For many women, undergoing breast augmentation is an exciting experience. However, implant care, which is vital to harvesting satisfactory and lasting results, is overlooked. Because of this, breast implants succumb to wear and tear, which may eventually lead to revision surgery and even to its removal.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices made of either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel that are used to enhance the proportions of the breasts. It is inserted into the breast or under the chest muscles to augment the size and shape of the area.
In my years of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, I have utilized breast implants in various surgeries, including reconstructive operations after a mastectomy and revision operations to correct previous breast augmentation procedures.
Why Implant Care is Important
In taking care and maintaining the integrity of breast implants, I always tell my patients that it begins right after their augmentation surgery. Neglect and failure to properly take care of these medical devices could lead to various problems that would require additional corrective surgeries and even its removal.
Some issues and complications that may arise are:
- Capsular contracture or the formation of scar tissues that tightens and distorts the shape of the implant
- Asymmetry where breasts appear uneven in their size, shape, and level
- Breast ptosis or sagging
- Inflammation, which may be caused by infection and usually manifests as swelling, redness, and pain
- Implant displacement
Additionally, properly taking care of your implants will not only keep the complications at bat or prevent their occurrence but will also aid in prolonging its shelf life.
Breast Implant Care
While the success of the augmentation surgery relies on your plastic surgeon’s skills in performing the procedure, the satisfactory and lasting outcome depends mostly on how you take care of your implants. Here are some things to keep in mind about implant care:
- Give yourself time to heal – There is no fast track to recovering from a major surgery like breast augmentation. Plastic surgeons often recommend taking a three to seven-day break to allow swelling and pain to subside.
- Support your breasts – Especially if you aren’t used to the additional weight on your chest, wearing supportive garments is necessary to maintain breast shape. A good sports bra also aids in limiting the effect of gravity and prevents premature breast sagging.
- Familiarize yourself with your new breasts – After the surgery, your breasts may feel different. Spend time knowing how your new breasts look and feel; it can be beneficial in doing breast self-examination, which is a vital precautionary measure against breast cancer.
- Keep a healthy diet and active lifestyle – Your movements and activities may be limited for a while after the surgery, but do take simple walks to keep yourself in good shape. Likewise, prepare healthy and balanced meals and take the necessary vitamins to boost your body. Keep yourself hydrated as well. Drinking a good amount of water helps maintain skin elasticity and suppleness. It can also prevent premature sagging of the breasts.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting – Normal activities and exercise can be resumed in four to six weeks following surgery. Likewise, you must avoid lifting heavy objects for a week. You can gradually ease back to your exercise routines as well to prevent straining your chest area.
- Avoid massive weight change – Take note of your food intake and make sure to keep an active lifestyle to retain a manageable weight. Maintaining a steady weight can help hinder premature sagging of your breasts.
- Make massaging your breasts a habit – You can do this in the shower or before going to bed. Massaging your breasts has some benefits, including:
- Relaxation of chest muscles, reducing the strain on the implants
- Retaining the implants’ correct position
- Stretching breast tissues for a natural look
- Preventing capsular contracture - Don’t miss your mammogram and MRI – Both mammogram and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are screening tools for the early detection of breast cancer, especially in women with implants and are at high risk for the disease. These screening methods are carried out alongside clinical checkups and monthly breast self-examinations. MRIs also aid in the detection of silent rupture, especially in silicone implants and should be done three years after having your implants and every two years after.
- Attend follow up appointments – Maintain a regular check-up routine with your plastic surgeon for the first two years after having your implants. It is beneficial, especially in detecting breast implanting problems, allowing plastic surgeons to address the issues as soon as possible.
Healthy Breasts, Happy Breasts
While implants are man-made devices and do not expire at all, it still needs to be appropriately handled and taken care of. Doing so would entail a longer shelf life and maintain complication-free and satisfactory results.
It is best to closely follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by your board-certified plastic surgeon. With their expertise and guidance, your breasts and implants will remain in top shape, healthy and happy for years to come.