Conducting monthly breast examinations is important to maintain your health even after breast augmentation. Women who perform regular self exams often find lumps in the breast earlier than women who rely on their gynecologist to detect problems during their yearly check-up. This is critical since breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women.

Early detection is believed to be the most important predictor of a positive response to treatment for breast cancer and breast cancer survival rates. Research has shown that over 96 percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before it had spread to the the lymph nodes survived at last five years after the treatment had been completed.

Women who have had breast augmentation surgery often question if this health practice is safe for them to perform. Many worry they may rupture the implant, or that the implant will impair their ability to detect a lump. However, according to the American Cancer Association, even women with breast implants should conduct monthly breast self exams.

It can be helpful for the surgeon who placed the implants to identify the edges of the implants for the woman so she can be certain she is examining breast tissue. In some cases, women report that after having implant surgery it is easier to conduct breast self exams since the implants push the breast tissue outward.

The technique for performing breast self exams after implant surgery is slightly different than when there are no implants. In order to perform a self exam with implants, press firmly inward at the implants edges until you feel the ribs. Take care not to squeeze or push on the implant excessively to avoid rupturing or deflating the implant. If you fear you may have accidently damaged the implant, have your surgeon check the implant as soon as possible.

The best time to perform breast self exams is when the breasts are not sore or swollen. Many professionals recommend performing monthly exams about a week after the woman’s period. When conducting a breast self exam check for any changes in breast texture, lumps, or sores. Should you find any of these symptoms, see your physician immediately to have a complete breast examination. This may include a biopsy.

If you are being examined or treated by a new physician make sure they are aware of the fact you have implants so they will use appropriate care when performing examinations, mammograms or biopsies to prevent damaging the implants.

Depending on the size of the implants used in breast augmentation surgery, detecting changes in breast tissue or new lumps can be difficult using only self breast exams. This does not mean that women with implants should not continue to perform self exams regularly, however, it is also important for them to have regular exams conducted by a professional.

Source:

American Cancer Society, (n.d.). Can breast cancer be found early? Retrieved, 10/9/2013.

Always consult with a board-certifed plastic surgeon like Dr. Greg Liebscher in Colorado Springs about a cosmetic breast procedure.

For those who are fitness-conscious, you will want to make sure you have an amazing body to go along with the new breast implants. Before heading back to the gym, it is important that you remember that cosmetic surgery is an invasive and traumatic surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Moderate exercise will help make sure your body properly heals with a minimal risk for infection, stretch marks and scar tissue.

Placement and size of the implants will determine the intensity and type of exercise that can be performed immediately following the surgery. Implants can weigh close to a pound or more. When placed beneath the muscle, the muscle helps to support the additional weight.

If the implant were to be placed in front of the muscle, take the necessary precautions against any harmful stretching of the skin and their resulting stretch marks. Extra weight can cause soreness in the surrounding muscles in the neck and back. Look for warning signs of discomfort and pain and make the necessary adjustments to your workout routine.

Functions within the Muscle and Shoulder Joint

• Based upon the type of exercises performed before the surgery and your fitness level, the implants may not interfere with your workout routine.
• Making the change from an A cup to a C cup may be a lot more difficult than going from a B cup to a C cup due to the changes in structure. The increased mass can cause difficulties in movement.
• Minimize engaging in any weight-bearing shoulder movements until the pain and inflammation subside.
• Avoid participating in any kettleball exercises requiring dynamic movements from the early stages.

Exercising to Aid in Recovery

• Moderate exercising can help to speed up the recovery process following surgery.
• Cycling or walking can help to reduce inflammation.
• Wear added support to help prevent any excessive movements in the breasts.
• Moving the joint slowly through the full range of motion will help to restore your flexibility and promote healing.
• Avoid any extreme stretching until such time as the swelling and pain have disappeared.

It is entirely normal to experience a significant amount of inflammation and pain after the breast enhancement surgery, but you should experience a lessening of the pain over time. Exercising too aggressively or too soon following the surgery can slow down the recovery process. If inflammation and pain worsen, you will want to contact the surgeon right away. Scar tissue can form around the implant to the point where it will constrict the capsule and cause hardening and pressure. Implants can end up shifting from their intended location and provide you with a distorted and imbalanced appearance.

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Greg Liebscher in Colorado Springs about the proper care of breast implants and daily activity restrictions.

While many people believe the number of breast enhancement surgeries performed has decreased significantly in recent years, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. According to the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 300,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2010. This represents a 50 percent increase in the number of augmentation procedures carried out within a single decade. Women often have this surgery to appear more feminine, sexy, or youthful as well as to feel more confident about the appearance of their body, especially in intimate situations.

What is Breast Implant Surgery?

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure is used to create fuller or larger appearing breasts by inserting implants beneath the chest muscles or directly under the breasts. The surgeon will explain the procedure and options for implants, and help with decision making to ensure the final choices are the correct ones to achieve the look each woman desires. Another area the surgeon will discuss in detail is the recovery process.

Breast Implant Surgery Recovery

While many women focus on the surgery and outcome, a big part of the process involves proper recovery measures. Recovery usually lasts from several weeks to several months after surgery with specific instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure the best outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

• Waking up Following Surgery

After surgery, patients are monitored until they are ready to be released. This usually takes at least two hours. When patients first awaken they may experience blurry vision, sleepiness and confusion. These symptoms are likely caused by the anesthesia and will wear off relatively quickly. Soreness may also become evident as the anesthesia wears off but can be controlled with an over the counter pain reliever or narcotic if necessary. Once patients are ready to leave, it is important they have someone to drive them home.

• The First Week After Surgery

Ice is recommended for 48– to 72-hours after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising. A compression garment will also be recommended to decrease swelling, and ensure that the breasts maintain the desired shape. Often drains are placed during surgery to rid the surgical site of excess fluid. These drains and any stitches used to close the incision will be removed within the first week following surgery. In addition, patients are instructed not to get the incision site wet until completely closed to minimize chance of infection. Thus, women are told not to bath or shower for 5- to 7-days after the procedure.

• Pain, Swelling and Bruising

Most pain, swelling and bruising occurs within the first three- to four-days. There should be a noticeable improvement after the first week.When the implants are placed on top of the chest muscle, there is less post-operative pain than when they are placed beneath this muscle. Patients are usually told to use the lowest level of pain medication that is effective, using over-the counter medication if possible though pain medication is also prescribed to ensure the patient remains comfortable.

It is not unusual for swelling to last for three to four months after the procedure. While many women feel self-conscious due to fears everyone will notice, with the use of the proper undergarments and clothing the swelling often goes undetected. If someone makes a comment and the woman prefers not to reveal she had surgery, one solution is for the woman to smile widely while discussing the amazing breast enhancing exercises that she found on the internet. Drinking eight glasses of water a day, limiting salt intake and engaging in low intensity exercise can help reduce swelling.

Bruising following surgery is normal and should fade within one- or two- months. Sometimes herbal remedies are effective in decreasing bruising more quickly but which should not be used for two weeks following surgery. These include arnica, bromelain Vitamin E and Garlic.

• Sleeping

Many people have trouble sleeping following surgery due to the necessity of sleeping on their backs while elevating their head and upper body to decrease pain and swelling. Often those who usually sleep on their stomachs or move from one to the other in their sleep will find themselves suddenly awakened when they’ve turned over in their sleep. It’s often recommended that women practice sleeping on their backs for several weeks prior to surgery to get used to sleeping in this position.

• Permissible Activities

Patients should walk around as soon as possible after surgery to lower the chance blood clots will develop and decrease swelling. Patients are instructed to refrain from strenuous activity for 3- to 4-weeks following surgery to maximize recovery. Regular exercise can be resumed within 2- to 3-months after surgery though any upper body weight-work should be discussed with the surgeon.

• Driving and Returning to Work

Most women are instructed they can resume driving when they are off all narcotic medications, and their pain level and range of movement allow for safe maneuvering. Depending on the requirements of the job, the patient may be able to return to work after a week if there is no lifting or strenuous activity involved.

Summary Remarks

While the recovery process may seem arduous, several polls and studies cited by The San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center reported that most women are pleased with the surgery results after recovery is complete. One poll revealed that 88 percent of participants stated they felt their surgery had been worth it, while another poll showed that 88 percent of those included were satisfied with their new breasts. The same poll also showed that most of the women felt the procedure had improved their appearance and self-confidence. Finally, a study conducted at the University of Florida found that women reported a significant increase in self-esteem and sexual functioning. Thus, while the recovery process may seem somewhat overwhelming, most women who undergo breast augmentation surgery feel positively about the outcomes both in appearance and psychosocial functioning.