HOW LONG DOES THE SWELLING LAST AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
One of the most frequent questions that you ask us in the consultation is what the recovery will be like after breast augmentation surgery and if your chest will “swell a lot”.
WHAT DOES INFLAMMATION CONSIST OF?
We must be aware that breast augmentation is a surgery, and even if it is an aesthetic intervention, it is not without a recovery period as can any other surgery, such as appendicitis or knee surgery. That is, we will have to go through a postoperative process.
After the “aggression” suffered by the tissues during surgery, an inflammatory process is triggered to “repair” said tissues.
This inflammatory process, which serves to regenerate damaged tissues, develops generating the following clinical manifestations:
- Pain
- Flushing or redness of the area.
- Heat due to the increase in local temperature in the intervened area.
Volume increase. - In some cases bruises may appear.
The inflammatory process begins immediately after surgery, but reaches its maximum peak around 48 hours later.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS GOING TO BE?
During the first 48-72 hours after surgery, the patient’s sensations can be described as a feeling of tension, pressure in the chest, and “stiffness” type discomfort.
In many cases, it is also common for the back muscles to bother because the first few days there is a tendency to have a more “stooped” back, and even in patients prone to contractures in the neck or back muscles, these are may suffer, in these cases it may be convenient to go to a physiotherapist to help relax the muscles.
Many times the discomfort is not symmetrical, and it is perfectly normal that one breast does not bother at all and the other is more sore, or that one arm can be moved perfectly and the other is a little more difficult.
Sometimes there is also a very characteristic sensation that consists of a kind of bubbling or subcutaneous crackling.
HOW LONG DOES THE INFLAMMATORY PROCESS LAST?
The inflammation process lasts for several weeks.
As we have mentioned before, its maximum peak is around 48 hours after surgery and the desinflammation process will last several weeks or even months.
The first days and even for a few weeks, depending on the volume and quality of the skin, it is normal to have firm, tense and rounded breasts. It will be with the passing of the weeks that the process of accommodation of the prosthesis will be completed, the tissues will adapt and the breasts will acquire their new shape and volume.
WHEN DO OPERATED BREAST SOFTEN?
For the reasons indicated above, we will not be able to talk about the definitive results of the surgery until several months have passed. Although from 6 weeks we will begin to notice the softer and more comfortable breasts.
PHOTOS OF THE INFLAMMATORY PROCESS
Next, we show you in images the evolution of the postoperative inflammation of a breast augmentation surgery.
DO YOU HAVE ONE BREAST MORE INFLATED THAN ANOTHER?
In the postoperative period of a breast surgery, even performing the same technique on both breasts, they can evolve independently of each other and differently in the process of inflammation and recovery.
So that sometimes each breast has its own rhythm and we can get the feeling that one adapts more quickly than the other until the final result is finally settled.
That is why we can notice one breast slightly more swollen than the other or that one causes us more discomfort than the other or even that one of the pectoral muscles contracts for a few days.
This fact is common in this type of surgery and keeping the alarm signs under control is part of normal recovery.
6 Basic Cares before a Mammoplasty
Before undergoing an augmentation mammoplasty, you must be completely mentally and physically ready. Augmentation mammoplasty requires taking care of your body, as well as having your home prepared to be relaxed and without any worry when you are back from surgery. After the surgery you must dedicate yourself to being relaxed and resting in order to have a better recovery. You must do everything possible to have everything you need ready, this is a list of some basic things that will make the recovery more bearable:
- Make sure your house is tidy for when you return from surgery. The environment of your home is essential for recovery, leave all the household chores ready, you should not worry about “fixing the house”, have your favorite food ready and everything you consider necessary to be really comfortable, your only concern it should be rest.
- Prepare a post-operative kit, it is really important that you anticipate things, prepare a table with basic elements that help you have a calm recovery, it is likely that after the surgical intervention you will feel some discomfort and pain, it is not good that you are getting out of bed every 5 minutes to look for something, have water, medicines, your phone with charger, everything you need to avoid stopping again and again.
- Ask someone to help you with your children or pets, at least for the first few days, for some days you will not be able to do much and you should not put yourself at risk taking the dog out or preparing your baby’s food.
- Buy food or ask for addresses, you must understand that your only mission for a few days will be to rest and let your body recover from breast augmentation surgery, do not complicate your life preparing food, it is practiced and ordered at home or let it someone else help you prepare the food.
- Wear comfortable clothes, the first days after the surgery you will not be able or want to raise your arms, make sure you have loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off, a good idea is to be in your pajamas all day.
- Transportation, after surgery you must return to your home or the place you chose to recover, make sure you have someone you trust to help you return home after surgery.
The most important thing after breast augmentation surgery is that you understand that your only task for a few days is to rest, relax, recover, it seems somewhat minor but it is extremely important to have an effective and successful post-operative.
Breast augmentation surgery, the most frequently asked questions
Breast augmentation surgery and the most common questions
You probably have a lot of questions hanging around your head all day if you are planning to have mammoplasty or breast augmentation surgery. With so many articles on the internet, it is not an easy task to know what information is reliable, in this post we will make an effort to answer the most common questions about mammoplasty in Colombia.
Is recovery painful?
All surgical intervention has some impact on the body and it is hardly normal for it to react, this means that it is normal for some discomfort to come in the days after the visit to the operating room. In any case, with a professional medical team you will be able to receive the necessary care to make the post-operative something more bearable.
Are there scars?
It is a normal question and especially for breast augmentation surgery, it is extremely important to make it clear that regardless of which surgical procedure you do, there will always be a mark on your body, this is one of the reasons to choose your surgeon well .
How much does a mammoplasty cost in Colombia?
It is difficult to calculate a standard price, since there are many factors that intervene when setting a value for this service, starting with the characteristics of the patient, the trajectory and prestige of the surgeon, the clinic, the type of mammoplasty to be performed, among other details that influence the price. The normal order is to make a face-to-face or virtual consultation with the surgeon, so the latter will have important information that will make the quote more accurate.
Capsular contracture, what is it?
During the adaptation of the breast implants, it can happen that these do not adhere properly and this creates an overcrowding of tissue in the area. This leads to pain, swelling, and deformity in the chest. Fortunately for you, these cases are very rare and in the remote case they do happen they can be treated with antibiotics.
Smooth or rough implants?
This is a very generalized doubt, which type of implant to use, simplifying the matter, rough implants have a lower risk index with regard to capsular contracture. These adhere better to the internal tissues, on the other hand, smooth breast implants have a higher index and probability of displacement.
Loss of Sensitivity in the Breasts after Plastic Surgery
One of the biggest concerns that patients have before and after breast augmentation plastic surgery is sensitivity, in this post we will address this issue to try to clarify the doubts.
This is one of the most widespread myths about augmentation mammoplasty, the loss of sensitivity in the area, it is important to make it clear that during the first weeks after surgery some patients notice lack of sensitivity, however it is normal and recovers after a few more days without any problem.
It is necessary to emphasize that during the surgical intervention there are some alterations in the nerve terminals of the tissue, therefore, some sensitive branches are affected. But don’t worry, after a while they automatically recover and regenerate normally. During this process you can also feel cramps or pricks, but we insist it is not to worry it is part of the expected symptoms, your body is recovering from an operation.
Similarly, the loss of sensitivity involves different areas surrounding the access route for the implant. If the selected route is the areola there is a lower risk of loss of sensitivity than when the operation is performed on the areola-nipple. On the other hand, when the incision is made through the axilla, the decrease in sensitivity occurs in the arm, but this is temporary.
It is very important to speak with the surgeon who will perform the surgical intervention, and make everything clear so that the patient can have a better idea of what will happen after the breast augmentation operation.
Loss of sensation is rare, however, if it can occur, since each body is unique, this is one of the reasons why each surgery is planned individually.
One of the biggest concerns that patients have before and after breast augmentation plastic surgery is sensitivity, in this post we will address this issue to try to clarify the doubts.
This is one of the most widespread myths about augmentation mammoplasty, the loss of sensitivity in the area, it is important to make it clear that during the first weeks after surgery some patients notice lack of sensitivity, however it is normal and recovers after a few more days without any problem.
It is necessary to emphasize that during the surgical intervention there are some alterations in the nerve terminals of the tissue, therefore, some sensitive branches are affected. But don’t worry, after a while they automatically recover and regenerate normally. During this process you can also feel cramps or pricks, but we insist it is not to worry it is part of the expected symptoms, your body is recovering from an operation.
Similarly, the loss of sensitivity involves different areas surrounding the access route for the implant. If the selected route is the areola there is a lower risk of loss of sensitivity than when the operation is performed on the areola-nipple. On the other hand, when the incision is made through the axilla, the decrease in sensitivity occurs in the arm, but this is temporary.
It is very important to speak with the surgeon who will perform the surgical intervention, and make everything clear so that the patient can have a better idea of what will happen after the breast augmentation operation.
Loss of sensation is rare, however, if it can occur, since each body is unique, this is one of the reasons why each surgery is planned individually.
10 Tips for your breast augmentation surgery in Colombia
Breast augmentation in Colombia
Many women feel the need to increase their breasts as they are a direct expression of their femininity and breast surgery can provide a fuller appearance while improving proportions.
Our professionals have been great providers of breast augmentation in Colombia for more than 10 years. Dr. Luis Fernando is known for his excellent results, quick recovery, and minimal scarring. Cosmetic breast implants can improve the asymmetry, shape, size, and contours of the breasts.
Am I a candidate for breast implants?
The first step is to get in touch with our professionals, we have a quick response assistance team to answer all your questions through a virtual or face-to-face consultation.
You must bear in mind that one of the most important filters to know whether or not you are a candidate for breast augmentation surgery is that you cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding and you must be in excellent health.
Benefits of breast augmentation
Breast augmentation helps women improve and enhance the appearance of their figure in different ways, such as:
Improving body contour
Some people find that a flat chest makes them look and feel less feminine. Breast augmentation can provide a more feminine-looking silhouette. Pear-shaped or square-shaped patients find that breast augmentation provides a more cosmetic hourglass shape.
Adjusting the size of the breasts after pregnancy or lactation
In many women, breastfeeding and pregnancy can leave the breasts stretched, saggy, and deflated. With many options for breast implant size, breast augmentation can help reverse deflation and recreate pre-pregnancy breasts by providing fullness, firmness, and improving stretched skin. Some women benefit even more from a breast lift (mastopexy) in addition to implants.
Breast augmentation
Regain a more youthful appearance
There are some patients who have sagging breasts, they often tell us that their bodies seem aged; This can occur at a variety of ages and can be caused by poor skin elasticity, genetics, or weight loss (i.e. after bariatric surgery). Breast enlargement with or without a breast lift (mastopexy) can provide a more youthful appearance and can tighten the skin of the breasts.
Shape and texture of breast implants
Round Breast Implants – Round breast implants are most widely used for their ability to provide a fuller appearance and uniform shape, making these implants extremely stable.
Textured breast implants. Many breast implant companies have recalled textured breast implants and recommend their removal in symptomatic patients.
How is breast augmentation performed in Colombia?
Breast augmentation is most often done with implants that are inserted into the breasts below the pectoral muscle. Breast implants have a silicone covering and are filled with saline or silicone gel. Most silicone implants are cohesive gel commonly known as “gummy bear” implants. Our medical team recommends smooth silicone or saline implants.
Colombia breast augmentation
Anesthesia for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is generally performed with total sedation of the patient. Our team of surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize pain and allow for quick recovery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
After your breast augmentation procedure, you will need to relax and get plenty of rest for 48 hours. It is normal to have pain and swelling, and these side effects will improve within a few weeks. Dr. Luis Fernando and Dr. Nicole are facilitators in your recovery with their methods of breast augmentation without drainage. This means there will be no surgical drains in place to care for while you focus on healing.
Also, thanks to the advanced techniques of our doctors, most patients have camouflaged scars after breast augmentation. Dr. Luis Fernando and Dr. Nicol will provide you with a detailed list of instructions for recovery and when to follow up with him. It will also let you know when you can return to your normal activities.
Cost of breast augmentation in Colombia
There is no one-time cost for breast augmentation. Costs depend on the type of implant, the desired change, the location of the incision, and more. Our medical team will be able to give you an individualized estimated cost of your personalized breast surgery during your evaluation appointment. Different payment and financing options are provided to patients that same day to help make any procedure affordable for our patients.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Solving Common Doubts
What about the swelling and bruising?
It is normal that during the first days you will feel pain and swelling .. Pain is normal, but determining how much is unpredictable. If you’ve done surgery very well in the past, then you should be fine. Our doctors will prescribe pain medication for you. Swelling and bruising are also normal signs of the healing process. The swelling will be noticeable for the first 3 days and then gradually disappear. By the end of the first few weeks, half of the swelling is gone. During this first period, your breasts appear larger than their final size, due to the swelling. By the sixth or eighth week, a large part of the swelling is gone. And after 6 months almost all the swelling is gone.
When can I travel?
You must wait at least 2 weeks before traveling after surgery. A good rule of thumb is when you are off your strongest pain medication and can get up unaided you are ready to go for a short drive.
When can I go back to work?
Most people return to work after 3-4 days. Jobs like computer work or talking on the phone can start even earlier, if you have intense work that involves a lot of work or physical activity, you may have to wait 5-6 weeks until you are ready for work. What kind of scars can you expect? Scarring is an unpredictable part of any surgery, and to a large extent, scarring is determined by your genetics. If you are prone to hypertrophic (wide, raised) keloid scars, be sure to inform your surgeon ahead of time. Our surgeons use all available techniques to minimize scarring. Keep in mind that after several months, your scars will start to fade, although it will never completely disappear. It takes a few years for a scar to heal complete.
Types of breast implants: Anatomic, Ergonomic and Round
It is very common that many of the patients when they come to our clinic are not clear when we ask them the question “What result do you want to obtain with breast surgery?” The most listened to responses are “I want to have a pronounced neckline”, “I want them to look natural, but with volume”, “I do not want them so stopped”.
But there are several differences between the types of breast implants, which can be used by plastic surgeons in Colombia, there are round, anatomical and ergonomic. If you have doubts about which type of breast implant is best for you, read this article to the end, but first let’s start at the beginning.
What is a breast implant?
First of all, you have to be clear that it is a breast implant, you must know what you are going to insert into your body. Implants are categorized as a medical product, they are inserted into the breast through surgery under the pectoral muscle, under the mammary gland or in an intermediate plane, their function is to give more volume to the breasts or improve their appearance after some malformation.
What implant should I choose?
When you decide to have breast augmentation surgery, you should not only think about the size of the implants, you should also think about the proportionality and harmony with respect to your body. A good surgeon will look for a perfect result taking into account factors such as height, texture and of course the wishes of the patient. For this there are a variety of sizes, shapes and projections of breast implants, Round, Anatomic and Ergonomic, these are their main differences.
Types of Breast Implants:
Round Breast Prosthesis: Its base is round in shape, its point of maximum projection is right in the middle. It is a totally symmetrical implant, since the filling is spread evenly throughout the area. Provides equal volume at the upper and lower pole.
Anatomical Breast Prosthesis: They have the shape of a drop of water, their base is round or in the shape of an oval, they have a more natural appearance, simulating the normal fall of the breast, the point of greatest projection is close to 40% of the implant. This means that most of the filling will be in the lower part of the breast.
Ergonomic Breast Prosthesis: Filled with adaptive gel, it has the ability to move, the maximum projection point changes depending on the position the person is in, they will be similar to the Anatomical ones if they are standing and similar to the round ones if the people are lying down.
See Before and After Cases of breast surgery.
Round breast implants
Their volume is distributed evenly, when inserted into the surgical pocket, they fill the breasts in a homogeneous way, this means that after the surgery the measurements of the chest will be the same in the upper and lower pole. The result it generates is a very striking neckline in the shape of a heart, of course it will also depend on the condition of the patient.
When should round-shaped prostheses be used?
It depends, but following common logic, this tells us that, in patients with little breasts, round-shaped prostheses do not offer a “natural”-looking result, they are more useful in cases where the patient already has a certain amount of volume in the breasts, but you want a cleavage with more projection and filling. The round prostheses when implanted behind the pectoral muscle manage to provide full breasts with good definition.
Anatomical breast implants
They are shaped like a tear, are asymmetrical in height and width, have more filling in the lower part, the intention of this shape is to achieve a “more natural” result since it resembles the natural shape of a breast, it is very popular for the correct asymmetries, due to their shape they are the most used in patients with very little volume.
When should anatomical prostheses be used?
This type of breast prosthesis provides excellent results, due to its shape it can give a generous increase without having to give up the natural appearance, it is usually the indicated prosthesis if the patient has little volume in her breasts and wants to obtain a noticeable result, but of appearance natural.
Ergonomic Breast Implants
Made with a state-of-the-art silicone gel, which is more flexible and viscous. It achieves a natural breast feel and behavior, as the padding adapts to the movement and position of the person. In this way, it is possible to perceive “more natural” to the eye, additionally it has the advantage of having greater flexibility which allows the surgeon to make an easier insertion, with a smaller incision.
Comparison chart key differences between types of anatomical, ergonomic and round breast prostheses
| Types of breast prostheses | Ergonomic | Anatomical | Round |
| Natural appearance while standing | Yes | Yes | Maybe |
| Natural appearance while lying down | Yes | Maybe | Maybe |
| Movement and feel similar to natural fabric | Yes | No | No |
| Insertion difficulty | Minimal | Normal | Normal |
| Prevent rotation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
