Considering breast implant surgery takes time and thought and Mr David Morgan wants to provide you with all the information possible to help you make the right decision for you.
The previous blogs in this series discuss your breast implant options and what makes an ideal candidate for the surgery. If this is your first time researching breast implant surgery, it might be a good idea to start reading from step one. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect from the surgery process.
Preparing for breast implant surgery
Preparation is the most important part of the surgery process. The surgery itself is just a step in a well-considered plan. Dr Morgan will first assess whether you are an appropriate candidate for the surgery. Once he has determined you are a potential candidate he will discuss at length with you the entire process. There are many decisions to make along the way, so developing a relationship with your doctor is really important. Dr Morgan is highly trained, specialist plastic surgeon who is committed to helping you make the right decision – for you.
Once you have decided to go through with the surgery, Dr Morgan will assess your breasts and determine the size limit for the implant. From here you will decide whether you would like to have silicone or saline implant fillings and the size, shape, and projection of the implant. While this may seem like a lot of factors to consider, Dr Morgan will be able to help you make an informed decision about each of them. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your preferences as you are the one going through the surgery.
The day of your surgery
Your surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic at a day hospital, or may involve an overnight stay.
You will arrive at the hospital for your surgery a few hours before the surgery will commence. Nurses will check you in and administer any pre-surgery medication. You will also speak with the anaesthetist who will go through some questions with you to ensure your absolute safety throughout the surgery. Once the operating room is prepared and ready, Dr Morgan will come and speak with you to go over any last minute questions and carry out the final pre-operative markings. Finally, you will be taken into the operating room to have your breast augmentation.
The surgery process
Your general anaesthesia will be administered via IV and you will be completely asleep throughout the entire surgery. You will not feel any pain or discomfort. Once you are fully asleep, your breasts will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a local anaesthetic will be used on the surgery area; this will reduce the level of discomfort post-surgery. After this, a small incision will be made to create a breast pocket below the existing breast tissue (either above or below the muscle) to make space for the implant. This incision will occur in the previously decided entry point – at the breast fold, around the areola, or through the armpit. Before the implant is inserted, the space is treated with an antibiotic solution to reduce any risks of infection. Finally, the implants are taken from sterile packaging and inserted into the breast pocket.
Recovery after breast implant surgery
After the surgery is completed you will be taken off anaesthesia and will naturally awake soon after. You will then be transferred to the recovery room where nurses will monitor you. Generally, you will stay in this room for around 30-40 minutes before either being returned to Day Surgery and discharged, or moved to your overnight room. You will be given a surgical bra to wear after the surgery to support your new breasts comfortably.
Your recovery time will vary depending on your personal situation. Dr Morgan and the entire team are committed to ensuring your entire treatment process, from the moment of your initial consultation through to your completed recovery, run as smoothly as possible. During your recovery time, Dr Morgan will be available for any questions or concerns and will instruct you to contact him if you are worried about anything.
After your surgery, you will be very weak and possibly, in some cases, prone to fainting or falling. To ensure your complete safety and proper recovery, you must ensure you leave the hospital with a capable adult who can stay with you for the following 24 hours. You shouldn’t be left alone throughout this time or walk without assistance. This includes any bathroom trips during the night.
It is expected and entirely normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising to your breasts after your surgery. Your breasts will be dressed to protect the incision wounds and support the new implants. Pain medication will be supplied to you to take when and, if you deem necessary, to minimise discomfort in the healing process.
Follow-up appointment
Within two weeks after your surgery you will attend your follow-up appointment with Dr Morgan. Here he will assess your progress and remove your stitches. You may also be required to attend further follow-up appointments. It is very important that you attend all scheduled appointments as this will be where Dr Morgan can ensure the proper healing process is occurring.