Breast Augmentation FAQ

In St. Petersburg, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kailash Narasimhan is a breast augmentation specialist serving Clearwater, FL, and the Tampa Bay area who answers questions daily about this popular procedure. He’s compiled a list of some of these questions here to help prospective patients determine whether breast augmentation is right for them.

If you don’t see your question here, or if you’d like to meet with Dr. Narasimhan to talk about getting breast implants in St. Petersburg, contact us using our online form, or call our office directly at  (727) 289-7119.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Narasimhan understands that part of a woman’s identity is tied to the way she perceives her body. He believes that all women deserve to feel good about the way they look. With that said, breast augmentation surgery is a better fit for some women than others.

In general, good candidates for breast implants are women who feel dissatisfied with the size or shape of their natural breasts. They seek breast augmentation surgery for personal fulfillment, not to comply with the desires of others. They also understand the limitations of breast implants and realize that the surgery will not solve other problems in their lives.

Good candidates for breast augmentation are also nonsmokers, or willing to quit before surgery, who are in generally good physical and emotional health. Their decision is supported by friends and family who may also offer to help with chores, errands, and childcare for a few days after the surgery.

What Happens During the Surgery?

The surgical process differs depending on several different factors, including implant type. Dr. Narasimhan performs breast augmentation using general anesthetic supervised by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Once the patient is asleep, Dr. Narasimhan makes the initial incision along the breast crease, around the areola, or in another location. Dr. Narasimhan takes the extra time to place a sterile temporary sizer implant with each of his patients to determine any fine positioning needs or asymmetry. The final implant is then placed under or over the chest muscle. Fat and breast tissue may be repositioned to create a natural-looking feel and appearance. Dr. Narasimhan evaluates patients while they are in a safe, upright position and under anesthesia so he can determine the best overall appearance. Once Dr. Narasimhan is satisfied with the placement of the implants, he places internal (absorbing) sutures and small bandages and a comfortable, though supportive surgical bra. In total, a breast augmentation lasts approximately 2 hours.

Dedicated to Your Care

KAILASH NARASIMHAN, M.D.
DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Narasimhan is an excellent choice for your cosmetic procedure for many reasons, including:

  • Double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology
  • Highly trained in procedures of the face, breast, and body
  • Passion for cosmetic procedures and patient care
  • Compassionate care and attention to detail
CREDENTIALS YOU CAN TRUST
Accreditation: Amercian Board of Plastic Surgery, The Aestheitc Society, The Rhinoplasty Society Accreditation: American Board of Otolaryngology, American Academy of Otoraryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

What Can I Expect During Recovery Following a Breast Augmentation?

Once the anesthetic wears off, breast augmentation patients will be monitored in our recovery room for a couple of hours. As soon as you feel ready, our nurses will encourage you to walk around with assistance, in order to prevent the formation of blood clots and to promote healing. A close friend or family member will need to drive you home and stay with you throughout the first night.

During the next several days, you’ll be asked to abstain from most of your normal activities while your body heals. Most of Dr. Narasimhan’s patients resume light exercise at 2 weeks including using a stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical machine, running at 4 weeks, and exercising normally by 6 weeks. Many of Dr. Narasimhan’s patients feel well enough to return to work in a few days to a week, as a conservative estimate. If patients’ employment is more physically demanding, that may require more time away.

During the weeks following your surgery, your breasts may feel swollen or appear slightly high on your chest. This is normal, and the implants will “settle” into their new, natural-looking position as your body heals and muscles relax. Very subtle changes can take up to 6 months to completely subside and scars fading can take up to 12 months. You’ll have several early follow-up appointments to allow Dr. Narasimhan to evaluate your progress. Additionally, Dr. Narasimhan is committed to his long-term patient satisfaction and results. He sees patients at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months from surgery date and on an annual basis thereafter.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed With Implants?

Having breast implants should not affect the ability to breastfeed in the future. In general, incisions that do not involve the nipple, such as inframammary incisions, are recommended for women who plan to breastfeed in the future. Additionally, the presence of an implant does not affect the safety or quality of milk produced.

It’s important to let your surgeon know if you plan to become pregnant or breastfeed at any point following your surgery. He or she will develop a surgical plan that maximizes the likelihood that you’ll be able to breastfeed.

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery?

All surgeries, especially those that require general anesthesia, carry some degree of risk. These risks can include scarring, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Though breast augmentation surgery is very safe, some complications specific to it include:

  • Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Implant leakage or rupture
  • Skin changes
  • Development of excessive scar tissue, called capsular contracture

The risk of these complications can be minimized by choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and closely following your post-op instructions. Before your surgery, Dr. Narasimhan will discuss your particular risk of complications. He will not perform breast augmentation or any other surgery if he feels it would significantly endanger the patient. If you’ve undergone a previous breast augmentation procedure and are unhappy with your results, Dr. Narasimhan offers breast augmentation revision to help improve your results.

Are There Long–Term Care Considerations for Breast Implants?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most manufacturers assign a “life span” to their implants of about 15 years, although this can differ based on the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and the specifications of the surgery. Your doctor will be able to determine when your implants are no longer performing as they should. At that time, you may choose to undergo revisionary surgery or have them removed altogether.

Patients who receive silicone implants will be advised to undergo routine MRIs. Because modern silicone implants hold their shape even when ruptured, this complication is not as easily visible as with saline implants. MRIs help doctors check on your silicone implants.

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