Breast Augmentation FAQs – Questions about Breast Enhancement Surgery

Breast Augmentation is a popular surgery performed by Melbourne Plastic Surgeon Dr Carmen Munteanu. Here are the most popular questions that patients ask her about Breast Augmentation FAQs

Planning for Breast Augmentation FAQs

How to find a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation?

• Research is the key. Internet is your best friend in this regard. Look for the top surgeons in your area. Learn about their credentials and experience. Shortlist at least three surgeons and go for a consultation with each of them and see who you feel most comfortable with.

How to plan for breast augmentation?

• Well, first things first, it is an invasive surgery and involves a long recovery period. You will need to take significant time off from work to rest and heal. It is important to prepare financially for the surgery as well. In most cases, you will have to pay for breast augmentation from your own pocket. Keep all these points in mind and prepare accordingly.

What to take to the hospital for breast augmentation?

• Here is a list of things that must be in your hospital bag before going for breast augmentation surgery:
  • Compression bra
  • Loose clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Slippers
  • Dressing gown
  • Snacks
  • Wet wipes
  • Moisturizer
  • Lip balm
  • Water bottle
  • Chargers

Please read our blog article on What to Pack for Hospital

What to wear to breast augmentation surgery?

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to get in and out from.

Surgery for Breast Augmentation FAQs

How long does breast augmentation surgery last?

• The procedure takes anywhere between 1 to 3 hours.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

• The pain during the recovery phase of breast augmentation is very manageable. Your surgeon will give you a handful of painkillers. Do not skip on them, and you will be good to go.

How safe is breast augmentation surgery?

• Breast augmentation surgery is generally considered to be a fairly safe procedure, provided you choose the right surgeon and facility.

Is breast augmentation covered by Medicare?

• No, Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures unless they are causing a health concern and meet the criteria for example tuberous breast surgery correction.

Is breast augmentation major surgery?

• Yes, it is major surgery and is performed under general anaesthesia. Expect to take a few weeks off from work.

Is second breast augmentation less painful?

• Yes, many patients report less pain with the second operation than the first one. This probably is due to the fact that your surgeon has already created an incision for a breast implant.

What happens at a breast augmentation consultation?

• During the consultation, you can discuss all your concerns and aesthetic goals. Based on what you want, your surgeon will devise a suitable plan for breast surgery. The surgeon will also tell you what can and cannot be achieved during the surgery.

What is bilateral breast augmentation?

• Bilateral breast augmentation refers to enhancing breasts via surgery using implants. Patients can choose between silicone and saline implants.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation FAQs

Can I lay flat after breast augmentation?

• Yes, you can totally sleep flat on your back if you feel comfortable doing so; however, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach till you are healed.

Can I sleep on my back after breast augmentation?

• Yes, in fact, you are supposed to sleep on your back for a period of two to four weeks after the surgery.

Can I use ice packs after breast augmentation?

• Yes, you can. Ice packs are great for reducing swelling and giving you comfort. Do not apply ice directly on your breasts. Wrap it up in a soft towel.

Can I wear a wireless bra after breast augmentation?

• Avoid wearing a regular bra for the first eight weeks. Initially, your surgeon will advise you to wear a compression bra for the first two weeks. After that, you can wear a sports bra and then gradually make a switch to a wireless bra.

Can I wear an underwire bra after breast augmentation?

• Wait for a period of 8 weeks before wearing a bra with an underwire.

Can you tan after breast augmentation?

• UV exposure can darken your scars. So, it is best to avoid sun tanning for at least six months after the surgery. You can get spray tan after 8 to 12 weeks.

How long after breast augmentation can I drink alcohol?

• Avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after the surgery or until you stop taking your pain medications.

How long after breast augmentation can I shower?

• You can shower 48 hours after the surgery. Make sure that your surgical wounds aren’t wet.

How long after breast augmentation can I work out?

• It is advised to wait at least six weeks before starting an intense workout. Also, discuss this with your surgeon in advance.

How long does a breast augmentation take to heal?

• On average, people heal in about six to eight weeks. Make sure to adhere to all the post-operative instructions.

How long does bloating last after breast augmentation?

• For most patients, it typically goes away in three to five days. Some patients also experience bloating for a period of one week.

How long does numbness last after breast augmentation?

• Firstly, don’t freak out. Numbness is a very normal part of any surgical procedure. It can last for several weeks and months after the surgery.

How long does swelling last after breast augmentation surgery?

• Most of the swelling will subside three weeks after the surgery. However, it can take anywhere between three to six months for the swelling to go away completely.

How long to take off work after breast augmentation?

• It is advised to take at least three weeks off of work.

How long will it take to recover from breast augmentation?

• Generally, people recover completely in about six to eight weeks.

How tight should compression garment be after breast augmentation?

• A compression garment needs to be snug but not too tight to the point that it causes discomfort.

How to make the swelling go down after breast augmentation?

• Wear a compression garment, drink plenty of fluids, adhere to all the post-operative instructions, use ice packs, and rest.

How can I reduce scars after breast augmentation?

• Follow these tips, and you will be good to go:
  • Wear a sports bra
  • Avoid UV exposure
  • Apply topical treatments given by your surgeon
  • Avoid smoking and drinking
  • Use silicone treatments
  • Eat healthily and drink loads of water

How to relax muscles after breast augmentation?

• Once you are healed, start doing breast massage at least 2 to 3 times a day as per your surgeon’s instructions. It will help relax the muscles and give you more comfort.

How to shower after breast augmentation?

• Do not aim the water directly at your breasts. Make sure that your bandages are not getting wet. Use wipes in the breast region and wash the rest of your body normally.

What clothes to wear after breast augmentation?

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to take on and off.

What pain medication is given after breast augmentation?

• Typically, surgeons give non-opioid analgesics (Tylenol) to their patients. However, do not freak out if your surgeon has given you a different one.

What to do after breast augmentation surgery?

• Take three weeks off from work. Rest as much as possible. Eat healthily, drink loads of water and adhere to all the post-operative instructions.

What to expect after breast augmentation recovery?

• Immediately after the surgery, you might feel nausea, soreness, fatigue, and tightness in the chest area. All these symptoms are normal and slowly start to fade away.

What to wear while recovering from breast augmentation?

• Apart from wearing a compression bra, wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to get in and out from during the recovery phase.

When can I bathe after breast augmentation?

• It is advised to avoid swimming, baths, and hot tubs for at least six weeks after getting a breast augmentation.

When can I lay on my side after breast augmentation?

• Wait for at least three weeks before you start sleeping on your side after the surgery.

When can I lift after breast augmentation?

• Avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks after the procedure.

When can I return to work after breast augmentation?

• It is advised to take at least three weeks off from work. After that, you can return to work.

When can you fly after breast augmentation?

• You can fly short haul after two weeks and long haul after six weeks.

When can you run after breast augmentation?

• Wait for at least six weeks before you start running. Do not forget to wear a sports bra prior to running.

When can you start running after breast augmentation?

• Wait for at least six weeks before you start running. Do not forget to wear a sports bra prior to running.

When do breasts soften after augmentation?

• Your breasts will become soft and start to appear more natural in a period of six months after the surgery.

When to exercise after breast augmentation?

• Avoid exercising for six to eight weeks or till your surgeon gives you a go-ahead. Visit Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery.

Questions about the Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

• Whether you will be able to breastfeed or not after the surgery, depends on the type of incision and placement of implant. If you wish to breastfeed in future, tell your surgeon in advance.

Can you breastfeed after having breast augmentation?

• Whether you will be able to breastfeed or not after the surgery, depends on the type of incision and placement of implant. If you wish to breastfeed in future, tell your surgeon in advance.

Do I lose feeling in my nipples after breast augmentation?

• No, you will not lose feeling in your nipples permanently. However, your breasts need time to heal and will return to normal in a period of six months.

How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

• It is very uncommon but can occur as soon as 4 weeks after the surgery.

What is symmastia after breast augmentation?

• In medical terms, it is defined as medial confluence of the breasts. It causes central webbing of breasts, causing one or both breasts to cross the midline.

Pregnancy and Breast Augmentation FAQs

How does pregnancy affect breast augmentation?

• Hormonal changes can impact the breast structure but not the implant. Your breast size will change with pregnancy.

If you have any more Breast Augmentation FAQs – please call Dr Carmen!