Placement Options
Implant placement beneath the muscle of the chest offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include: elevated pain in the first few days following surgery and more risk of a dynamic deformity of your breast. Dr. Harrison will discuss which option may be best for you.
After the implants have been inserted and positioned beneath the nipples, the incisions are stitched closed, then taped and bandaged.
Incision Techniques
The breast augmentation procedure lasts one to two hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility.
These may be located:
- In the armpit (transaxillary)
- Around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple (periareolar)
- In the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary).
The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.
What to Expect
Most patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two. Many patients return to work within the week.
Stitches are dissolvable so suture removal is unnecessary. Any post operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks.
Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.
During Your Recovery: 24 Hour Emergency Coverage
We provide 24-hour emergency coverage for all current surgery patients. If you have an emergency after office hours, call our office at 903.535.7722 or our answering service at 903.509.6000. The answering service will take your message and contact Dr. Harrison or the covering physician immediately.
Concierge Post-Operative Care Options
We make it our goal to provide the highest quality care for all our surgical patients before, during and after the procedure. We are pleased to offer home care options through our partnership with Right at Home-In Home Care and Assistance.
During your pre-operative appointment, we will discuss your post-operative care needs and what recommendations Dr. Harrison has to make sure your recovery goes smoothly. Should Dr. Harrison suggest additional care after your discharge from the hospital we will coordinate with our Plastic Surgery trained concierge home care team from Right at Home. From there you will have a customized care plan ranging from skilled nursing care to help with daily living depending upon your needs. Right at Home can also provide you with transportation home from the hospital, light housekeeping and help with meals.
This home care is an optional extension of our commitment to your health care but will not replace post-operative appointments with Dr. Harrison or our practices 24-hour on-call service.
Breast Implant Maintenance
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