Breast Augmentation: What Should I Expect?

Does breast augmentation hurt? No. And yes. The most honest answer must be multifaceted and comprehensive. When you have breast augmentation, you will be under general anesthesia. This works by interrupting neurotransmitter activity between the body and the brain. General anesthesia is routinely used in even the most complex surgical procedures, like open-heart surgery. It is safe and efficient for patients undergoing breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures. In short, no pain is felt during the procedure.

What About Post-Operative Pain?

The insertion of breast implants requires the surgeon to manipulate skin, connective tissue and, in many cases, muscle. A certain degree of tissue trauma takes place. This is why, when patients wake up from anesthesia, they can sense soreness and tightness in the chest. The compression garment applied after surgery helps, as does prescription pain medication. However, a little pain is a vital part of optimal healing, too. When the brain registers pain signals from the body, it then stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more endorphins. These neuro-chemicals are natural painkillers. The inflammation that is natural after any wound also stimulates collagen production in the affected area. This protein helps with tissue and skin healing, so we need that inflammatory response to promote strong healing. The pain that a patient feels after breast augmentation surgery is tolerable. Prescription pain medication is usually only needed for about a week. After that, over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen is sufficient to maintain comfort.

Now is the best time to get your best look. To learn more about breast augmentation, contact our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 for a personal consultation with Dr. Trussler.

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For women considering breast augmentation, information can be incredibly empowering. We’ve seen time and time again that an informed patient is a confident patient. To help each of our valued patients, we provide answers to their questions and details regarding their procedure well in advance of surgery day. We’ll discuss a few of those details here that seem to prevent uncertainty and regret. 

1. Adequate preparation is paramount. Patients often want to know what to expect after surgery and what they can do to help their bodies heal. However, what is done before surgery also has a big impact on recovery. It isn’t just important to prepare the body, but also to prepare the mind and the space in which recovery will occur. Some of the common recommendations before surgery include avoiding smoking and nicotine use, eating a healthy diet, arranging childcare and pet care, and preparing a quiet, comfortable space for rest and recovery.
2. Breast augmentation results are not immediately perfect. The first peek at breast augmentation results can be very exciting. However, it can also feel alarming if you don’t know what to expect. At first, the breasts look high and tight. They may feel firmer than seems normal. However, this is perfectly normal for the first few months of recovery. Over time, the breasts settle and soften into their natural, beautiful position.
3. A lift may be needed. Yes, breast implants can fill out breasts that have deflated after weight loss or breastfeeding. However, breast augmentation alone may not be sufficient for perfecting the shape of the breasts. When the skin around the breasts has loosened and resulted in drooping, a lift may be the ideal ancillary procedure to go along with breast augmentation.
4. Breast augmentation can be financed. This procedure, as well as many other cosmetic procedures, is often financed using a general credit card or a special, medical financing program such as CareCredit®  or ALPHAEON Credit®. It can be far more satisfying to obtain medical financing for breast augmentation than to choose a surgeon based on pricing rather than experience and reputation.
5. There is such a thing as the right surgeon for your breast augmentation. Patients should consult with at least a few board-certified plastic surgeons when considering breast augmentation. In addition to holding membership with professional medical societies and adequate experience, the right surgeon for you will be someone with whom you feel comfortable and genuinely heard.

Come by our Austin office to see how Dr. Trussler can help you transform your shape. Contact us at  (512) 450-1077 to schedule a visit. 

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Every year, thousands of breast augmentation procedures are done. The reasons for this surgery are deeply personal to each patient. However, the desired outcome is similar across the board. Patients want larger, shapelier breasts that look and feel as natural as possible. With attention to many tiny details, an experienced surgeon can meet this goal. 

Breast Implant Options

Most patients already know that there are silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. What they may not know is that all breast implants have a silicone outer shell. The difference is what’s on the inside. Both silicone and saline implants are made in a range of sizes, shapes, and profiles to help us achieve optimal results. 

Saline Implants

Saline implants, as implied by the name, are filled with saline, sterile saltwater. This type of implant can be filled to as needed to achieve the ideal size for each patient. In terms of feel, we’d have to say that saline is firmer than natural breast tissue, so the outcome may not be as similar to natural breasts as a patient may like Some saline breast implants are made with multiple chambers to give them a more natural look and feel. 

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants hold a silicone gel inside the outer shell. This option has, over time, become the more popular choice for breast augmentation. There are several reasons why. First, silicone implants are generally softer, so they feel more natural. Silicone is more likely to hold its form over many years, as well. Recently, options in silicone breast implants have expanded to include form-stable implants that are similar in structure to a gummy bear. This prevents silicone from leaking into surrounding tissue should the implant rupture. 

Placement Matters, Too

Implant type is only one of several factors that contribute to the outcome of surgery. The placement of implants also matters. Generally, surgeons prefer to place breast implants under the pectoralis muscles. At first, the breasts may look firm and high after surgery. Over time, though, as the muscle relaxes around the implants, the bosom looks and feels softer and more natural. We have come so far in plastic surgery that many women say no one can tell that they have breast implants; only beautiful breasts. 

Explore your breast augmentation options in a friendly, professional environment. Call our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Trussler. 

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1. Breast augmentation has a relatively easy recovery. The person who wants to enhance their breast shape with breast implants need not spend time in the hospital. The procedure takes one to two hours in an outpatient surgery center. Patients are anesthetized with general anesthesia to place them into a deeply sedated state. They need to spend a short period in the recovery area before being released to a loved one to drive them home. Once there, patients recover comfortably and are often ready to return to work after one week of rest and limited activity.
2. Breast implants are safe. Certain breast implants have been bumps in the road of the bigger picture of surgical success. Last year we experienced a minor recall of a specific grouping of textured breast implants. However, breast implant safety has actually improved over the years. New manufacturing techniques include more cohesive silicone encased in softer but more resilient breast implant shells.
3. Breast augmentation looks natural. One of the mini-trends that has occurred in the area of breast enhancement is the desire for smaller, more natural-looking results. Breast augmentation is not one-size-fits-all. It is a procedure that we tailor to each patient to accentuate their natural body frame and proportions. The process is comprehensive, involving choices in breast implant type, size, shape, texture, and projection.

Achieve Your Best Shape

Trends may come and go, but when you create the shape that is a perfect fit with your personality, lifestyle, and body frame, your unique beauty will always be in style. We are proud to offer friendly, professional care in our Austin plastic surgery office. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Trussler, call (512) 450-1077.

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1. Spend more time than you think is necessary considering breast implant size. One way you can do this is to find pictures of bodies you find attractive. It isn’t enough to look only at the breasts. To begin to discern what size may be right for you, it is necessary to see how the breasts fit with the rest of the body.
2. Body proportions are important but aren’t the only aspect of breast implant size that will affect your decision. Remember, you also have to live with your larger breasts. As you choose breast implants, imagine how your enlargement will fit into your everyday life. Are you very active? You may want to choose smaller implants rather than very large implants that require a great deal of support during exercise.
3. Start eating well before surgery. A balanced diet isn’t just about weight management. What you eat will also affect how well you recover from surgery. As soon as you know you want to have breast augmentation, it’s a good idea to make it habit to consume whole, fresh foods that are rich in nutrients like protein and antioxidants.
4. Quit smoking. One of the first pre-surgical instructions surgeons dole out is that patients who smoke must stop. Smoking inhibits oxygenation in tissues. After surgery, the skin and other tissues rely on circulation and oxygenation to properly heal. Smoking too close to a surgical procedure can diminish the desired outcome.
5. Arrange adequate time off. You’ll need to schedule at least a week off work to recover from surgery. If your job is physically demanding, you may need two or more weeks of recovery before you can resume full activity. Scheduling time off doesn’t stop with work. It is also necessary to avoid too much socializing, housework, childcare, and other activities that deplete your energy. After breast augmentation, you’ll get the full feel of “me time.”

Breast augmentation is popular for several reasons. If you’re ready to see the new you, contact our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 and schedule your consultation with Dr. Trussler.

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Make Reclining Comfortable

For several days after breast surgery, it is necessary to elevate the upper half of the body when resting; even when sleeping. If you have a recliner, this is easy. If you don’t, you can still rest comfortably. To keep your upper body elevated, you can stack several pillows behind you and also beside you. If you’ve had a mommy makeover, reclining enables you to move from a resting to a standing position without having to use the muscles of your upper body as much as you normally would.

Sleep on Your Back

Once you can lie flat after abdominoplasty or breast augmentation, you’ll need to sleep on your back. If this is not your norm, we suggest that you start “training” several weeks before your procedure so there is no frustration when you’re tired and sore from surgery. To help you sleep on your back, we suggest placing a pillow on each side. Placing your arms on the pillows can keep you from rolling over in your sleep. The purpose of this suggestion is to limit pressure or tension on your incisions and on operative areas like the breasts or abdomen, which are tender and sore.

Wear Support

Patients who undergo breast procedures have a compression garment applied after surgery. This minimizes swelling by gently pressing fluids away from the surgical area. The surgical bra or support garment that Dr. Trussler applies should also be worn while you sleep so your skin is not pulled or pressed.

Ensure Quality Sleep

You may take naps during your recovery from plastic surgery but you also need to make sure you get deep, restful sleep at night. To do this, you may want to avoid caffeine and sugar in the afternoon hours. Studies show that using a smartphone or other electronic device or watching television before bed can lead to restlessness. Know what else can lead to restless sleep? Wine. This common nightcap is sedative at first, so people often fall asleep well after enjoying a glass or two. However, this can ultimately backfire when, during the night, the body works to process alcohol, disrupting sleep.

Dr. Trussler has helped many patients feel amazing about their appearance. To learn more about breast enhancement or mommy makeover procedures, call (512) 450-1077. We’re happy to schedule a consultation for you at our Austin, TX office.

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A Multidimensional Approach to a Multifaceted Problem

The breasts are not as simple as we may think. To have breast implants inserted may not solve the problems that have made them look deflated and saggy. Breast implants are intended only for the improvement of size and shape. If motherhood or age has caused the breasts to sag, the excess skin that remains over breast implants is likely to allow them to sit farther down on the chest wall than would be ideal. To prevent this from happening, an experienced plastic surgeon may suggest a combination of breast lift surgery and breast augmentation.

Combining cosmetic procedures offers several advantages. The pairing of breast procedures can both reduce overall cost, time under anesthesia, and also recovery. Even more exciting is the fact that, by lifting the breasts at the same time of enlargement, the results are maximized both cosmetically and in terms of longevity.

Learn more about Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift

Breast augmentation is a leading cosmetic procedure, but it is only one aspect of improving the appearance of the breasts overall. To achieve optimal and lasting improvement, it pays to pay attention to the condition of breast tissue and overlying skin.

Learn more about breast enhancement and how that might look in your unique situation. Call (512) 450-1077, where a friendly member of our staff can schedule a consultation for you.

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Recently, there was a blow to the breast implant world. And we can understand that this may be concerning for many women. Here, we want to address the current breast implant recall in as much detail as possible. We hope that concise information may set your mind at ease regarding your health and wellness.

What Happened?

For well over a decade, the safety rating of breast implant treatment has been very high. A few years ago, however, a concern that breast implants may be linked to breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) developed. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It is a rare type of lymphoma that develops in the fluid that may accumulate in the capsule around breast implants. The FDA has spent years exploring this potential connection, and it led to the recall of specific items.

During years of analysis of reported cases of BIA-ALCL, the FDA found a particular concern related to BioCell textured breast implants. These devices are a part of the Natrelle breast implant line by Allergan. Based on 573 reported cases, the FDA found that 481 included certain Natrelle products. As a result, the following have been recalled due to the increased risk of triggering abnormal cell growth:

• Natrelle saline breast implants
• Natrelle silicone breast implants
• Inspira silicone breast implants
• 410 Highly Cohesive anatomically-shaped silicone breast implants
• 133 Plus tissue expander for breast reconstruction
• 133 Plus tissue expander with suture tabs

What You Need to Do

A breast implant recall, even for a limited group of devices, can be frightening. We encourage any woman who is concerned about the effect her breast implants may have on her health to speak with her surgeon. The more you know, the better you can feel about whatever decision you come to about the future of your breast implants.

Should breast implants be removed?

This is the question that may be on your mind. What science has confirmed is that the Natrelle line of textured breast implants may pose an increased risk for BIA-ALCL. However, this risk does not mean that every woman with textured implants will develop this disease. It doesn’t even mean that every patient with the Natrelle brand of textured implants will develop this lymphoma in the breast capsule.

This means that breast implants don’t have to be removed unless you are showing signs of a potential problem. If one breast looks larger than the other, or one or both breasts hurt, we suggest scheduling a thorough consultation and examination with an experienced surgeon.

If symptoms of BIA-ALCL occur, imaging may be done to identify fluid in the breast capsule.  A sample of this fluid can also be obtained to test for cancerous cells. When the lymphoma is contained immediately around the breast implant, extraction of the implant as well as capsular tissue may completely remove the disease. More extensive treatment with chemotherapy may be needed if cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes. According to statistics, 93% of the women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL remain in excellent health three years after treatment.

Breast implant revision due to BIA-ALCL concerns is unnecessary in the majority of cases. However, this is a personal decision that every woman must make for herself. If you have questions about your breast implants or breast implant revision, call our Austin office at (512) 450-1077.

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Breast augmentation isn’t all about adding volume that never fully culminated in the shape a woman may want. This procedure can also correct volume loss, asymmetry, and the effects of aging. Women who undergo breast augmentation often say they just want to feel more feminine and powerful in their sensuality. We are happy to support patients who are interested in this procedure. Here, we offer that support in the way of tips for the best possible outcome from breast enhancement.

• DO take your time choosing a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Trussler is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with specialty training in cosmetic surgery. He has extensive training and experience in breast augmentation as well as breast reconstruction.
• DO quit smoking well before your surgery.
• DON’T pick up smoking again until you have fully healed from your surgery. Chemicals in cigarettes increase the risks of surgery and minimize the body’s ability to recover well.
• DO arrange for help around the house, especially with pets and children. You may be surprised at how good you feel and at how difficult it is to NOT slip right back into your regular duties around the house.
• DON’T overdo chores, parenting, or exercise. The reason why there are activity restrictions after breast augmentation is that a capsule of tissue needs to form around breast implants. If the pectoral muscles are worked, this capsule may not develop as well as it could.
• DON’T soak in a bubble bath – or any tub for that matter. Water may contain bacteria and other microorganisms that could penetrate healing incisions. Avoiding baths, spas, and pools is the best way to prevent infection.
• DO call your doctor if you have any questions during your recovery.

The team in our Austin office is happy to speak with you about breast augmentation. Schedule your consultation at (512) 450-1077.

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Those days of “Go Big or Go Home” are over. For the most part, women are interested in subtle approaches to body contouring. Breast augmentation procedures are now leaning more toward the subdued side. Low-profile breast implants fit in nicely with this trend. If you find yourself admiring body-types like Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz, and you’d like a little more shape than what Mother Nature has given you, a low-profile implant may be your ideal.

What is Profile, Anyway?

The profile of a breast implant explains how much projection we can expect. Another way to describe profile is how far the breast will point forward once the implant is in place. Low-profile implants have the least amount of projection. Because breast augmentation is all about proportions, it is also important to know that a low-profile implant will have the least amount of volume, as well. Ultimately, then, the low-profile, low-volume breast implant will take up less space on the chest.

Know Before You Go

It is easy to think that breast augmentation surgery needs to fit into a pretty little box. Historically, low-profile implants have been used less frequently and usually only on women with a petite frame. Women with a medium to larger frame tend to be guided toward moderate-profile implants to enhance the proportions of their body.

Before you schedule your consultation for breast augmentation surgery, it helps to know exactly what you want in terms of end-result. If your preference is to enhance your breasts so subtly that people question “did she or didn’t she?” then low-profile implants may be ideal for you. Our job in consulting with you is to provide you with our best estimation of how each type of implant will look on your frame.

Choosing breast implants can be an exciting process. Start yours today by calling our Austin office at (512) 450-1077.

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