Breast Augmentation

While some discomfort is expected following breast augmentation, the pain is generally manageable and should not be severe. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness, tightness, and swelling around the breast area in the first few days after surgery. Dr. Lugo will provide you with pain relief options to keep you comfortable during this period, which typically includes prescribed pain medication and possibly over-the-counter options. The majority of discomfort tends to subside within the first week, and by the second week, most patients feel significantly better. As swelling continues to decrease and the breasts settle, you should experience only minor residual tenderness. 

You’ll need at least four appointments for breast augmentation: one for the initial consultation, one for a pre-operative check-up, the surgery itself, and then a follow-up visit after surgery to assess the healing progress. Additional check-ups may be recommended over the next several months to track your progress and confirm that there are no complications. Dr. Lugo will guide you on the appropriate schedule for these appointments to ensure a safe and easy recovery.

You’ll notice an immediate enhancement in your breast size after surgery; however, you may experience mild swelling and bruising, which can temporarily alter the shape and fullness of your breasts. As the swelling subsides and your body adjusts to the implants, you’ll start to see the true results of your surgery. The breast implants will “settle” into their final position, and the shape will become more natural over the course of several months. Patience is key during this period, but by the 6-month mark, your breasts should be fully healed and looking their best.

Scarring from breast augmentation is typically minimal and well-concealed by the inframmary incision placement by Dr. Lugo. The most common incision options are around the areola, under the breast, or in the armpit, with the inframammary incision often being the least noticeable over time. Scars from these incisions usually fade and soften over several months, though they will never completely disappear. The scars are usually relatively small and hidden, becoming barely visible once healed. 

It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks after breast augmentation to allow your body to heal properly. While light activities, such as walking, can be resumed shortly after surgery, intense physical activity, especially those involving the chest, should be avoided to prevent complications. Dr. Lugo will provide guidelines specific to your recovery and let you know when it’s safe to gradually reintroduce more vigorous exercise. Starting too soon can affect the healing process and the final positioning of the implants, so it’s essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully. Once cleared, you’ll be able to return to your regular exercise routine, but it’s always a good idea to ease back into it slowly.

Yes, popular combinations include breast lifts (mastopexy) to address sagging, tummy tucks for body contouring, or liposuction for targeted fat removal. Dr. Lugo will assess your overall health and discuss the potential benefits and risks of combining procedures. Performing multiple procedures in one session can reduce overall recovery time and enhance your aesthetic results, but careful planning is essential. It’s important to have a detailed consultation with Dr. Lugo to ensure that combining surgeries is the right choice for you and that you’ll achieve the best possible outcome. 

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications. There is also a risk of capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and potentially distort the breast shape.

Breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure that requires careful consideration. Choosing the right surgeon is critical to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the results. To begin your search, it is essential to look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with a good reputation and a proven track record of successful surgeries. Make sure to review their credentials, experience, and before-and-after photos. Additionally, schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations and ask any questions you may have. During your consultation, pay attention to the surgeon’s communication skills, attentiveness to your concerns, and ability to make you feel comfortable. Remember, investing time and effort in selecting the right surgeon will help you achieve the best possible outcome of your procedure.

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance breast size and improve overall shape. The procedure typically involves placing implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle to create a fuller, more balanced look. It’s usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients can return home the same day. 

There are two main categories of implant devices: saline and silicone. Saline implants are made with sterile salt water, while silicone implants are composed of highly cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implants come with a silicone outer shell. The new generation of silicone gel implants are all “gummy bear” implants.

Silicone implants are often preferred for their natural feel, as they tend to mimic the softness and texture of natural breast tissue. They’re also less prone to visible rippling or wrinkling compared to saline implants. On the other hand, saline implants are filled after they’re inserted, which allows for a smaller incision and potentially shorter scars. While saline implants are generally more affordable, silicone options are favored by many for their lifelike appearance and feel.

After surgery, most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks. However, it can take several weeks for any swelling or bruising to disappear completely. To ensure optimal healing, it is important to avoid intense physical activity, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks following the procedure.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape breasts that have begun to sag. The process typically involves removing excess skin and tightening the tissue for a firmer, more youthful appearance. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a higher location, and in some cases, the size of the areolas is reduced. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing for a relatively quick recovery.

While a breast lift and a breast reduction share similarities, they have distinct goals. Both procedures involve lifting the breast and removing excess tissue, but a breast reduction removes significantly more tissue to decrease the overall size and weight of the breasts. A breast lift primarily focuses on reshaping and repositioning the breasts to achieve a firmer, more youthful appearance, without significantly altering their size.

Breast implants can sometimes make mammograms more challenging to interpret, but specialized imaging techniques are available to help ensure clear and accurate results. Patients with implants need to inform the mammography technician before the procedure so they can adjust the approach accordingly.