the post-operative recommendations are not followed.
- Specific bra size can not be requested or promised.
- Cleavage is determined by the width of every patients chest bone and can not be achieved by means of breast implants.
Further detail about the risks and preventative measures will be discussed during consultation.
ADDRESS
Denneboom Rd, Wilgers, Pretoria, 0040
Suite A1, Life Wilgers Hospital
Postal Address:
Box 11694, Silver Lakes, 0054
CONTACT US
Tel: 012 807 2695
Fax: 012 807 2696
CONSULTING ROOMS
Mo-Fr: 8:00 – 17:00