What You Can Expect During Breast Surgery

Many women wonder what breast surgery will be like. Some common questions women have include, "Will I be in pain," or "How long does surgery last?" This article will help you understand what breast enhancement surgery typically involves.

The Day You Have Surgery
After you carefully weigh all your options, you set a date and prepare for your surgery. So, what can you expect during surgery? First, most doctors will tell you to relax. You won't even notice time flying by, because during breast surgery, patients are sedated using general or intravenous anesthesia.

Everyone's experience of surgery however, in any form, may be different. Typically, a surgeon performs breast surgery in a hospital or in a surgical suite that is office based. For example, many plastic surgeons have surgical rooms and operating or ambulatory facilities located on the premises.

Elite medical facilities even have recovery centers that cater to women who want to recover in a spa-like environment.

Most of us ordinary people will not get to stay at a spa however, to recover from breast surgery. So here is what to expect.

• First, you will arrive at the surgical center or hospital.
• You may need to fill out additional consent forms. Your doctor or an administrator will confirm you have someone that can pick you up and care for you following surgery.
• Your doctor will come into your room and talk to you about your surgery. You will change into a surgical gown and your doctor will mark the areas of the body he or she plans to operate on. These marks serve as navigational lines for doctors when they perform surgery.
• Once you talk with your doctor, an anesthesiologist meets with you to decide how much medication you may need during surgery. He or she will then administer a small dose of medication or a sedative to help you relax before surgery. You will then receive intravenous or general anesthesia before surgery.
• Your doctor will make incisions in the area the breast implant will be placed. Some incisions are made under the breast, around the areola, through the armpit or through the navel. The surgeon creates a pocket behind breast tissue or behind your pectoral muscle where the implant will reside. He or she will then position the implant, fill it if not pre-filled, and close the incision with surgical tape or sutures.
• During surgery, your anesthetist will continue to provide you proper doses of medication while your surgeon performs surgery. Most surgeries take anywhere from two to three hours, while some take less time to complete.
• Following surgery you will remain in a recovery area where nurses will monitor you to make sure your body tolerated surgery well. They will also help you wake following surgery.

Going Home Following Surgery
You will notice your breasts wrapped tightly following surgery. Some surgeons offer patients a support bra to wear to minimize discomfort and support the breasts after surgery.

Most patients leave the recovery area after a few hours, unless there are complications or your doctor feels you should remain at the facility overnight. Many patients feel tired following surgery. Others experience much soreness and pain. Every person experiences pain differently, so you will not know how you react to your surgery until it is done.

You will need to visit your doctor a day or two following surgery for a check-up. Usually after 48 hours you can remove the bandages on your breasts and use a supportive bra for another couple of weeks. Your doctor will provide you with pain medication to help relieve any discomfort you may experience after surgery.

Typically, women are able to return to light duty within four to ten days following surgery. It will take several weeks before your breasts completely heal and the swelling and bruising in your breasts fade. After this, you will start to enjoy your new breasts like never before!