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Whether you’re scheduling your surgery date or still considering your plastic surgery options, it can be scary to think about what happens during your breast augmentation surgery. A little bit of fear is good – every surgery comes with risks and it’s good to have a healthy respect for them. However, it can be helpful to know what happens during surgery so you can feel confident in your board-certified plastic surgeon’s skill and experience. Here’s what to know about breast augmentation and what you can expect on your surgery date.

Step 1: Surgical Prep

Once you arrive at your surgical facility, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon and surgical team so you can get to know them and ask any questions you might have. This is the best time to review your surgical plan, consent forms, and postoperative instructions so that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page.

Step 2: Anesthesia

During your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will have selected the right type of anesthesia for your procedure. For breast augmentation, this is most commonly general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon has likely chosen to work with an anesthesiologist whom they know and trust – ask any questions and express any fears so your anesthesiologist can help. Once you’re ready and everything has been prepared for surgery, you’ll be put to sleep.

Step 3: Incisions

Your plastic surgeon will perform the agreed-upon incision, whether it’s below the breast, in the armpit, or near the areola. A small pocket will be created in the breast tissue to make room for the implants. Your plastic surgeon will make sure to place your incisions where they can be easily concealed with clothing if they don’t fade completely.

Step 4: Implant Placement

Your implant placement may be different based on the type of implant you choose. If you opt for silicone implants, the whole implant will need to be placed entirely through the incision (sometimes using a specialized funnel). If you opt for saline implants, the shell can be placed through a much smaller incision and then filled through a tube once it’s in place. Your plastic surgeon may also perform extra steps depending on whether you want the implants above or below the pectoral muscle.

Step 5: Closing Incisions and Preparing for Recovery

Your incisions will be closed with special sutures, and drains may be placed around the area. You’ll be fitted with a postoperative surgical bra which you’ll wear as much as possible over the following weeks.

Step 6: Waking Up and Going Home

When you wake up, you’ll be monitored for a while by your nursing team. If you were under general anesthesia, it’s important to make sure you’re able to move around and aren’t experiencing any complications before you go home. If you feel groggy or have nausea, it’s perfectly normal. Once you’re cleared, you’ll be able to go home. You won’t be able to drive, so you’ll need to arrange for a close friend or family member to drive you home. In order to avoid having to stop at the pharmacy on the way home, make sure to fill any post-op prescriptions ahead of time.

Schedule a Consultation

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular ways to boost confidence for many women. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our St. Petersburg office by calling or filling out our online contact form.

READY FOR A CONSULTATION?