Breast augmentation 101: the surgery.

In Ottawa

By Dr. Howard Silverman

A breast augmentation can give your breasts new volume, rebalance their symmetry, or restore their youthful appearance. It’s one of the most popular surgeries we perform, and it can have a dramatic effect on patients’ lives and self-confidence. Because we know this procedure is a life-changing commitment, we work hard to answer every question our patients have as thoroughly as possible.

This blog is the second in our Breast Augmentation 101 series, where we’ll walk you through the breast augmentation process, step by step. Today, we’re answering the most common questions we receive about the surgical experience.  

Where will my breast augmentation surgery take place? 

Dr. Silverman and Dr. Boyd have operating privileges at multiple nearby surgical centres. At the time of scheduling your surgery, we will let you know exactly where it will take place.

Who will be a part of my breast augmentation journey? 

Your surgeon will be with you every step of the way, from consultation to post-op. On surgery day you’ll also be supported by the surgical staff on site, and when it comes time for your follow-up visits you will also meet with Ottawa Plastic Surgery’s nurse, Brenda.

What should I expect in the week leading up to my breast augmentation surgery? 

In the week leading up to your surgery you will receive a pre-operative phone call. On this 10-minute call, the hospital or surgical center staff will ask you questions about your health, and provide you with information about your arrival and departure times, when to stop eating and drinking pre-surgery, what you should bring with you on surgery day, and what you should have ready and waiting at home.

You may be asked to get a COVID-19 test 3-4 days prior to your surgery. If required, the team at Ottawa Plastic Surgery will coordinate the test for you. 

What should I expect on the day of my breast augmentation surgery?

On surgery day, it’s normal to wake up feeling both nervous and excited! 

The pre-surgery process may differ depending on the location of your procedure, but usually, once you’ve checked in at the hospital or surgical center, you can expect that one of the fantastic nurses will bring you back to your surgical bed where you’ll be made comfortable. In some locations, you may be given a pregnancy test, while others will ask you to have a pregnancy test administered at a lab in the week before your surgery. 

Next, you’ll meet with the anesthetist who will go over what you can expect from your anesthesia experience, after which Dr. Silverman arrives to discuss the surgical plan and make his markings. Now, it’s time to head back into the OR, where the anesthesia is administered and the procedure begins. 

What happens during breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery typically takes one hour. During the procedure, a pocket is created within your breast tissue for the implant, which is placed and shaped based on your specifications. Then the incision is closed and you are ready to recover.

How will I feel when I wake up?

Following your surgery you’ll slowly wake up in the recovery room, where you’ll be closely monitored by the surgical team on-site. You’ll likely feel achy and groggy, and experience some pain or tightness in your chest. You’ll be wearing the compression garments provided to you by OPS, which will help to reduce swelling and maintain the shape of the breasts throughout your recovery.

How long will I be in the recovery room? 

You can expect to be in the recovery room for about 1-2 hours. Before you leave, Dr. Silverman will discuss your medications, which should be taken as prescribed, as well as how to care for your incision sites. The nurses will be happy to call the friend or family member you’ve arranged to take you home once you’re ready to be discharged. We’ll plan to see you again about 2-5 days following your surgery for your first post-op follow-up.

Discover what is possible. Contact us to schedule your breast augmentation consultation today. 

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