Breast Surgery
What is Breast Surgery?
Breast surgery is any surgical operation done on the breasts. Surgeons like Dr. Jon Getz do it either for diagnosis or for treatment of neoplastic or non-neoplastic conditions. There are three general classifications of breast surgery:
Breast Augmentation
Augmentation is the surgical procedure of increasing the size of breasts using implants or fat. This procedure is also done to achieve asymmetry and the round shape of breasts.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is the process of removing excess tissue, fat, and skin from your breasts. It makes your breasts smaller and enhances the shape.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Reconstruction of the breast is the operation to restore the breasts' shape and symmetry after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. It is done using breast implants or tissue from other parts of your body.
When Should One Get Breast Surgery?
Breast surgery is used to correct a variety of conditions. Some of them include;
- Loss of breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss
- Small breasts that affect your confidence
- Asymmetrical shape and size of breasts
- Large breasts (out of proportion to the rest of the body)
- Gynecomastia (men having abnormally large breasts)
- Uneven size and shape of breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy
How Do You Prepare For Breast Surgery?
Before the surgery, be sure to clear any questions or doubts you may have with your surgeon. He will give you instructions on what to do and what not to, including medicines you can or can’t take and when to stop eating prior. Review your plan with the caregiver, and have someone on standby to take care of you. Pack your bag with loose clothes and sneakers or sandals, and don't forget to include your ID and insurance cards.
Eat healthily, stay hydrated, and remove dark polish for easy measuring of oxygen saturation in your body.
What Will You Experience During Breast Surgery?
For all types of breast surgery, anesthesia will be administered before the operation begins.
To reduce your breasts' size, the surgeon will make an incision around the areola and down each breast. He will then remove excess tissue and fat through liposuction and also remove the excess skin. The breasts will be reshaped, and the areola and nipple repositioned.
For breast augmentation, the surgeon will make an incision either on the armpit, areolar edge, or under the breast, depending on the desired outcome. He will then insert the implant or tissue under or over the pectoral muscle and close the incisions.
To reconstruct your breasts, the surgeon will perform a flap technique or tissue expansion procedure. There may be insufficient tissue to support an implant. In this case, muscle, fat, and skin will be moved from the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs to make a breast mound. The breast implant will then be inserted, and the incisions will be closed.
How Do You Prepare For Breast Surgery?
After The Operation
When you wake up, you may feel confused, weak, unsteady, or sore. These can be effects of anesthesia, and you will likely feel better in a few hours.
During The First Week
During the first 72 hours, you may receive a pain relief injection. After that, you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers. You may even feel healed within the week. Your doctor will work with you to create a recovery plan specific to fit your lifestyle.
In The Next Few Weeks
It is recommended that you stay away from vigorous activities and labor-intensive jobs for at least three weeks. After that, you can gradually resume your daily activities. If there are no complications, you should be totally okay in two months.