The Philosophy of Rapid Recovery
The Rapid Recovery philosophy takes into account every phase of breast augmentation surgery. It includes:
- Performing detailed patient education and generating informed consent
- Taking accurate and detailed measurement’s of the patients breasts and general anatomy
- Matching patients with the best implants based on their unique desires and measurements
- Making incisions along patients’ natural and existing skin creases below the breasts
- A ‘no touch’ method of implant delivery without the prior use of sizers
- Careful closure
After surgery, the patient may not need narcotic pain medication and may not need tight or painful wraps or bands (only a snug bra). While full recovery from plastic surgery and breast augmentation can take a longer amount of time, utilizing Rapid Recovery methods may possibly allow most patients to return to normal daily activities within 48 hours.
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Breast Augmentation Consultation
Choosing the best type of breast is an importance decision for any patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Today, American patients have more choices in breast implants than in any other time in history. Most patients choose some variation of the silicone gel filled implant that is made by one of the three major manufacturers: Mentor, Natrelle, or Sientra. Additionally, there is a new silicone gel filled device available: the highly cohesive, form stable silicone gel implants that has acquired the name ‘gummy bear breast implants’. While many plastic surgeons have not yet recognized its amazing benefits, are showing promise to be the implant with the least risk of complications overall.
Incisions
There are four potential incisions:
- Inframammary
- Peri-Areolar
- Axillary or Armpit
- Umbilical
Inframammary Incision
Peri-Areolar Incision
- Scar spread
- Discoloration
- Tethering
Further, advances in scientific research have shown that this method of breast augmentation puts patients at a high risk of experiencing capsular contracture, or a hardening of the breast due to scar tissue formation. Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgeries.
Axillary (Armpit) Incision
Umbilical Incision
Recovery
You may awake in recovery with minimal pressure and stiffness. You may be able to have a bra on which fits you in a gentle snug fashion. Once home, you may take a Motrin and begin passive stretching exercises to relax your muscles every hour during the first day. Many people can feel well enough to go out to dinner the first night. we ask that you follow up in my office the next day for a quick check, and then again the following week. Showering is permissible the day after surgery. You can possibly feel comfortable resuming all normal daily activities within 72 hours, including driving.
Tape will be applied to your incisions, which can possibly be changed one week after surgery. It is important to keep incisions covered with paper tape for the first 6 weeks for scar management. Some may also use silicone tape for added benefit.
Over the next few weeks, exercise may possibly be incorporated back into your daily activities. Full recovery should not be expected for possibly 3 months.