Category: Breast Augmentation

Choosing to undergo breast augmentation surgery comes with a variety of decisions, from selecting a surgeon to determining what size and type of implants you want. It can be an overwhelming proposition, which is why some of the best (and often underutilized) tools to help you in decision-making are before-and-after photos. In this blog, we discuss some of the ways before-and-after photos can help both you and your surgeon as you embark on your breast augmentation journey.

5 Min Read:

When you’re contemplating undergoing breast augmentation surgery, there are many things to research and decide. What results are you looking for, what size implant do you want, and whether you want silicone or saline implants? The list goes on. However, as prepared as you may be going into your consultation with your surgeon, you may adjust your expectations once you talk with them and view before-and-after photos of their work.

One tool to use for decisions is photography. Before-and-after photos serve patients and surgeons in their quest for stunning breast augmentation results. We’ll discuss how before-and-after breast augmentation photos can help you choose the right plastic surgeon and manage your expectations, as well as the overall benefits of before-and-after pictures for surgeons and patients alike.

Why Should Patients Ask to See Before-and-After Photos at Their Initial Breast Augmentation Consultation?

Dr. Wald’s blog has previously discussed tips for researching and selecting plastic surgeons. Most reputable plastic surgeons usually recommend asking to see before-and-after photos of the procedure they wish to undergo. But what are the benefits of seeing these pictures?

Visual Evidence of Surgeon Expertise in Breast Augmentation

Any surgeon can say that they have years of experience and hundreds of successful breast augmentation surgeries under their belt. But as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of plastic surgery, seeing before-and-after photos of breast augmentations performed by your surgeon shows you that their work backs up their claims (or not, as the case may be). If your surgeon touts their experience in correcting breast asymmetry using implants or in breast augmentation with a lift, seeing pictures of the results from actual patients can help put your mind at ease.

Surgeons also benefit from before-and-after photos in several ways. First, having visual evidence of their work and expertise posted on their website helps to attract potential patients and demonstrates transparency. It is also a way for them to showcase any specialties or techniques. For example, some surgeons may prefer one incision type over another, and using before-and-after photos helps them to show patients why they use that incision and how it can add value to the patient’s procedure. On a personal level, before-and-after photos of breast augmentations can help surgeons see how their skills and techniques have evolved.

Personalized Breast Augmentation Consultation Tool

Your breast augmentation consultation is a vital step in the process, as it’s a way for you to see if you click with the surgeon you’ve chosen (or if you need to continue your search for the right provider for you) and to see if their surgical style and expertise is what you are looking for.

Your surgeon will often offer to show you a gallery of before-and-after images during your consultation, and if they don’t, make sure you ask to see them. Seeing the results of breast augmentations that your surgeon has performed will give you an idea of their technique and help you better understand what they’re talking about when they go over the details of the procedure itself. Having photos in front of you while your surgeon describes the ins and outs of your breast augmentation surgery is extremely helpful, as it may spark questions you didn’t know you had before the consultation.

Another part of your breast augmentation consultation is finding out from your surgeon if the results you have in mind are attainable. Reputable surgeons will be honest and upfront with you, letting you know if the size or type of implant you’ve chosen is the best option for you and explaining why or why not. For example, you may think you want saline implants because they often require a smaller incision. However, if you have less natural breast tissue, this may not be the best choice for you because the edges of the implant may be visible, or they may have a noticeable rippling effect on your breasts.

Breast augmentation before-and-after pictures also help your surgeon set reasonable expectations for your results. If you come into your consultation wanting significantly larger, more prominent breasts, while that aesthetic may be attainable, seeing before-and-after photos of them on a woman with a similar frame may change your mind. Sometimes, your desired results may not be possible due to your unique physiology. In that case, your surgeon can show you images of patients with implant types or sizes that would better fit your anatomy.

Informed Decision-Making at Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

The primary reason for your breast augmentation consultation is to meet your surgeon and determine if they’re the right fit for your hopes and dreams. However, you will also be making decisions about several other aspects of breast augmentation, including size, shape, and type of breast implants, placement of the implants, and size and placement of breast augmentation scars. Before-and-after photos of your surgeon’s past breast augmentation patients can help you make informed decisions about each of these elements, and you can leave your consultation confident that you and your surgeon are entering into a beneficial and open partnership with your best interests at the core.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County, CA

If you’re ready to take the leap and start your breast augmentation journey, choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Wald is an excellent first step. Dr. Wald’s breast augmentation before-and-after photos are showcased on his website so that current and potential patients can easily access them. Seeing Dr. Wald’s transparency and expertise demonstrates his skill and versatility so patients know they’ve made the right choice for their breast augmentation procedure. To schedule your breast augmentation consultation, call our office today at (714) 312-3549 or complete the online contact form.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 30th, 2024 at 11:00 am and is filed under Breast Augmentation. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

When you undergo breast augmentation, you’re excited to see the results of your newly enhanced figure. However, while breast augmentation results are considered permanent, you will have to get your implants replaced at some point. In this blog, we’ll discuss reasons you may need to get your breast implants replaced, from potential complications to the age of the implants.

3 Min Read:

Do Breast Implants Last Forever?

Whether you choose saline or silicone material, breast implants are made to be durable and lasting. However, just like any manufactured device, they have a finite lifespan. Breast implants last about ten to fifteen years on average, though some may last as long as 20 years. The longer you’ve had the implants, the more likely they are to fail, so getting them replaced on your timeline is always a better idea than waiting for a leak or rupture.

Saline implants may begin to slowly lose volume over time, and the outer shell may wrinkle, causing visible wrinkles in your breasts. Ruptures or leaks in saline implants are easily discovered because your breast will show noticeable deflation.

Silicone implants may also leak or rupture, but discovering an issue is much more difficult because of the highly cohesive gel that fills the implants. That’s why it is recommended that you get an MRI every two years to ensure that your silicone implants are intact.

Reasons to Replace Breast Implants

Besides replacing aging or damaged implants, there are several other reasons you may seek breast implant revision surgery.

Capsular Contracture

A fairly common side effect after breast augmentation is capsular contracture. It occurs when the scar tissue capsule that forms around your breast implant tightens and contracts around it, causing your breast to feel hard. It can also cause pain and discomfort, as well as a visible deformity in the shape of your breast.

Treating capsular contracture requires surgery to remove and replace the implant.

Implant Malposition

In some cases, your implants may shift out of place, a condition called implant malposition. Lateral malposition occurs when the implants slide to the outer edges of your chest, while symmastia occurs when the implants meet in the middle to create a “uniboob.” Other types of malposition include bottoming out (when the implant falls below the breast crease) or high malposition (when the implants sit too high on the chest). Breast revision surgery is required to address any type of implant malposition.

Aesthetic Concerns

Over time, you may wish to change how your breasts look by increasing or decreasing their size, changing from round to teardrop-shaped implants, or switching from saline to silicone. You may also wish to address sagging due to the natural aging process or asymmetry due to weight fluctuations. Whatever your cosmetic concerns, breast revision surgery can help.

Learn More About Breast Revision Surgery in Orange County

Choosing to undergo breast revision surgery is a highly personal choice, so choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is essential. Whether you want to change the appearance of your breast implants, replace aging implants, or wish to remove your implants altogether, Dr. Robert Wald and the skilled staff at The Aesthetic Institute are here to help. To schedule a consultation and discuss your breast revision options, call today at (714) 312-3549 or complete the online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 8:55 am and is filed under Breast Augmentation. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

6 Minute Read: 

Our bodies need time to rest and recover after any surgical intervention. Breast augmentation is no exception. However, knowing how you need to adapt your sleep after such a surgery takes time and preparation in advance. 

Therefore, to ensure that you will get enough rest and your body will recover as it should, we made a guide on how to sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. We will go over the importance of sleep, how it helps your body, and what you can do to have plenty of it — especially in the first nights after surgery, when good rest is essential.

Why Is Sleep Important After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Taking it easy after surgery is not enough to help your recovery. Rest is also essential, but you need to allow your body to heal itself and rejuvenate, and the best healing tool that your body has is sleep. During sleep, your body increases blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach wounded tissues. Furthermore, your body releases prolactin and growth hormones as you sleep, which aids in the reduction of inflammation. Hence, you can also use sleep to relieve pain. It is, therefore, necessary to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night if you want to recuperate more quickly. Think of it like this: if a healthy body might be well-rested after eight hours of sleep, a healing body will definitely need more.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to get enough hours of sleep right after surgery. It can be hard to find a comfortable position or to ignore all the emotions that can sometimes overwhelm you. However, there are things that you can do to at least raise your chances of having a long, good night’s sleep. So, let us see how you can help yourself sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. 

Good sleep helps your body heal faster after injuries or illnesses. It goes the same with surgeries.

Prepare and Practice

Before any surgery, you need to prepare your mind and body for what will come after the surgery. 

Before breast augmentation, in particular, you need to practice the sleeping position that will allow you to sleep unturned. Yes, unturned is the perfect word to explain how you need to sleep after breast augmentation surgery, especially if you love to sleep on your stomach or your side. 

These postures might put a strain on your implants and alter the appearance of your breasts once they have healed. Therefore, the best position to sleep in is on your back. And because readjusting your sleeping position can be difficult, start practicing sleeping on your back at least one week before surgery. 

To begin with, you can use pillows to position your body correctly before sleep and ensure you don’t turn. For instance, you can put one pillow under each arm to keep you from rolling on one side. Then, you can put a pillow under your knees to keep your back aligned with the rest of your body and avoid lower back pains. And very important: correct your position every time you catch yourself rolling on your stomach or side. Perseverance is the only way to ensure that you adapt to your new sleeping position. 

How and Why Should You Sleep on Your Back After Surgery?

Even if we mentioned that the best sleeping position after breast augmentation surgery is on your back, we need to elaborate on the subject. 

Sleeping flat on your back, for example, will do you no good. It can put pressure on your chest and prevent your muscles from relaxing. Furthermore, lifting yourself from the bed will tense your chest muscles, which is not recommended soon after surgery. 

Instead, sleep on your back with your upper body elevated at a 30 to a 45-degree angle. Your breasts will be less tense as a result, and blood will circulate more efficiently. 

Maintain this sleeping position for at least two to three weeks, after which you might be allowed to sleep on your side. Just make sure you get the green light from your surgeon. 

It might be hard to sleep better after breast augmentation surgery, but sleeping on your back can chase away insomnia.

Tips That Can Help You Sleep Better

Aside from sleeping on your back, there are a few more things you can do to improve your sleep and heal.

1. Wear Supportive Bras

After surgery, your surgeon will recommend you wear a special bra, even at night. This bra supports and keeps breasts in place and reduces swelling and tension around the incisions. 

2. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Smoking

All three can create a disruption in your sleep and slow down your recovery. If you want to drink coffee, you can switch to decaffeinated for the time being. When it comes to cigarettes and alcohol, remember that your body needs to be strong and healthy to recover quickly, and these two intoxicate your body rather than aid it.

3. Use Medications

The pain you might feel after surgery might sometimes keep you from sleeping. As a result, you will be prescribed pain medication by your surgeon so that you don’t have to endure too much pain. If necessary, ask for a sleeping aid, but use it only if nothing else helps you sleep better.  

4. Stay Active

Moving your body after surgery is encouraged from day one. You can start by walking, taking a few steps around the home, and gradually increasing the distance. Luckily for you, the diversity of the L.A. landscape will quickly incentivize you to “get your steps” in Los Angeles. 

In other words, you can find lots of fun ways to stay active here when you regain some strength, especially during the springtime. For instance, you can go whale watching with your friends or do some light exercises in the park. 

Spending more time outside will help you get a better night’s sleep.

5. Take a Warm Shower

Nothing can relax and prepare you for bed better than a warm shower. However, keep in mind that you should ask your surgeon when it is OK to take a shower. Also, avoid baths in the first few weeks. 

Staying active will help you sleep better and recuperate faster after surgery.

6. Stay Positive

Besides thinking of ways to sleep better and help your body heal faster after surgery, you also need to think about ways to heal your mind. Sleep might be severely affected if you cannot handle your emotions and stay positive, as surgery is a traumatic experience for both the mind and the body. So, if it bothers you that you can’t sleep on your stomach or can’t drink coffee, for example, avoiding these activities is only temporary. Therefore, instead of thinking about what you can’t do, focus on what you can do. Watch a good movie, read a book, eat your favorite meal, and spend time with loved ones. These things can keep your mind off your current state, help you stay positive, and, in turn, help you sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. 

This entry was posted on Monday, April 4th, 2022 at 6:44 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation, Recovery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

6 Minute Read: 

When it comes to breast augmentation, there are steps you can take to ensure the surgery is a success. Just like choosing the right surgeon is crucial, so is the way you handle the recovery period. If you understand that you need to give your body time to recover and adjust to the change, you are halfway there. The first few weeks are crucial, and there are certain things you should avoid post-surgery to evade possible complications. While, as you might expect, you don’t need to implement a new diet, there are certain medications you should avoid. While you can pick up discarded dirty socks off the floor, deadlifting in the gym is a general no-no. Give yourself time to recuperate, and things will soon get back to normal. In the meantime, here are activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery.

Sleep

Well, that might not be the most skillfully crafted heading ever. Yes, you can (and should) sleep, but the position is essential. Try sleeping on your back. Avoid sleeping on your side and especially on your stomach. A recommended period for this is usually at least six weeks after the surgery.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended that your head and shoulders are raised on a pillow. The reason for all of this is that it takes time for the implants to settle. Sleeping on your stomach could cause them to slip or lead to other complications. 

As tempting as it may be to take a quick nap, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach until you have fully recovered.

Lifting

Sticking to the one-word heading format, next on our list is lifting things. As mentioned, you can lift and hold lighter objects, but try to avoid this as much as possible. It goes one step further than this. Even hugging should be avoided if possible. The next one is a little hard to handle, but it is also not advised to carry your child. Heavy lifting, of course, is out of the question. It simply takes time for the implants to settle and for your body to adjust. You need to let this process run its natural course. Logically, you need to be careful about exercising too. There are certain exercises you can do, but the time frame is relevant, so be sure to read up on that. 

If doctors suggest avoiding picking up heavy purses post-surgery, hopefully, it’s clear why the gym can wait for a month or two!

Water

This, of course, pertains to showers and washing, not the drinking of said beverage. Generally, you should avoid getting your breasts wet the first few days. Your wounds and dressings must be kept dry. Baths should be avoided for the first couple of weeks, but of course, consult your doctor. They will be able to give you more detailed advice. If a waterproof bandage has been used, this could change some of the restrictions. 

Eating

There are a few things to avoid here:

• A low protein diet – This can be detrimental. In most cases, we have a reasonable protein intake, but if that is not generally the case with you, try to augment your meals with protein-rich foods. Why? Protein helps with the healing process. If this is not possible for whatever reason, talk to a professional about a possible supplement.
• A low vitamin C diet – This too can have adverse effects. See, vitamin C helps with collagen formation. Also, there is a reason why citrus fruits are pretty handy during the winter. They help fight off infections and colds. Here’s a pro tip, introducing broccoli and spinach into your diet will ensure you get the best of both worlds – both vitamin C and protein.
• Aspirin – You may or may not know the story behind Bruce Lee’s death, but as handy as aspirin can be, there are times to avoid it. Aspirins affect blood clotting, and this can lead to excessive bleeding. You can imagine the possible implications this can have, so better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, when it comes to activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery, taking pain medication is one of them. Consult with your doctor to see what is and isn’t acceptable in your particular situation.

Smoke

Don’t. Don’t smoke. Also, please don’t drink alcohol either. As you can imagine, both these activities have a negative effect on our body’s ability to heal. Think of it this way – your body has experienced a significant ‘trauma’, you’ve had surgery, it needs to tackle this issue. This is its top priority now. To do that, it shouldn’t need to struggle with outside factors that make that job more difficult. Let it do its thing, and once you are in the clear, you can slowly go back to your daily routine.  

Smoking is one of the activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery, as it will negatively impact the healing process.

Moving

It could happen that the timing is a bit off, and your surgery coincides with your upcoming relocation. It’s hard to schedule these things sometimes, logistics are like that, and timetables and schedules get moved around. Talking of moving around, you need to pack before you can do that. However, this involves a lot of boxes and heavy things. Even if you are not recovering from surgery, packing properly and efficiently can be tricky. Therefore, it is always best to let experts handle this and avoid hurting your healing body. They will have you packed and ready for the move in no time!

Conclusion

It would be a shame to break the one-word trend now, at the finish line. Together, we’ve gone over the activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery. The point is that you need to approach the recovery period seriously. Your initial decision was probably made with a lot of research and care. Sometimes, once we finally make up our minds, it feels like the hard part is over, and we relax. The fact of the matter is you need to see the process through to the very end. Once your body has done its thing, and you are fully healed, then you can finally relax and be content in the knowledge that even though it was not an easy journey, you made it to the end. If you have additional questions about breast augmentations, you already know where you can find the answers!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 at 10:01 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

7 Minute Read: 

Undergoing surgical body modification like breast augmentation is a significant step in improving your looks and building up body confidence. Still, no matter how ready you think you are for the procedure, embracing the changes might take a while. Even though we are talking about positive body upgrades, our minds and bodies need rest and time to recover before going back to their full potential. Luckily, the recovery period after this procedure is relatively short, but during the first couple of weeks, resting as much as you can is crucial. To help you get back to your old but improved self, we made a workout list of the best exercises after breast augmentation.

The First Week

Any surgical intervention requires 24h – 48h of rest after the procedure. Breast augmentation is no different. Your body is adjusting to changes, and this initial rest does the most of the job. Most likely, you will feel exhausted, but that is normal. For the first few days, try avoiding any upper body part activity. Focus only on non-demanding exercises, like taking slow walks. Under no circumstances should you run, jog or do intensive workouts. This also refers to heavy lifting and arm stretching.

For those who got used to being physically active every day, this might be quite the challenge. But it’s crucial not to overdo your chest muscles that are already under tension. After the first three days, you can slowly increase the level of the activities. When doing so, listen to your body. You might be more tired than usual, so take it slow. Still, if you feel any unusual discomfort, make sure to call your doctor.

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Adapting to your “new” body might take some time

The Second Week

The feeling of tiredness in your muscles should be gone a week after the breast augmentation procedure. That means it’s time to work on your posture and learn how to handle your newly-improved body! Working on your posture is essential since it helps to strengthen the muscles and prevents becoming round-shouldered. You need to keep your posture straight, with shoulders going slightly back. Raise your chin, lift your chests and hold in that position for a couple of minutes. It might cause mild discomfort in your back, but that is perfectly normal. Think of it not as an exercise but as the best way to present your body. Do it as much as you can until it becomes your natural posture.

Working on the posture will help your body adjust to its new addition. However, adding some arms and shoulders exercise will prevent stiffness and increase muscle mobility. Many decide to have professional guidelines during this period. So, to find a personal trainer who will suit you best, you can browse the fitnesstrainerdubai.com database or a similar portal. But even with expert assistance, most of the job is up to you. You should perform all of the following exercise examples every 1 – 3 hours during the first three weeks of recovery. Start with a set of 5 series, gradually increasing to 10 after a couple of days:

• Arm swings – Put your arms next to your body slightly in front of you. Start with circling motions that will activate the muscles in the armpit area. The circle radius will depend on your current possibilities.
• Shoulder rolls – Relax your shoulders. Then slowly roll them forward and backward as much as you can while taking deep breaths.
• Shoulder shrugs – Lift the shoulders gently. Keep them frozen in that position for a couple of seconds while taking a deep breath, then slowly get them back, exhaling.
• Shoulder raise – Put your hands on your shoulders and raise your elbows on the same level. Start circling the arms first on one side, then another. This position might be unpleasant initially, and most likely, you won’t be able to raise your elbow that high. Still, be patient and persistent and work on your mobility. You will get there in no time.
• Body rotations – Sit on a chair and lightly cross your hands on your shoulders. Slowly turn your head and entire upper body to the left and the right. Repeat the motion.

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Going back to your demanding workout routines in the first weeks of recovery would be a disaster

The Third and Forth Week

Even the best exercises after breast augmentation won’t have any effect if there is no continuity. The third and fourth weeks bring you slightly more demanding activities, adding to the routines you’ve been executing in the first two weeks.

• Chest stretch – Stand up with your arms beside you. Then pull your arms and shoulders behind you slowly as far as possible before relaxing and going back to the beginning position.
• The wall exercise – To perform this activity, stand straight facing a wall with your palms touching the surface. Gently walk them up the wall until you feel the tension is rising. This might be challenging in the beginning, but soon you’ll stretch and strengthen the necessary muscles. The same routine of walking the fingers up the walls, only facing the wall sideways, is the next on the workout list.
• Resting pose – Lay on your back. Put the palms behind the neck, and move the elbows inward and outward.
• Arms above the head – While in laying position, lift your hands above the head as far as you can. If this motion doesn’t cause you discomfort, you can probably do it from a sitting position as well.

The Fifth and Sixth Week

By this stage, your body should have recovered a great deal. Thus, resuming the physical activities before the surgery can start. However, you have to realize that your body is not at its full capacity, so increase the activities slowly and gradually. It’s essential to point out that you still need to avoid any heavy lifting and hard labor.

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Best exercises after breast augmentation should be combined with proper chest support

When Is It Safe to Resume Your Physical Activities and Routines?

Even though every surgery will dictate its own pace when it comes to recovery, the breast augmentation procedure usually takes at least two months. Only after that can you have a more demanding workout. Overworking the chest muscles right after the surgery can have serious consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to start with gentle exercise and body stretches and build up the movements in the upcoming months. Needless to say, resting after the procedure is necessary, but so is resuming your everyday activities in the mildest form. Your body needs to get used to “extra weight“, so starting with tender movements the day after the surgery will prevent your scar from getting too tight.

Sometimes it can be hard to follow even the best exercises after breast augmentation on your own. Therefore, staying motivated and persistent is vital, but so is knowing that you’re doing the routine the right way. With such simple workouts, you don’t need to attend special exercise classes. Virtual personal trainers have become very popular nowadays, especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And since great trainers are now available online as well, you can exercise correctly from the commodity of your own home.

Conclusion

Every body reacts differently to changes. Therefore, even when doing the best exercises after breast augmentation, you have to be patient. Follow your own pace and listen to your body’s reactions before increasing any activity. You must contact your surgeon in cases of any pain, swelling, redness, or any severe discomfort.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 at 3:25 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation. Both comments and pings are currently closed.