An expert in breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Raymond Dunn of the Cosmetic Surgery Center explains what you should know before and after plastic surgery.
Things to Know Before and After Plastic Surgery
How do I know I’m a candidate for breast augmentation?
A great amount of general information exists on the Internet and it is worthwhile to do some reading. The websites of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons are informative places to start.
Eventually, it’s important to speak to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, such as those at our UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center, to help put all the information together as it relates to you and specifically “your” body.
I don’t know what size or shape of breasts I want. Can you help?
It’s actually very simple. Generally speaking, breasts should be in proportion to your natural body type.
To some extent it’s not entirely up to the surgeon or the patient; it depends on your unique body type. Our experienced surgeons can answer all of your questions, so you have the information you need.
What should I expect before and after my breast augmentation surgery?
When you come to the Cosmetic Surgery Center for your plastic surgery, you’ll find a nurturing environment where there’s a great deal of planning and discussion to ensure that you fully understand and are comfortable with the procedure, the follow-up care and the healing process.
What is involved in the breast augmentation surgical procedure?
At our UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center, we begin by educating and informing you about the plastic surgery to make sure you are comfortable right from the start.
During the surgery itself, your surgeon creates an incision (or pocket) into which the breast implant is inserted behind the breast and possibly beneath the pectoralis muscle. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or, more commonly, beneath the breast and pectoralis muscle. Breast augmentation surgery is typically complete in less than two hours.
Will I experience any pain?
Pain is associated with any surgery but our surgeons use specific techniques to minimize pain, including the use of long-acting local anesthetics.
What is the recovery period?
Many patients return to office work in a week or less after breast augmentation surgery. Typically, you can return to physical activity soon after surgery and gradually resume full unrestricted activity depending on the specific activity. It can take between three and four weeks before you are ready to lift heavy objects such as weights.
Why should I choose UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center as the place to have my breast augmentation?
Most people select us for our surgeons’ experience. Our patients know that the combination of our physicians’ expertise and the state-of-the art medical facility where we perform plastic surgery ensures their comfort and safety.
Should I do research before I come to see you?
I’m very supportive of patients getting second opinions so they can understand different explanations of surgical procedures, as well as what to expect. It’s perfectly acceptable for you to talk to more than one surgeon and we’re happy when you do this.
Patients commonly come to us after seeing another surgeon and often appreciate our clear ability to further explain the nature of the surgery itself as well as different options that may exist for each patient.
Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Dunn or requesting additional information is a simple telephone call or e-mail away. Call 508-334-5990 or contact us at cosmeticsurgery@umassmemorial.org. Our staff looks forward to speaking with you soon.