Once you've made the decision to have breast augmentation surgery, there are three steps to your new look: preparation, the surgery itself, and after-care. This article discusses all three of those steps.

Planning and Preparation:

Before you even get a list of what to do to prepare yourself for breast augmentation surgery, you have to sit down with a member of your surgical team and have a formal consultation. Your general health will be evaluated, because even fairly common surgery like having breast implants is still risky, and you will have some input into the type of implants you will be receiving. Your anatomy, body type, and the desired result will all be taken into consideration, as will your overall lifestyle will be considered, as well as your surgeon's expertise.

It is vitally important that you use these pre-surgery consultation visits to ask any questions you might have, and make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page with

regard to your expectations. As well, you need to be extremely forthright about any medications (even Aspirin) or vitamins that you take, and whether you smoke.

Your plastic surgeon will be equally frank with you, describing any risks, enumerating any alternatives, and even suggesting other procedures. Breast lifts, for example, are often done at the same time as implants, for women whose breasts are a little saggy. He or she should also explain the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the facility where surgery will take place, as well as making sure you understand the costs, since insurance does not generally cover elective cosmetic surgery.

Closer to the surgery date, you will receive specific instructions to prepare you for your procedure, including restrictions against smoking, and a list of foods, drinks, medications and vitamins to avoid. You may be asked to have a mammogram done, both to make sure your breasts are truly healthy, and also as a baseline record for use in the future.

You will be asked to sign consent forms which certify that you understand the procedure, and the risks involved, and also giving your permission for the surgery itself, and for any emergency procedures in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

You will also be reminded to arrange for someone to drive you and from your surgery, and to stay with you for a few days afterwards.

The Surgery

Your surgery may be done in a hospital, but will most likely happen in a private facility, on an out-patient basis.

Most breast augmentation surgery is done under general anesthesia, which means you sleep through the entire procedure, but some surgeons prefer you to be awake. If that is the case, you'll be given something to keep you relaxed, and local anesthesia to keep you from feeling any pain.

As stated above, the insertion method and position of your implants will depend your existing anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision will usually be in one of three places: around the areola, under the armpit, or in the crease where your breast and chest meet. If you are having saline implants, they may also be inserted via an incision at your navel. Whatever the location, your surgeon will make every effort to keep the incision in a place where the scars won't show much, afterward.

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will lift your skin and breast tissue, and create a pocket. "Submammary" or "subglandular" pockets will be directly behind the breast tissue, while "submuscular" placement will be beneath your pectoral muscle on top of the chest wall. Once the pocket has been formed, the implant will be placed within it, and the incisions will be closed with either sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesive. Gauze may also be used as a bandage, for extra protection, and to keep the incision clean.

The procedure will generally take an hour or two to complete, and does not usually require an overnight stay in the hospital.

After Your Surgery

For the first few days after your surgery, you will feel tired and sore, but after a day or two you'll be able to be up and around, and your surgeon will make sure you don't leave their office without a prescription for pain medications.

If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed a few days after surgery, and you may be given a surgical bra, which you should wear according to your surgeon's instructions. For up to two weeks after your surgery, you may feel a burning sensation in your nipples; this is normal, and should fade as any bruising also fades.

While stitches are generally removed after about ten days, swelling in your breasts can take up to five weeks to completely disappear. Direct stimulation may be uncomfortable for up to three weeks, so you should avoid physical contact until any soreness is gone. Scarring will be firm and pink at first, and for at least six weeks, and while they generally fade after several months, they will never completely disappear.

Breast augmentation, while common, is still major surgery, so you should expect to be away from work for several days, longer if your job is very physical or strenuous. Your doctors will advise you as to when you can resume normal activity.

If you are in the age group where mammograms are recommended, it is essential that you have them regularly, and that you tell your technicians that you have implants.

No matter how old you are, you know your body best. If at any time you feel that something is wrong, call your doctor.

Having breast augmentation surgery is not a miracle, and will not magically change your life, but it can boost your self esteem, and change the way you present yourself to the world.

Surgery Risks