BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast Augmentation in Galway | Cosmetic Breast Surgery
The Consultation
The process will begin by having a consultation with the consultant, during which you will be able to discuss your desired result, your surgical options and any queries you may have. It is important to address any queries you have so that you leave your consultation feeling informed and with a better understanding of the procedure itself.
Before your Surgery
Payment:
An estimated quote will be given to you during your consultation. The finalised quote will be sent to you in the
weeks following your consultation. The quote will be broken down into three separate payments:
1. The consultant’s fee: this fee must be paid in advance of the surgery.
2. The anaesthetist’s fee: payment for the anaesthetist is given on the day of surgery.
3. The hospital fee: the Bon Secours Hospital will take payment on admission on the day of the surgery.
Fasting:
Fasting guidelines will be sent to you once your surgery is booked and these guidelines must be followed.
Queries:
The consultant will meet with you before your surgery so any queries you may have in relation to your procedure will be clarified during this time. If needed, a second consultation can be organised prior to surgery.
General Health:
You will be asked to undergo blood tests on the day of your procedure. This is to ensure you are fit and healthy for your surgery.
Avoid aspirin for two weeks before and after your surgery as this may cause an increase in bleeding.
Avoid alcohol for at least two days before and after the surgery.
Personal Items:
It is advisable to bring comfortable/loose clothing and any personal items you feel you may need. Tops with a full zipper on their front are a good option as they will avoid the need to lift your arms.
Do not wear jewellery and ensure you do not wear any nail polish/false nails as it/they will need to be removed.
Medication:
You may be advised to stop certain medication such as blood thinners and some hormonal medication. Please mention any medication of note during your consultation so the correct guidelines can be explained to you.
Organising Transport:
It is important to note that you will not be able to drive after the surgery so please arrange for someone to collect you.
Smoking:
As for any major surgery it is advised that you quit smoking at least two weeks before and after your surgery as smoking increases your risk of chest and wound infections and slows down the healing process of the body.
The Procedure
The procedure generally takes 1 hour and will be performed under general anaesthetic. During breast augmentation surgery, xxx incisions are made in the crease underneath each breast, meaning the scars will be less visible. A pocket is made behind your breast tissue where the implants are then placed. This pocket can be made either on top of the chest muscle or behind it – this will have been discussed during your consultation.
Drain tubes are generally not needed for this procedure.
After the Procedure:
When you wake up after surgery your breasts will be bandaged, swollen and tender. The final appearance of your breasts will be obvious in the weeks following the surgery once the swelling goes down and your implants soften and drop to a more comfortable and natural position.
It is important to note that you will need someone to collect you after your surgery as driving will not be an option. Pain following the procedure is expected and can be relieved with painkillers.
You will be advised about bathing and care of your wound dressing prior to being discharged. Dressings will be changed one week after surgery during your first post-op appointment which will take place back in the Bon Secours Hospital.
Scarring:
Scars will be red for the first few weeks/months after surgery but will change to a purple colour before fading to white. You will be left with a scar in the crease underneath each breast.
The severity of scarring varies per person. Using a scar cream such as BapScar, which has a high silicone content,xxx and massaging it xxx into the scar tissue will be beneficial to the healing process. This may be used for approximately a month post-surgery.
Infection:
Like with every surgical procedure there is a risk of infection. Should this happen, it can be treated with antibiotics but it is important to note that having an infection can slow down the healing process.
Blood may collect after the surgery, and this may require a return to theatre for evacuation.
Post-surgery Bra:
Keeping the breasts well supported and in position is very important. Post-surgery bras cannot be worn until the bandages have been removed so there will be time to get one after the surgery, which will also make it easier to assess what size to get. We advise against wearing a bra with an underwire for the first few weeks while the wound site is healing. A sports bra with good support is the best option during the healing phase.
Recovery
The exact time frame for this varies per person as it depends on the complexity of your operation, the type of work you do and the body’s natural healing process but generally you can expect:
• Returning to work: approximately 2 weeks.
• Exercise/heavy lifting: up to 6 weeks.
• Ability to drive: not for the first 2 weeks and only when you feel you have the ability to control the car adequately.
Post-Op Appointments
Before being discharged from the hospital you first post-op appointment will be arranged. This appointment will take place in the out-patients department of the hospital a week to ten days after your operation. During this appointment your wound will be assessed and your dressings will be changed.
Post-op Appointments to Factor In:
1. First week post-op appointment back in the hospital in the out-patients department.
2. The second post-op appointment will be 4 weeks later in Galway Plastic Surgery. Please call us on (091) 779 775 to schedule this.
3. The final post-op appointment to make sure recovery is fully complete will be 3 months after your second post-op appointment. This will be scheduled for you before you leave the private rooms when attending your second post-op appointment.