1. How soon after breast augmentation surgery can I raise my arms up over my head?

To some extent the recovery depends on the patient, size of the implants, and location of the implants related to the chest muscle (above or below pectoralis). Generally, the patients should be able to raise the arms above their head 2 weeks after surgery.


2. Does having implants mean limits to any activities?

Once the patient has recovered from the surgery and all the incisions have healed, there should not be any limitation to the level of activity. Often patients are afraid of rupturing the implants. The implants are relatively resilient. It takes fair amount of force to rupture breast implants. We do not have any systematic information on patients who are involved in martial arts. Direct blows to the chest area should be avoided; not only because of the breast implants.


3. Is there really such a thing as the "postoperative Blues"?

There is no recognized entity as the "postoperative blues".

However, one has to consider the usual circumstances after most operations. Patients are quite often in pain or uncomfortable, they have to use narcotic pain medication, they are limited in their level of activity, and have to recover from the anesthesia. It is not uncommon that patients feel "down" and not like themselves for a short period of time after general anesthesia while recovering from surgery. Sometimes, the patients state that they do not have their usual physical stamina and feel more tired than usual. This is not unusual and generally improves without any additional intervention.


4. What is a "Breast Compression Clamp" and what is it for?

Some surgeons use a device to immobilize the breasts during the breast reduction procedure. The device looks like a clamp which is placed at the base of the breast to stretch the skin of the breast and stabilize the tissue while performing the procedure. Many surgeons do not use the device.

There is also another device, which is not really popular, to treat capsular contracture. Some of the patients develop a thick and at times painful layer of scar around the breast implants. Many years ago, plastic surgeons would attempt to break the scar by external compression. An external clamp like device was created to allow for external compression of the breasts with capsular contracture. This method is considered obsolete. Implant manufacturers and plastic surgeons advise against the use of significant external force to treat capsular contracture. Many surgeons recommend gentle routine massaging of the breasts to decrease the level of scarring. This kind of massage is acceptable.


5. After augmentation, will my own breast tissue change size?

After breast augmentation, it is not unusual that the native breast skin and tissue is under some degree of tension and pressure.

This pressure can cause stretching of the skin and thinning of the native breast tissue over time. When implants are removed permanently after several years, it is common that the loose and redundant skin has to be tailored and tightened (breast lift or Mastopexy).


6. After augmentation with Silicone gel implants, how often does the FDA advise an M.R.I. to check for failure?

Generally the recommendation is to consider MRI studies starting three years after the implantation. After that, the MRI should be repeated every other year. The reason for MRI is not necessarily to look for cancer or other diseases, but to look for possible implant rupture which can be unnoticeable from outside. Patients should contact the manufacturer of their implants and find out about the exact recommendations for their specific implants. There may be some differences.


7. Is it true that re-operation can be done though the navel?

Re-operations are done for many different reasons. If the reason is implant exchange alone, it might be done through the navel.

However, patients should know that it is nearly impossible to place Silicone implants through the navel. Also if there is a need for adjustment of the implant pocket or removal of ruptured silicone gel from an old implant, those procedures cannot be performed through the navel. Ideally, if a patient has had a saline implant and she only needs an uncomplicated exchange, one could consider the navel approach.