You’ve made the decision to get breast augmentation surgery. Now what? Follow these four steps to ensure a smooth surgery and positive outcomes.
1. Choose Your Breast Implant Options With the Help of Your Plastic Surgeon
One of the most important things you should do before breast augmentation is consult your plastic surgeon on your breast implant options. Your surgeon can help you understand the pros and cons of each option and how your choice could affect your long-term results.
Dr. Farris uses three types of breast implants:
- Saline breast implants: These are filled at the time of surgery for greater control over their size, but they tend to have a less natural look and feel than other implant types.
- Silicone breast implants: These are pre-filled to Dr. Farris’ exact specifications and are less prone to ruptures and rippling.
- Cohesive-gel implants (gummy bear implants): A special type of silicone implant, these yield the most-natural looking results.
In addition to choosing between saline, silicone or gummy bear implants, you will need to decide on your implant shape and texture. Round implants are the most common implant shape, but a teardrop shape is recommended with gummy bear implants. As for texture, smooth implants tend to last longer than textured implants, but a textured implant surface works best with teardrop-shaped implants and helps prevent implant rotation.
Dr. Farris can place your implants at three different profiles on your chest:
- Low profile is best for women with wide chests.
- Moderate profile is best for women with small or narrow chests.
- High profile is best for petite women with a narrow chest wall.
Based on the decisions you make in regard to your breast implants, Dr. Farris will determine where he feels it’s best to make your surgical incision. In all instances, he does everything he can to minimize scarring and give you the most aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
2. Work With Your Surgeon to Determine the Right Implant Size
Your breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, not bra size, for the most accurate results. Dr. Farris will consider your surgical goals when sizing your implants, as well as the following:
- Your height and weight
- The width of your chest
- How much natural breast tissue you have
- The elasticity of your skin
Be sure to let him know about your current physical activity levels as larger breasts may make higher-intensity movements uncomfortable.
3. Make Plans for Your Post-Surgical Recovery
Once you’ve chosen your implants and implant size, you can focus on how you’ll recover after surgery. Dr. Farris performs breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home afterward. This person should remain with you during the first 24 hours.
You will need to remain at home for up to one week, so set aside time away from work and other responsibilities. Having entertainment, comfortable clothes and prepared food on hand can be helpful as you recover.
Since you’ll be resting for several days following your procedure, arrange for childcare and pet care if necessary. If you’re someone who exercises regularly, know that you should avoid strenuous activities for three to four weeks after your breast implant surgery.
4. Stop Use of Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs
You will need to make temporary lifestyle changes in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Dr. Farris asks that you refrain from the following two weeks out:
- Drinking
- Smoking
- Anti-inflammatory and recreational drugs
- Herbal supplements, including St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, green tea extract, ginseng and garlic
These substances can thin your blood, prolong the healing process and negatively interact with anesthesia.
Breast Implant Surgery in Dallas
Breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Farris serves patients in the Dallas, Texas, area. To schedule a consultation with him or to learn more about the breast implant procedure, contact Farris Plastic Surgery at 214-363-1073.
