One of the most defining features of a woman’s body is her breasts; with the right cup size, natural curves can be easily accentuated and enhanced, doing wonders for boosting the confidence of countless women all over the globe. Unfortunately, not all breasts were created equal – some too small for a person’s frame, or more saggy than desired, keeping enviable curves under wraps. Good news is, there’s an easy, surefire fix for life: breast augmentation.
If you’re thinking, worried, or curious about the wonders of a breast augmentation, you’re not alone. Breast augmentation is actually one of the most popular and sought-after plastic surgery procedures among women all over the globe. Beginning with a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon all the way to your procedure and recovery, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to suffer from fake-looking boobs; instead, our clinic in Toronto works with you every step of the way to help you prepare for a new life, thanks to a whole new, v.2.0 you.
We know that your mind’s abuzz with a gazillion questions about this surgery – and once again, you’re not alone, and this isn’t our first rodeo. Here are the most popular questions our patients ask and our answers plus more – pro tips from our top cosmetic surgeons in Toronto.
Help – my breasts are swollen! Is this normal? For how long?
No one ever said that the road to beauty is as easy as 1 2 3. What most people don’t know is that it’s normal to experience some swelling in the breasts after the breast augmentation surgery. That’s right, there’s no reason to panic. (And if you can’t help it, just remember that our cosmetic surgery clinic is right at the heart of Toronto – you can get help in a heartbeat!)
In fact, swelling is one of the most common post-operative phenomenon. Not that it’s really one, because swelling is the body’s natural response to the perfectly healthy trauma caused by surgery. While swelling and minor discomfort are normal, they’ll only be present in the first few days after your surgery and will gradually subside. Swelling can be expected to greatly subside within 6 weeks, and after 3 to 4 months, residual swelling will have subsided, no longer obscuring the results of your breast augmentation. While uncommon, don’t wait to contact your cosmetic surgeon if you experience a rapid increase in swelling after your surgery, so complications can be ruled out and treated right away.
Is there any specific or ideal sleeping position that I should follow?
Good question – because yes, you will have to sleep on your back at all times for the first couple of months after your breast augmentation surgery. Sleeping on your back avoids a slew of post-op complications, like straining your incisions and exacerbating normal swelling.
We know that sticking to one sleeping position sounds challenging on its own, especially if you’re the type to move around, twist and turn, or even just sleep better on your side or stomach. That’s why our cosmetic surgery clinic recommends that you practice sleeping on your back in the days or weeks leading up to your breast augmentation procedure to get used to this, or use pillows to support your arms, shoulders, and sides, keeping you from turning over. Not to worry, though; you can go back to sleeping the way before in just about two months – just a short period before you can easily go back to sleeping in the most comfortable position for you.
How about having sex after breast augmentation – when would be safe?
As your cosmetic surgery specialists in Toronto, we want nothing more for you than to exude newfound confidence in your enhanced figure, both when you’re out and about and at home, especially in the bedroom.
To get the best results from your plastic surgery and prevent complications, it’s best to avoid vigorous, physically straining activities – including sex – for 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure. Sex, along with other types of strenuous physical activity can cause a spike in your blood pressure. Increased blood pressure right after surgery poses risks for internal bleeding, stress on incision sites, and possible complications that could hamper your healing and prevent you from enjoying the best possible results from your surgery.
As a valued patient at our cosmetic surgery clinic in Toronto, you should know that we welcome all kinds of questions pertaining to your procedure; our goal is to make you feel comfortable enough, so that you can ask us anything and we can provide answers and tips that can help you to recover faster and celebrate your new figure. Once your surgeon says it’s OK to have sex again, remember to start out gently and avoid positions or movements that could strain the chest area. And if all these is a bit much to remember, here’s a shortcut – if it hurts, don’t do it!
Why am I experiencing shooting pains in my chest?
The road to recovery after your breast augmentation surgery can come with some quirks – like a new feelings or sensations that require some getting used to. Just so you know, it’s normal to feel some tingling, numbness, and even shooting pains in your nipples or breasts after the surgery. Don’t worry, though, these aren’t signs of serious complications. Shooting pains and other sensations are frequently experienced because the nerve endings in your breasts are repairing themselves after the surgery.
A gentle massage will help to quell the pain, tingling sensation, or numbness; just remember to ask your cosmetic surgeon about the correct way to do it to avoid damaging your breasts by exerting too much pressure. The sensations will gradually end in a few, short months.
Do I need to wait for my breast implants to settle? For how long?
Yes, there’s such a thing as ‘waiting for the implants to settle’ after your breast augmentation surgery. This is because the breast tissues need time to adjust to the addition of the implant. Right after your surgery, you will notice that the implants sit high on your chest and feel firm. Once the breast tissue and muscles relax, the implants will make their down to their intended position. This process typically takes 3 to 4 months, but could take up to 6 months for some.
Also, it’s common for one breast to settle faster than the other – so don’t fret if your boobs look a bit asymmetrical, because it’s only temporary. If after 6 months your breasts are still uneven, don’t hesitate to visit our cosmetic surgery clinic and speak with your plastic surgeon; we’ll be able to examine you, rule out any possible issues, and see whether your breast just a tiny bit more time.
When exactly can I lift everyday stuff or exercise after my breast augmentation?
As mentioned earlier, it’s not advisable to engage in vigorous activities while you recover from your breast augmentation surgery.
At La Fontaine Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Toronto, our plastic surgeons pride themselves on advanced breast augmentation techniques that allow for a fast and hassle-free recovery, even just in a matter of a few weeks. To stick to this timeframe, though, it’s important to remember that recovery is a two-way street: our guarantee is a fast recovery, while your job is sticking to your surgeon’s post-op instructions. This means no heavy lifting, such as weights, groceries, or even your little kids. In general, it’s best to avoid lifting anything that’s over 10 pounds to avoid straining the breast tissue. Not to worry, though; this is temporary and will only be for about 3 weeks.
If your job requires you to do some lifting, or if you have little kids to take care of, it’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon about this. Our clinic will be able to give you tips for lifting carefully, so you can easily get on with your life without keeping you from seeing the wonders of a new and improved figure!