There are many reasons why women choose Breast Augmentation Revision Colombia:

UNSATISFYING COSMETIC RESULTS

In some cases, a woman may not be happy with her surgical outcome and needs breast implant correction. Other women trade older saline implants for gummy bear breast implants using cohesive silicone gel.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

This complication occurs when the tissue that naturally forms around the breast implant begins to tighten and constrict, creating a hardened breast that feels and looks unnatural – breast implant redo surgery in Cartagena is the solution.

IMPLANT DEFLATION OR RUPTURE

Though implant rupture is not very common, it does occur for a small percentage of women. Following your plastic surgeon’s instructions regarding breast care is the first step in preventing a rupture.
Saline and silicone breast implants behave differently when they rupture. The effects of a saline implant rupture are immediately obvious, with the sterile saline being harmlessly absorbed into the body. The implant deflates and there is marked asymmetry almost immediately.

Rupture of silicone gel implants is more difficult to detect and may require additional imaging studies to confirm.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

At Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, we encourage you to learn all you can about Breast Augmentation Revision Colombia. The more well-prepared you are when you come in for your consultation, the more quickly you’ll be on the way to a new you. When you’re ready, you can receive a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.  Finding affordable plastic surgery for the breasts you have dreamed is easier than you might think.  We have numerous plastic surgery financing options available.

SURGERY FOR BREAST IMPLANT REVISION

CHOOSING BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION IN COLOMBIA

BREAST ASYMMETRY AND OTHER AESTHETIC COMPLICATIONS ARE COMMON REASONS FOR SOME WOMEN NEVER BEING PLEASED WITH THEIR FIRST AUGMENTATION RESULTS FROM ANOTHER SURGEON. BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION IN CARTAGENA MAKES SENSE FOR THESE WOMEN SO THAT THEY CAN FINALLY ENJOY THE ENHANCED BREASTS THEY ENVISIONED.

Breast augmentation revision Colombia is a technically challenging procedure that, in most cases, requires greater surgical skill than the original breast enlargement. Patients seeking breast implant revision might suffer from:

• Significant scar tissue, either externally or internally
• Thin and stretched breast skin
• Chest wall anatomy that is dramatically altered

These factors can limit reconstructive options and require our plastic surgeons at Premium Care to employ customized corrective techniques to restore an attractive appearance.

Breast augmentation revision Colombia is a technically challenging procedure that, in most cases, requires greater surgical skill than the original breast augmentation. Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo employ customized corrective techniques to restore an attractive appearance.

An infrequent but serious complication following breast enlargement surgery is capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the breast begins to tighten and constrict around the implant, creating a hardened breast that feels and looks unnatural.

Some women seek breast implant redo in Cartagena to repair an implant that has deflated or ruptured. For Premium Care Plastic Surgery patients, breast implant replacement can use a similar model, or both implants can be removed if a woman is interested in converting to the new generation of implants.

Pregnancy, weight loss and the natural aging process can cause breasts to droop, even for women who were initially happy with their augmentation results. They may need a breast lift (mastopexy) after several years to reposition their breast implants.

While breast augmentation surgery is safe and satisfying for the vast majority of women who undergo the procedure, there are still some women who are displeased with their outcome. By choosing a plastic surgeon at Premium Care Plastic Surgery – Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo -you can be well on your way to a successful Breast augmentation revision Colombia.

Regardless of the reason you are considering breast implant redo, our plastic surgeons at Premium Care will take the time during your consultation to evaluate your cosmetic concerns and recommend a surgical solution that is most likely to achieve a beautiful breast appearance.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION COLOMBIA AT PREMIUM CARE PLASTIC SURGERY

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

Breast augmentation revision surgery is a highly individualized procedure.

A BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION IS A GOOD OPTION FOR YOU IF:

• You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
• You are bothered some aspect of your prior breast augmentation, and are considering another procedure for correction.
• Your augmented breasts are too big, too small, asymmetric, malpositioned, hard, or uncomfortable.
• You would like improvement on the results of a prior breast augmentation.
• You have realistic expectations

The best way for patients to understand their options is in a thorough consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. In our approach to breast augmentation revision, communicating with our patient is key. We will carefully review your medical history and breast evaluation questionnaire before the initial consultation. We will also review your breast augmentation history, including timing, the surgeon and technique used, implants placed, and course since previous procedure. We will look at your before and after photos, and specifically discuss what you would like improved.

Our plastic surgeons will explain how the different procedures may apply to you specifically, and what we recommend for your particular case. We’ll also demonstrate the result we’d expect with each of the procedure options. We will discuss what to do with the breast tissue, skin, and implants.

Breast augmentation revision Colombia surgery is an area of expertise for our plastic surgeons at Premium Care. Our patient population reflects a cross-section of residents from the United States, Europe, and Latin America, and we have a broad range of experience with different ages, ethnicities, and sizes of patients

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Previous surgeries
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and tobacco

After we gain an understanding of what the patient wants, we then proceed to the examination. We consider many features including breast volume, width, height, nipple position, areola size, prior scars, current implant status and position, ribcage curvature, skin tone, droopiness, asymmetry, and crease position. Breasts are highly variable, and we help the patient understand what their best options are based on their physical characteristics.

YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON AT PREMIUM CARE WILL ALSO:

• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of breast implant revision and any risks or potential complications

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Premium Care Plastic Surgery encourages you to take a few simple steps in preparation for your breast implant revision procedure in Colombia. Following the steps presented below will make your recovery from surgery as safe, short and relaxing as possible.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of specific steps you should take leading up to your procedure. This list might include limiting your use of certain medications, alcohol and cigarettes, and minor changes in your grooming habits. These changes are temporary but very important to your comfort and safety.

BEFORE BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION COLOMBIA, YOU MAY BE ASKED TO:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS YOU RECEIVE WILL COVER:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your breast implant revision
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Medications to purchase and bring with you on the day of surgery.

A patient’s final result will be enhanced through active participation in preparing for breast augmentation revision. Patients considering breast implant revision need to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet to prepare for surgery.

Smoking increases the risks of many potential complications of surgery and should be avoided. Patients who smoke should stop at least two weeks before surgery, but even then they are still at increased risk when compared to non-smokers. Nicotine patches or gum are also associated with increased complications and should not be used in preparation for surgery.

Preparing your home before your procedure will help ensure a safe and relaxing recovery. If your procedure will impact your ability to stand or walk for long periods, or reach high places, you may want to prepare meals in advance and move kitchen items out of cupboards and onto the counter. Having a phone, medications and other necessities on a night stand or side table will keep you from having to get up and down. Having extra pillows and blankets already on your bed or couch can also keep you comfortable. If you have pets or children, you should make sure someone is available to care for them while you are recuperating.

On the day of your surgery, we ask that you wear no jewelry or make-up and avoid deodorant, skin lotions and perfume. We recommend warm, loose fitting clothing, such as pajamas or sweat pants with thick socks or slippers to prevent the chills commonly experienced after surgery. Please inform your surgeon if you have a cold, sore throat, active allergies or an open cut or sore on the day of your liposuction.

You’ll need help. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Effective planning prior to undergoing liposuction can make your recovery as brief and relaxing as possible.

To take the next step, arrange a personal consultation with Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia by calling (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States, or use our convenient online form to request a consultation online.  You’ll be amazed about how affordable cosmetic plastic surgery can be, and with an experience like no other!

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION PROCEDURE

WHAT HAPPENS DURING BREAST IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY?

The specific maneuvers used for your breast augmentation revision will be determined based on:

• Your prior operation
• Your current implants: type, position, and desire to replace
• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of your areolas
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during breast augmentation revision surgery. We generally perform this surgery under general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

STEP 2 – THE INCISION

Every effort to use your prior incision will be made, and your surgeon will discuss specific planning with you prior to surgery.

STEP 3 – ADDRESSING THE IMPLANT

Your surgeon will adjusted or exchange the implant(s) depending on your individual needs.

STEP 4 – RESHAPING YOUR BREASTS

• The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
• If necessary, the nipple and areola can be repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
• If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
• Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

STEP 5 – CLOSING THE INCISIONS

After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, incisions are closed. If necessary, skin excision and tightening can be done at this stage. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

STEP 6 – SEE THE RESULTS

The results of your breast augmentation revision surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for breasts, which have been restored, to a more youthful and uplifted position.

The results of your breast lift surgery will be long lasting. You will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swimwear. Like many women who have had breast lift, you may also have a boost in self confidence.

If you’re interested in a breast augmentation revision in Colombia, request a consultation online with our plastic surgeons, or call us at (+57) 312 545 55 69 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 19 09 in United States to discuss your options for breast implant revision.

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION RECOVERY

Recovery from a breast implant revision tends to be swift because the surgery does not involve the underlying muscles, bones or internal organs. After your breast revision procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect after breast lift surgery.

Although many factors are involved with determining your actual recovery time for breast implant revision, you will likely experience a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days. You may experience mild soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of your plastic surgeon. Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade.

MOST PATIENTS WILL NEED:

• A few days to recover before returning to work
• A month for the incisions to heal so that the patient may resume exercise
• A year for the scars to fade to a subtle, pale color

YOU WILL BE GIVEN SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY INCLUDE:

• How to care for your breasts following breast revision
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

BE CAREFUL

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

To take the next step, arrange a personal consultation with Premium Care Plastic Surgery by calling (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States, or use our convenient online form to request a consultation online.

BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISION: WORDS TO KNOW

• Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
• Breast augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast enlargement by surgery.
• Breast lift: Also known as mastopexy; surgery to lift the breasts.
• Breast reduction: Also known as reduction mammaplasty, reduction of breast size by surgery.
• Excision: To remove the skin.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Mammogram: An x-ray image of the breast.
• Mastopexy: Surgery to lift the breasts.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While your specific questions are best addressed during a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions about breast implant revision and breast implants. Patients often remark that investing the time to look through these common questions them feeling a whole lot more informed and confident about breast revision in Cartagena.

What is breast implant revision?

Breast implant revision is an operation that seeks to correct previously augmented breasts in order to increase patient satisfaction. There are many reasons why women choose implant revision including unsatisfying cosmetic results, a desire for different implants, capsular contracture, and implant deflation or rupture.

What types of breast implants are available?

There are many different types of implants. Key options include silicone gel or saline filled, smooth or textured shell, round or anatomical shape, and profile that is high, midrange, moderate or low. A new generation of implants called cohesive gel implants may be less likely to ripple or rupture.

I live out of the area. Do you have a program for me?

Premium Care Plastic Surgery designed the Fly in for Surgery program just for you. It allows clients from out of town to take advantage of the skills and experience Dr. Smith, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Restrepo have to offer conveniently and comfortably. Look at the Fly in for Surgery specialty area of our site for detailed information on completing a virtual consultation and booking your appointment in Cartagena. We have a special medical concierge who will see to it that you are taken care of throughout the process.

Do you recommend saline, regular silicone, or cohesive silicone implants?

Few patients ask for saline in our practice any longer. There are only three reasons for saline implants: they are less expensive, they can be introduced through the smallest incisions, and some patients – despite all the evidence proving silicone is safe – remain skeptical. Regular silicone is the softest implant and generally gives a better form and feel.

Am I a candidate for the cohesive implants?

These implants are ideal for women who want a proportionate augmentation, meaning they do not want to be much smaller or larger than is ideal for their tissues. They must accept that they feel firmer, and have a risk of rotating in the body (though that is very uncommon.) But on the plus side, they have a beautiful shape; have a lower chance of malposition and capsular contracture; seem to last longer; and give many women the peace of mind that they have the newest and most durable implant.

Will you use smooth or textured implants?

With round silicone implants we tend to recommend textured implants in most situations. The bottom line is that there are tradeoffs to smooth and textured implants. While we most commonly use a textured breast implant in Cartagena; we make that decision for each patient after a thorough consultation.

How will I decide what size implant to have?

This is a tricky question for many women who choose breast augmentation in Cartagena. Be assured that our surgeons have lots of experience with implant sizes and patient reactions. They’ll be able to help you think this decision through, considering your body type and other factors. It’s helpful to bring pictures of breasts you find appealing to your consultation appointment.

How will you help me select the best size implant for my body?

There is an ideal shoe size for your foot. Too small and your foot will be crammed and too large and your foot will not fill the shoe. The same thing is true with breasts: too large and it will look round and fake; too small and it will be loose and empty on the top.

The common denominator to the most beautiful breasts is that they were sized objectively on the basis of measurements. Our plastic surgeons measure five things, and from that they use a formula to determine the ideal size. This formula has been published and thoroughly vetted by top plastic surgeons. This remains one of the biggest concerns of every augmentation patient, so it bears repeating: there is an ideal implant size for you. You can go smaller, but you won’t be filled up. You can go bigger, but you will look round. If you want to look relatively natural, there is a limit to how large you can go. If you want to look relatively filled, there is a limit to how small you can go.

Sometimes our surgeons measure a patient and they want to look smaller than what anatomically is the ideal size for their breasts. That is okay, so long as they understand their breasts may not be totally filled up, and that they may be empty on the top.

At other times they measure a patient and they want to be larger than that ideal size. If they do go larger, they face two tradeoffs. The first is that they will look rounder and less natural. The second is that the size and weight of an implant that is too large for their tissues will more rapidly stretch their skin over time and compress their own breast tissue, leading to rippling, an implant that can be felt, and perhaps the need for a lift in the future.

Which implant profile is best for me?

The profile that is the best fit depends on two key variables: the patient’s pre- operative body and the patient’s goal. In our experience, the high profile implants are most often the best fit for our breast implant patients from Colombia and abroad. Also High profile implants are more likely to be optimal for a woman with a narrow chest who desires a large increase in size. Patients with broad chests who desire modest increases in size may benefit from moderate or low profile implants.

Can implants help fill out drooping, sagging or deflated breasts?

If a breast is simply deflated or empty, falling back against the body, then an implant can fill it up. If the breast has drooped or sagged, with either the nipple low or tissue hanging down beneath the fold under the breast, oftentimes a lift is needed.

Can I have a combination procedure, like an augmentation with tummy tuck?

Most patients can safely have procedures combining different aspects of breast surgery, such as an augmentation and lift at the same time. Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo perform the popular Mommy Makeovers combining breast and abdominal procedures to help women tune up after childbearing. It’s even possible to combine breast and facial surgery. Consult with your physician to find out more. He or she will have your convenience in mind, but safety will always be the top priority.

What are the best incision locations?

Most patients decide to use the same incision used for their previous surgery. But each incision sets up an entirely different operation. Risks and complications are different, and those issues are more profound than the scar.

The best incision locations are the lower areola border (periareolar) and the inframammary fold crease under the breast, and we will explain why. We base this suggestion not on unsubstantiated anecdote, but upon objective scientific evidence.

The periareolar scar heals beautifully and is camouflaged at the interface of the pigmented areola and the lighter surrounding skin. This yields a scar that is barely visible on most but not all Caucasians, but on patients of darker races it very frequently gets pigmented and thick. It can results in a reduction of muscle coverage over implants due to technical issues, which means the implant can be more seen and felt. Also, cutting through breast tissue and exposing the implant to the ducts during insertion is a potential risk factor for capsular contracture.

The incision underneath the breast – the inframammary incision- is also a good option, especially if the patient has small areolas and desires large silicone gel implants. Some of the best published results are with the inframammary incision. The incision is hidden in the crease under the breast, and because the breast tissue itself is not cut, there is less pain and less contamination with bacteria from the ducts of breast. Most importantly, the inframammary incision gives the plastic surgeon the most direct, well-lighted visualization of the operation, so that everything is done on good vision. This allows beautiful access to the surgical site, so that the pocket can be developed with absolute precision, so that the implant is able to sit in its ideal position to create a beautiful breast.

Will there be scars?

All surgical procedures leave scars, there’s just no way around that. Most patients find their scars fade with time to a point where they’re quite acceptable. While some patient like the idea of the armpit incision since there is no scar on the breast, they end up with the only scar that is visible with a sleeveless blouse or dress. Some patients like the idea of a scar around the areola, and it usually heals very well. The underneath scar usually is very faint, but even if not, it is hidden in the crease underneath the breast.

Occasionally patients will experience more scarring than normal, despite the incision, especially patients with darker skin or a history of extensive scars. If you should find your scars unacceptable after a few months have passed, your surgeon will most likely be able to improve them in a short outpatient visit to the office.

Will you place the implants in front of or behind the muscle? 

This decision is made according to the previous technique and the operative findings. Today almost all implants should be placed “dual plane.” This means that the upper and inner areas of the implant are placed behind the muscle, where coverage is necessary in order to prevent the implant from being visible. The lower and lower outer part of the implant have no muscle in front, because in this area we need to usually expand the breast. With a modern dual plane technique, we can control the extent of muscle coverage based upon the requirements of your breast. The dual-plane technique combines the benefits of both being in front and being behind the muscle, while minimizes the downsides of each.

How will you be sure you placed the implants symmetrically? 

The most critical measurement is the distance from the nipple to the bottom of the breast, and even if the nipples are at unequal height, these distances must be the same. If it is short on one side, that nipple will point down; if it is long on one side the nipple will point up. Once that distance from the nipple to the bottom is determined, our plastic surgeons precisely make a pocket that will fit the implant in the perfect position to augment and enhance the breast’s natural contours.

Will I lose sensitivity in my breasts after the augmentation?

Nipples respond to Breast augmentation revision Colombia in a variety of ways. Some women report increased sensitivity, others notice decreased sensitivity. With all incisions this is a risk because the major nerve to the nipple comes from the very side of the breast, and any dissection puts this nerve at risk. The larger the implant, the wider the pocket has to be, and the greater the chance of this damage. The less accurate the dissection, the greater the risk of this problem. Whatever your experience, know that any change will likely subside over time. But even when everything is done perfectly, some women can have a permanent change in sensitivity, and all patients must be able to accept that risk before proceeding.

Do my implants have to be changed every decade?

Implants do not have to be changed just because a certain number of years elapse. However, implants should be changed if there is a problem with the implant, if the patient’s breast changes significantly, or if the patient’s desires change. Most young people who undergo breast augmentation will have other breast operations in their lifetime for one of those reasons.

How long will the results last?

All breasts droop to some degree over time as the effects of gravity and aging skin set in. This is true whether a woman has implants or not. Many women who enlarge their breasts consider a lift after a few years to maintain their youthful, perky shape.

Where will my surgery take place? 

Our surgeons perform their Breast augmentation revision Colombia at the modern facilities at Premium Care Medical Suites in Cartagena. Premium Care Plastic Surgery combines the utmost in state-of-the-art technology, a clear focus on patient safety and a warm, refined ambiance. Most patients find their surgery to be a pleasant, relaxed experience.

What should I bring with me the day of surgery?

After you have scheduled surgery, you will be given a detailed list of what you need to bring. But you do not need to bring a special bra or anything in particular with you.

What type of anesthesia will I have for Breast augmentation revision Colombia?

General anesthesia is appropriate for breast augmentation surgery. We prefer a “light” general anesthesia, where a mask in the mouth is used rather than a tube through the vocal cords. The lighter anesthesia does not require paralysis, and we believe patients emerge from anesthesia more quickly and smoothly. We also use a long- acting local anesthetic to reduce discomfort significantly in the hours following the procedure.

How long will the surgery take?

Most breast augmentation procedures take one to two hours. You’ll spend some additional time being closely monitored in recovery, then you will most likely go home to relax.

What will the recovery be like?

You’ll be alert and walking around the day of your surgery, but you’ll want to spend most of your time resting quietly at home for about a week. You’ll want to rest on your back, but we want you to be up and around. We want you to leave the house, to take a shower, and engage in normal activities.

How much time should I take to recover?

Most patients take a few days off of work to recover from surgery. Heavy lifting and exercise are best avoided for a few weeks.

How much pain can I expect after surgery? 

Patients are often surprised by how little discomfort they suffer after surgery. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Restrepo will prescribe pain medications, and instruct you on how to use them. Some patients need nothing more than over-the-counter pain relief, though you will be prepared with stronger medications. Most describe it as a pressure, or a weight on their chest, much as if they had worked out hard or their milk was coming in.

How long will I need to stay home from work?

If your work involves light activity, you can probably plan to return in a few days. However, you will want to have physical activities limited, so prepare ahead. You will find you tire more quickly than normal for several days or even a few weeks, so you’ll want to factor that in to your schedule.

What other kinds of restrictions will I have after surgery?

You’ll probably find your new breasts will be sensitive for two to three weeks after your procedure, so you will want to limit physical contact until the sensitivity passes. You’ll also want to curtail strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or vigorous workouts, for several weeks. Dr. Smith, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Restrepo

will ensure you understand how to take care of yourself after surgery, and their team will see that you get clear post-op instructions. Also, our staff are available throughout the recovery process should questions arise.

When can I drive?
You can drive when you are off of all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car.

When can I travel by airplane?
There is nothing about an airplane ride that is inherently problematic. The issue is whether you are going to a place where there is a doctor who can take care of you if you develop a problem.

When can I resume exercise?

We suggest you wait 3 weeks to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

What is considered to be exercise?

Elevating your heart rate or blood pressure, breathing hard, straining or sweating. But light walking is beneficial starting the day of surgery.

When can I lift my child?

You can lift a cooperative child that is up to 20 pounds right away. But don’t try to pick up your child if he or she is fighting you or if you have to bend way over a playpen. If you have a larger child, we request you wait for three weeks to pick up any significant weight.

When can I drink alcohol?

A small amount of alcohol will not interfere with your recovery.

When can I smoke cigarettes?

We would like to say never, since they are bad for you. Smoking does slow down healing, and it would be best to avoid them for three weeks.

When can I be in the sun?

It is okay to go out in the sun within days after surgery, provided that the incision is protected by something that will totally block the sun, and it is a good idea to keep the incision totally blocked from sun for a year or so.

When can I shower/take a bath?

You should shower the day after your surgery. Your incision can get wet, but don’t rub it. Soap your breasts and let warm water hit them.

What will my post-operative appointment schedule be like?

There are no drains or stitches to be removed after a breast augmentation, so there are really no compulsory visits or times at which something in particular must be done. Our plastic surgeons want to see everyone the day after surgery to assure ourselves that everything is okay. We offer patients frequent visits thereafter, usually at one week, one month, six months, one year, and yearly thereafter. But some patients will come more frequently, some less frequently. Some people have little questions they want answered, and other people feel fine on their own. Our staff are always available by telephone for more minor issues.

Why do my breasts appear to be high right after surgery?

It is not supposed to look perfect right after surgery! The upper breast almost always looks too full. Some of that is swelling; some of that is that the implant will drop down to the bottom of the breast. Pronounced upper fullness usually goes down between 4-8 weeks, but it continues to improve for a full year.

Why do I need to do arm lifts immediately after surgery?

Think of this surgery as having a mildly sprained ankle. If you don’t walk on it, it will get progressively stiffer. If it is only mildly sprained, the walking on it can get it loose. The biggest source of pain after a breast augmentation is a muscle that gets stiff. Just think about when you have sat in one position for a long time and the discomfort when you try to move that joint for the first time. By staying lose you will be more comfortable. By moving your arms you will keep the pocket from closing down on the implant and this will help to keep the implant soft.

How long does the swelling last? 

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

Should I ice my breasts for the swelling? 

We do not specifically require it, but it is okay to do it. Sometimes it can make your muscles feel a bit stiff, and moving your arms is important. But it can also be very soothing, and reduce pain and swelling. The choice is yours. But if you do it, you still need to do your arm exercises so that you stay loose.

Once the swelling subsides, how much smaller will my breasts be? 

Everyone is different. Some swell a lot, some swell a little. Generally, though, the breasts do start off somewhat swollen, and that will go down. However, they will also get softer and more mobile, so that in a sense they can actually be made to look larger once they soften up enough to be pushed up and molded by a bra. Similarly, as swelling goes down, the borders of the breast become better delineated, so that they appear to be more distinct from the chest wall. They also lose the excessive upper fullness with time as they drop in the breast. Another way to think about it is right after surgery the tightness of your skin is compressing your breasts against your body. As the skin relaxes, even if the swelling goes down a bit, your breasts will project more and look larger.

What do I have to do to care for the incision?

You will either have steri-strips or a glue closure over the incisions. You should shower the day after your surgery. Your incision can get wet, but don’t rub it. Soap your breasts and let warm water hit them. This will help them to feel better.

After about a week, the glue will start flaking and the steri-strip will start lifting. At that point you can start cleaning it with a wash cloth and teasing it off.

When do the stitches need to be removed?

Your stitches are dissolvable and therefore do not need to be removed.

What should I do to prevent scarring? 

The bottom line is that the fate of your scar is mostly determined by your own genetics and by the surgery itself. It is not clear the extent to which putting things on scars will influence their final appearance. However, most patients want to do something. There has never been a direct comparison between the various products. Patient feedback has been the most positive from three sorts of things: Scar Guard, which is a liquid containing steroid, Vitamin E, and silicone that you brush on like nail polish; Silicone gel strips (such as Neosporin scar strips); and silicone ointment (such as Scar Fade.) You can get these from a pharmacy, and you can start putting them on once the glue or the steri-strip is off, following the instructions on the packaging.

What type/size bra should I wear after surgery? 

Wearing a bra is optional unless you were specifically told for your situation that you needed one. Some people feel comforted and supported by a bra, others feel it to be restrictive and uncomfortable. It is your own decision just based upon fashion and comfort. Even underwire bras are okay, so long as they are not rubbing against your incision or bothering you. You will be given a bra after surgery. Many people find that sports bras are the most comfortable for the initial week or two after surgery. Also, they are inexpensive, and it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on bras until the swelling has gone down and the breasts settled a bit, which takes a few weeks.

Do I have to massage my breasts?  

Breast massage has a beneficial effect on keeping the implant soft, and you should follow the routines explained to you at Premium Care.

What is capsular contracture? 

It is a build up of an excessive amount of scar tissue by your body around the implant. It makes the implant feel hard, move upwards, and look round. It remains the leading cause for revision surgery after breast augmentation.

Is there anything I can do to avoid capsular contracture?

The first step is to avoid the nipple incision, as this leads to contamination of the implant with the bacteria that live in the breast. It is these bacteria that seem to be the leading cause of capsular contracture. You need to choose a surgeon who will do a gentle operation, with minimal bleeding and bruising. Finally, you must do your arm exercises and breast massage after surgery, and follow all the instructions we give you. But there is no special vitamin or medicine that we know will prevent capsular contracture.

When will I need to replace my implants?

There is no specific time that an implant will last. The rate of shell failure is about 1% per year. We know that about 30% of women have another operation by seven years, but most of those are not because a woman needed to have surgery, but because they wanted to improve something. There is a myth that they need to be redone at 10 years, but that is totally untrue. It is just that by around ten years, probably around half of the patients or so decide to have another operation, even though it is not required to do so.

Do breast implants have a warranty?

Yes, and these warranties vary between the manufacturers and the type of implant. They usually cover implant breakage and for some period of time will offer a replacement of that implant and the one on the other side, with varying degrees of additional monies offered to cover part of the cost of surgery. These warranties change all the time, so check with the office to learn the latest.

What are other common risks of breast augmentation?

There are risks associated with any surgery, even procedures as uncomplicated as breast enlargements. A few patients experience bleeding, swelling or infection. Your surgical team will prepare you so that you’ll know what to do if any of these occur.

The most common undesirable outcome of breast augmentation is capsular contracture. This condition results when the normal scar tissue “capsules” that form inside the breast contract and squeeze an implant. You’ll be glad to know that as implant technology advances, capsular contracture rates are on the decline. And you can help prevent the condition by massaging your breasts after surgery as your surgical team will explain. In rare cases when capsular contracture causes distortion, the condition may require additional surgery.

Will my breasts look fake?

They will only look fake if you want them to look fake. If your implants are properly sized for you, then they will not look fake. The thicker the tissue and the smaller the implant, the more natural they will look. The thinner the tissue and the larger the implant, the more fake they will look. So the answer is to have your tissue measured, and to get an implant that fits your body.

How long will my implants last?

How long implants last and how long it will be until you have your next surgery are two different issues that are often confused. A broken implant is not even in the top five reasons for having a revision. The most common reasons patients have another surgery is the build up of scar tissue, drooping, implant getting out of position, wanting a change in size, etc. Implants only break at a rate more or less of 1% per year. Sometimes those breaks can be noticed as a change in the breast. At other times the patient cannot detect a difference and the break can only be detected by an MRI.

If my saline implant ruptures will I get sick or be deformed?

A: When a saline implant breaks, it usually deflates over a period of days or weeks. There is nothing dangerous about it, but you will look very imbalanced.

If my silicone gel implant ruptures will I get sick or be deformed?

Sometimes when a silicone gel implant ruptures the breast feels different. Sometimes harder, but more often there is less of a sensation on careful examination of the discrete borders of an implant, but rather a more amorphous feel to the breast. While we recommend that a woman with a ruptured silicone implant have the implant removed and replaced, there is no evidence that a ruptured silicone implant will make you sick.

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?

It is most likely that a patient will still be able to breastfeed following breast augmentation surgery. We take special precautions to minimize the likelihood of the surgery affecting the function of the breast.

Will I need to replace my implants after pregnancy?

Occasionally after nursing the skins stretches and the breast looks empty. Sometimes capsular contracture develops. Sometimes the breasts droop. For these problems, a revision may be necessary. But most of the time augmented breasts still look beautiful after pregnancy and do not require a Breast augmentation revision Colombia.

Will implants affect my risk of breast cancer?

No. The risk of breast cancer does not change if you have an implant. Extensive studies on thousands of women over decades have demonstrated no increased risk of breast cancer in patients with implants. And the cancers are not detected later, larger, or with a worse prognosis. In fact, by having the uniform implant behind the breast tissue rather than the irregular rib cage, it is easier to feel the breast tissue and more breast cancers are picked up by the patient with implants than those without.

Will I still be able to get mammograms?

Yes, you’ll follow a normal schedule for mammograms after your breast augmentation. You’ll need to make sure your technician is experienced with breast implants to get an accurate reading, as some additional radiographic views are required.

Ready to move forward with your breast enhancement in Colombia? Want to learn more about your options? You can receive a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena  and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that we offer cosmetic plastic surgery financing?  We have a whole group of partners including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Card, and Helm Bank.  All offer complete financing up front with a payment schedule to meet your needs.  Ask one of our staff for assistance.