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

It depends on where the implant is placed, your degree of physical activity and amount of dissection performed in the operation.  Overall, I would say to take it easy for the first week, but it is ok to gently move your arms immediately postoperatively.  I, however, do not allow patients to resume their workouts until 4 weeks postoperatively.

2. Does having implants mean limits to any activities?

It shouldn’t in the long term.   In the short term, I limit my patients’ physical activities for the first four weeks.  You can go on walks only (and should) and can resume your regular workouts 4 weeks postoperatively.

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

This has not been proven scientifically, however it is a common phenomenon seen.  I am not sure if it is the combination of general anesthetic and the preoperative anxiety, however it is very common to feel sad or blue approximately one week after surgery.  Fortunately, this resolves.  If it doesn’t, it is important to discuss with your doctor so you can receive appropriate care.

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

It is a clamp used by some plastic surgeons to squeeze the breast and in theory, reduce capsular contracture.  I do not use it in my practice.

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

It may.  The breast tissue may become attenuated (thinned) due to the compression of the implant against it.  The only difference this would make is if you had your implants removed and not replaced.  It would also be seen on imaging such as mammogram and MRI.

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

It is recommended that implants be monitored with an MRI 3 years following surgery and every 2 years after that.

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

It is not something I would do in my practice.  I do not even do primary (first time) operations for breast implants through the navel.  I find, that placing breast implants through the navel is not as precise and does not give good results, as when I do it through an inframammary incision.