Breast Augmentation
- a surgical procedure that uses implants to alter the size and shape of a woman's breasts
- a woman's bust size can be increased by one or more cup sizes
Who should consider Breast Augmentation?
- any woman who
- feels her breast size is too small
- has decreased fullness after pregnancy or weight loss
- notes her breasts are asymmetric
- has a disfigured or missing breast due to trauma, heredity, or congenital abnormalities
How do I know if I am a good candidate? Back to Top
- you are physically healthy
- be honest with Dr. Culbertson about medications, including over-the-counter, vitamins, or supplements, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes
- you are psychologically stable
- your expectations are realistic
- you are seeking improvement, not perfection
- you do not expect it to change your overall looks, your life, or how people treat you
How do I prepare for Breast Augmentation? Back to Top
- consult with Dr. Culbertson
- have your complete medical history ready, she will need to review
- you and she will discuss your expectations and desires very carefully
- what improvement(s) you wish to achieve
- what type of implant to use
- if any other procedures are appropriate
- Dr. Culbertson will explain her technique, the type of anesthesia, the facility where the surgery will be done, and the risks and benefits of the surgery
- you may need to have a mammogram
- you will have instructions on eating, drinking, medications to avoid or that you must take
- please follow these guidelines, they are there to keep you safe
- arrange for someone to drive you home from surgery
- make sure you have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery and even longer if you need it
What do I expect from Breast Augmentation? Back to Top
- it will be done at an outpatient surgery center
- you will have general anesthesia (where you go to sleep)
- your implants will be inserted and positioned according to your preoperative planning with Dr. Culbertson
- you may have small drainage tubes in place
What can I expect after Breast Augmentation? Back to Top
- your chest will feel tight and sore, you will have pain medicine that should keep this under control
- you are likely to feel tired for a few days
- your drainage tubes will be removed one or two days after surgery
- stitches will be removed in a week or two
- it will take three to five weeks for the swelling in your breasts to go down
When will I feel like myself again? Back to Top
- you will be up and around in 24 to 48 hours
- depending upon the type of work you do, you may return to work a few days after surgery
- it will take at least two to three weeks for your breasts to tolerate direct stimulation, contact can begin once your breasts are no longer sore
- your activities will be restricted for the first few weeks after surgery, be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions
- within a few weeks, you should be back to feeling like yourself
How will I look? Back to Top
- your breasts will be swollen for a few weeks
- your scars may be pink and firm at first
- these will fade over the weeks to months after surgery
- they will always be there and are usually less noticeable over time
- routine mammograms, according to your age, should be done at a facility that can do the special views required with breast implants
- it is very important to perform your monthly breast self-examination
- you should follow up with Dr. Culbertson as instructed