Breast Augmentation in Aba: Cost and Recovery

Under mammoplasty come several procedures: augmentation (increasing volume using implants), reduction (excess tissue and skin removal), mastopexy (lifting for sagging), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and correcting asymmetry. The surgeon's advice and your wishes guide an individual choice of the best method.

When all recommendations are followed, complications are rare. They can include hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or heightened nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

The outcome of mammoplasty is long-lasting: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. Its duration is influenced by weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Keep the result by wearing supportive underwear and managing your weight.

Whether you can breastfeed after mammoplasty depends on the kind of surgery. After augmentation via an under-breast or armpit incision with the implant placed under the muscle, lactation is usually preserved, since the glandular tissue is not damaged. A lift or reduction carries a higher risk because ducts may be cut. Talk this over with your surgeon beforehand.

Several things guide implant choice: material (silicone looks most natural, saline is used less often), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. The surgeon selects the best match for your anatomy and wishes.

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia — the patient feels nothing. In the first 1–3 days moderate discomfort is possible and is relieved with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain decreases significantly, and by weeks 2–3 discomfort is gone. If pain is severe, tell your doctor right away.

Most patients return to work (without physical exertion) after 7–14 days. Light walks are fine after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming come after 4–6 weeks, strength training after 3 months, pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments are worn for 4–6 weeks. Exact timing depends on your recovery.

Science offers no evidence that mammoplasty increases breast cancer risk. Implants are not a cause of cancer. After the operation, keep having regular screening: self-exams, mammography and ultrasound. Make sure the examining doctor always knows about your implants.

You can have mammoplasty after a C-section, though your body needs to recover completely first. Wait a minimum of 6–12 months after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding. Before surgery, a surgeon's consultation and examination are mandatory.

Scarring is part of mammoplasty, but with an experienced surgeon it stays minimal. Incisions are hidden under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. During the first months scars appear reddish; within 6–12 months they lighten and become almost invisible.

Some slight asymmetry during the first weeks after surgery is expected, caused by swelling and uneven healing. Should a difference in shape or size persist after 3–6 months, visit your surgeon to be examined and find out why.

A temporary decrease or increase in nipple and breast sensitivity is possible after mammoplasty, caused by irritated nerve endings. Most of the time sensitivity returns within 3–12 months. If it has not improved after one year, see your surgeon.

Hormonal drugs such as contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy do not influence implants directly. They may, however, cause swelling or breast tissue volume changes that temporarily affect how the breasts look. Inform your surgeon of these medications before surgery.