Plastic Surgery Q and A - What's the Best Anesthesia for Breast Augmentation?

Question: I want breast implants, but I am scared of being put to sleep. I have never had any type of surgery in the past. What type of anesthesia is there and which one is the best for a breast aug?

Answer: There are basically three types of anesthesia available: 1) Straight local. The doctor injects medication into the area that he plans to operate on and this medication contains something in it to both numb the area and to shrink the blood vessels. 2) Local with sedation. An IV sedation is started prior to surgery and through that IV sedation, medication is given prior to injecting the local. This helps decrease any pain associated with local sedation. 3) General anesthesia. The patient is brought to the operating room and an IV is started and the patient goes to sleep. While asleep a local anesthesia may or may not be used. This last technique with general anesthesia is the most popular because the patient is totally unaware of what is going on and feels absolutely no pain during the procedure. Generally for the comfort of my breast augmentation patients my anesthesiologist uses general anesthia or a combination of local and general.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - How long before I can mess around after Breast Augmentation?

Question: Hi Dr.C this is Tracy. You just did a breast augmentation on me last week. When I came in to see you for my post op appointment I was so excited I forgot to ask you a personal question. This is kind of embarrassing, but here goes. I am wondering when I can start having sex. I feel great, but I don't want to mess anything up.

Answer: There really is no definite answer to this question. It can vary from patient to patient. Generally, you should wait 2 to 3 weeks before having sex. Even at this time you should be careful not to put pressure on the breast implants and surgical sites and not to play too rough. I just had a patient who came in 2 weeks following her breast augmentation because her husband grabbed her breast too firmly. Afterwards it swelled and she felt uncomfortable. Luckily there was no damage done and really nothing to be overly concerned about. Even though you feel great the healing process takes some time. As long as you and your partner are respectful and aware of this process you should be fine having sex after breast surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - Breast Augmentation Recovery Time

Question: Dr. Corbin, I am thinking about getting a breast augmentation. I work full time, but I have 2 weeks vacation. How will I feel after surgery? How many days off work will I need to recover? Should I take the entire 2 weeks off work to recover? And when can I start exercising? Thanks for your help. 
Answer: Each patient heals differently: however, most patients say the first day after surgery is the most uncomfortable. Following breast augmentation surgery, some patients may experience temporary swelling, soreness, change in nipple sensation and possible bruising. In terms of how many days you will need to recover this too varies. Generally speaking most breast aug patients take 5 to 7 days off of work. If you have a physically demanding job than more time would be recommended and maybe 2 week recovery period would be advisable. For the average patient, exercise and strenuous activity may be done at 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. Activity is discussed individually with each patient as it depends on the type of exercise, the length of the exercising program and how well the patient is healing. Thanks for your questions.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am booked to have a breast reduction. I am going from a DD to around a C cup. I am in good health and not a smoker. I try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. I have to get rid of these huge breasts! My back and shoulders are aching. I have never had any surgery before and I am so nervous about what to expect afterwards.
Answer: Post operative discomfort is common, but subsides over time. Each patient heals differently; however, following breast reduction surgery some patients may experience fatigue, temporary pain, swelling, soreness loss of sensation in the nipples, throbbing, tingling, dry skin and possible bruising. The incisions will flatten and fade in time depending on the individual. It has been our experience that patients are very happy with their post op results and their new look.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I love your work!! The only problem is that I am in St. Louis MO and I can't afford to fly to LA to have surgery. Is there anyone really good who you would recommend I have my surgery with? Thanks for your help.
Answer: Thank you for contacting my office. I would be happy to recommend another surgeon to you, but I don't know anyone in your area. What I can suggest is contacting ASPS Plastic Surgeon Referral Service 1-888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784). Book consultations with 2 or 3 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Interview the surgeons to see who the best is for you. Ask questions about the risks and benefits of breast surgery make sure you see many photos of the operation you are seeking. And ask to speak with a couple of his or her patients. Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges to perform breast surgery. Try and find a plastic surgeon who does all 4 approaches to breast surgery. If he or she can successfully put implants in through the Axilla, Nipple, bellybutton or breast crease he may be able to get a better surgical result than someone who uses the same approach on all his or her patients. There is not one approach that is best for everyone. Breast surgery if done well ca
n be a very rewarding surgery. All the best to you.