Taking Care of Your Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country. With advances in implant placement techniques, as well as the implants themselves, breast augmentation surgery is safer than it has ever been.
Once a woman has made the decision to move forward with her breast augmentation surgery or breast lift with implants, the correct size has been chosen to fit her goals and body type, and the surgery has been completed, there are ways that women can help maintain their newly enhanced breasts. By taking the time to follow these tips, women can minimize their chances for revision surgery in the future.
- BREAST MASSAGE: One of the most common occurrences after a breast augmentation surgery is known as capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a tightening around the pocket where the breast implant was placed during surgery. This can lead to painful discomfort in the breasts. To help with capsular contracture and other potential issues, surgeons may recommend massaging your implants. In some cases, massaging your breast implants a week after surgery (or longer if advised by your surgeon) will help your implant to settle into the far pocket in your body, which will prevent tightening.
- WEAR A PROPER FITTING BRA: Many women, with or without breast implants, are currently wearing a bra that does not fit properly. Poorly fitting bras not only lack the support a woman needs to feel comfortable, but can lead to discomfort around the body and in the shoulders where the bra sits. In the case of implants, wearing a bra that fits properly can lend support to the new implants, preventing the possibility of the implant “bottoming out” or other unwanted shifting.
- MAMMOGRAMS/MRI’s: Mammograms are an essential part of women’s health, but for women with breast implants, especially silicone implants, being sure to schedule them regularly is just as important as before augmentation. Make sure to let your doctor or physician know about your implant ahead of time, as additional views will be obtained to complete your mammogram.
- MEDICATION AND DENTAL WORK: When it comes to dental work, many dentists insist that women with breast implants take antibiotics prior to having oral work done. When infections occur, they tend to migrate to other foreign areas in the body, such as breast implants. By letting your dentist know about your breast implants, and pre-medicating prior to dental procedures, you can protect yourself and your breasts from complications that can arise from infection.
Breast augmentation surgery can provide women with long lasting, beautiful looking breasts if they are taken care of. These easy to follow instructions, provided by Dr. Pinsky, a cosmetic surgeon in Florida, can ensure that you have the best possible results from your breast augmentation procedure for the life of your implants.