Category: Breast Augmentation

There are many reasons that women seek breast implants, including to build self-esteem, enhance body image and boost sexual confidence. However, if you’re considering breast augmentation for any reason, it’s normal to be concerned about your results. Despite our best efforts, breast implants will always feel different than natural breast tissue. There are some things to keep in mind, though, when wondering about your new breasts. Here’s what to know about how breast implants feel and which type is best for you.

Factors That Determine If Breast Implants Feel Real or Fake

Nowadays, plastic surgeons use the most advanced breast implants available on the market. Even so, the “realness” of your implants can actually depend on a variety of factors outside of the implant itself. These factors include:

Placement

Implants can be placed over or under the chest muscles. Under-the-muscle implantation tends to feel more natural because there’s more natural tissue between the implant and the breast.

Implant Size

Larger implants can skew the implant/tissue ratio and increase the likelihood of an unnatural feel. This can be especially noticeable in petite women who have less natural breast tissue.

Initial Breast Tissue

Natural breast tissue covers the implants better and improves the feel of the implants through padding. Having less natural breast tissue can make the implant more noticeable.

Implant Texture

Textured implants have more grip on the interior breast pocket, but this means they don’t move freely and can noticeably stay in place. Smooth implants move freely like natural flesh. Dr. Fichadia only works with smooth implants.

Your board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hetal Fichadia, can help you determine which factors are most important to you and ensure you make an informed decision about your results.

Which Type of Breast Implant Feels More Real?

There is no “best” type of implant, since each one comes with benefits that can match with each patient’s goals. However, there can be a noticeable difference between the two types of implants. For this reason, your plastic surgeon can guide you through the selection process based on your intended results.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants can feel more firm, an aspect that can make them feel less real. The reason is that saline implants are “balloons” plastic surgeons feel with sterile saline. Water is more difficult to compress and is less squishy, especially when the implant shell is stiff. Plastic surgeons usually fill saline implants more to make them firm. The way to make them feel less firm is by under-filling the saline implant shell. The shell allows easier water displacement, and it will feel squishier when compressed. However, an underfilled saline implant can look and feel “fake” because it has many folds and ripples.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone gel has varying levels of viscosity that in turn contributes to its firmness. Silicone contains molecule chains and cross-linking, and their length determines the firmness of the material. “Gummy bear” implants are more cohesive, firmer, and better at maintaining shape though, these are textured silicone implants, which Dr. Fichadia does not use due to their association with BIA-ALCL. Softer gels (as in traditional silicone implants) are best when you want to achieve a softer, more compressible feel. The softer gel fill prevents a “too firm” feel that makes many women worry about breast augmentation.

Schedule a Consultation

There are many options for achieving your ideal feel with breast augmentation. Take a look at Dr. Fichadia’s before and after gallery to see real results. To create a customized surgical plan and explore your implant options, we invite you to contact our Portland-area office by calling or filling out our online form.

The single most popular type of cosmetic surgery is breast augmentation. It’s consistently the most-performed procedure each year, and for good reason. If you’re considering it, however, it’s normal to be concerned about visible scarring and what to expect. Here’s what to know about breast augmentation scarring and how you can minimize it.

Where are Scars Located from Breast Augmentation?

Your plastic surgeon will ensure to strategically place your incisions. These are usually placed in an area where your natural contours will make them less noticeable, like underneath the breast crease or within the armpit. Experienced plastic surgeons can also make sure that you find the right balance between the incision pattern that achieves good implant placement and also good scar concealment.

How Will My Scars Look?

Although your scars will most likely be minimal, it’s important to acknowledge that it can still take as long as 18 months for them to completely heal. While you recover from your breast augmentation procedure, your scars will change in appearance. At one point, they will look like they’re getting worse before they begin to look better. Some scars look pink or red and slightly raised on the skin before they begin to fade as they heal. Everyone is different. The length of time it takes for your breast augmentation scars to heal depends on a variety of factors. These include your skin type and tone, age, genetics, and level of sun exposure.

How to Minimize Scarring After Your Procedure

There are things you can do both before and after your breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring. These include:

• Stop smoking a few weeks before and after your surgery. Quitting altogether is best for your health
• Avoid being out in the sun. If you can’t avoid the sun, always wear sunscreen
• Consume a healthy diet and drink water to aid your recovery. Get enough sleep as well
• Carefully follow your plastic surgeon’s guidelines for physical activity after your procedure

What Are the Best Scar Treatments for Breast Augmentation?

There are also a few treatment options available for minimizing the look of your scars. Speak with your plastic surgeon to determine which is right for you and each stage of your recovery. The options include the following:

• Laser skin resurfacing
• Silicone sheeting
• Topical cortisone cream
• Vitamin E supplements or products

Schedule a Consultation

The best way to learn more about breast augmentation and what you can expect is by meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hetal Fichadia. To get started, contact our Portland, OR office by calling or filling out our online form. Check out real breast augmentation results here.

Whether you are already a mother considering a breast augmentation surgery or would like kids in the future, you may have questions about breast feeding with a breast augmentation. This is one of the most frequently asked questions that board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fichadia gets from her patients considering breast augmentation.  The answer is most likely yes, with the following considerations.

Considerations When Wanting to Breastfeed with Implants

There are several different factors that you will need to consider when breastfeeding after having implants. These include:

Incisions

You will need to look to see where your incisions were made. If they go around your nipples and areolae, you may not be able to produce milk. With this kind of incision, nerves and milk ducts can possibly be severed. If you have incisions that are within the breast fold, away from the nipple, you should not have any issues with nerve or milk duct damage, and you will be able to breastfeed successfully.

Reason for Augmentation

The other thing to consider is the reason for augmentation surgery. If you have fairly symmetrical, regularly shaped breasts and you just wanted a little boost, then chances are you will not run into difficulty breastfeeding. But, if you have very flat or tubular shaped breasts before your augmentation, you may have been at risk for low milk supply due to insufficient glandular tissue regardless of having surgery. Some breasts don’t develop properly during puberty and therefore don’t contain enough glandular tissue to produce the necessary breastmilk.

If you are still uncertain whether or not you can breastfeed after getting breast implants, speak with your obstetrician and Dr. Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS, to see what they recommend.

Implant Location

In conclusion, most women are able to successfully breastfeed their babies after breast augmentation. However, for a variety of reasons—some implant-related and some not—breastfeeding may not always be feasible. Conservatively-sized implants placed below muscle through an incision away from the nipple-areola are least likely to interfere with breastfeeding. 

Tips for Breastfeeding with Breast Implants

For women starting their motherhood journey, once you have spoken with your doctors and found whether or not it is possible to breastfeed, your next course of action is to meet with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant will be your biggest ally when it comes to breastfeeding. This consultant will be able to tell you ways to increase your milk production and have a successful time at breastfeeding with breast implants.

If you struggle to breastfeed or you have further questions about breastfeeding when having implants, you can speak to your lactation consultant and your doctor to determine the best course of action for you. Having a strong support system can help you to succeed at your goals of breastfeeding.

You may also worry about the effect breastfeeding will have on your implants. It’s normal for your breasts to change in shape and size during pregnancy and after breastfeeding. Breastfeeding won’t affect your implants, but the size and shape of your breasts overall may be different. Dr Fichadia is always available to answer your questions as you go through these life changes after your breast augmentation surgery.

Contact Dr. Fichadia

If you are interested in or have questions about breast augmentation and the results of a procedure like this, contact our office to get a professional opinion from Dr. Fichadia. Call or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation, today.

Breast augmentations rank at the very top in terms of cosmetic surgery procedures that are most popular. If you are interested in getting this procedure done, it’s important to know what to expect and to carefully follow the doctor’s tips. Among those tips are those that can aid in your smooth recovery. Here is what you should do after your breast augmentation.

Get a Ride from and Stay with Someone Trustworthy

You should have someone close to you in tow to give you a ride home or stay with them at their home for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Breast augmentation surgery requires downtime while you recover, which means it’s beneficial to have someone you trust to stay with you and help you with tasks at home for 24 to 48 hours after your surgery.

Eat Before Taking Pain Medication

Always eat at least small meals or things like toast or crackers before you take your pain medication. This helps to stave off nausea. You may want to have a few meals pre-prepared prior to your surgery as well.

Sleep on Your Back or Side

If you’re a stomach sleeper, you should skip that after your breast augmentation surgery. Instead, sleep on your back or side. If it’s more comfortable for you, you can even sleep while reclining, such as upright on your couch, in a plush chair, or with a few pillows propping you up in bed.

Add More Foods When Possible

Although your pain medication causes you to feel nauseous, you should gradually be able to add more foods. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

You should avoid strenuous activity after your surgery. Don’t do any heavy lifting or exercise other than light things such as walking until the doctor instructs you that you can resume those activities.

Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Scar Creams

After your surgery, you should avoid using over-the-counter scar creams or ointments on your incisions. They can lead to adverse reactions that can irritate your skin. Carefully listen to the doctor and follow all instructions. Also, note that your scars will begin to heal a few weeks after your breast augmentation.

Swelling is Normal

While every woman is different, you should expect to experience swelling for several weeks to even months after your surgery. Generally, most of this occurs in the first few weeks after the procedure. It signifies that your breasts are moving into their final position, size, and shape.

Be Positive

Because healing takes time and is both physical and psychological, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. Your recovery may take longer than you might expect, but it is all worth it in the end. You should also remember that nothing is perfect and that you should reach out to your loved ones for a strong support system while you heal.

Schedule a Consultation

If you live in the Portland, Oregon area and are interested in having a breast augmentation done, contact Hetal Fitchadia, MD, FACS at your earliest convenience. Schedule a consultation by calling (503) 488-2344 or request an appointment online.

Breast augmentation helps women who believe their breasts are too small or asymmetrical and women who have breasts that sag or are in other ways aesthetically displeasing to them. This can be the result of their heredity, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and a rapid loss of weight that can happen because of bariatric surgery. Patients are rightfully concerned about scarring from incisions for the surgery. Dr Hetal Fichadia offers two incisions for breast augmentation patients to choose from depending on the patient’s anatomy and preferences.

Peri-areolar

In this type of breast augmentation, Dr. Hetal Fichadia makes an incision around the dark area around the nipple, or areola. In this way, the scar isn’t visible as it readily hides in the transition between pigmented and non-pigmented skin. She may use this type of technique if she’s also performing a breast lift.

Inframammary

The crease just beneath the breasts is called the inframammary fold, and an incision in this area is another way to perform a breast augmentation. This is the most commonly used incision in our practice as it has a lower rate of capsular contracture. The scar that’s left is hidden inside the crease and is usually not visible with the patient sitting or standing.

After the Surgery

Breast implantation surgery takes about two hours. It’s usually an outpatient procedure. Dr. Fichadia uses dissolving sutures to close the incisions and applies a simple paper dressing over it.

After the surgery, the patient will need to be driven home and should have arranged for someone to stay with her for the first day or two after their surgery. The patient should prepare her home for the initial healing period and recovery. This might mean making dinners ahead of time and putting them in the freezer, placing needful things within reach, and preparing to avoid strenuous housework immediately after surgery. Lifting restrictions are 25 lbs for 4 weeks.

The patient’s breasts will be uncomfortable and swollen for a few weeks after breast augmentation, but this improves over time. It can take up to 6 months for the breast shape to evolve as implants drop. After time, patients begin to see the final results of her breast augmentation. Most patients are thrilled with their new look.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in breast augmentation, the first step is scheduling a thorough consultation. Get in touch with Dr. Hetal Fichadia at (503) 488-2344 to request your first appointment.

So, you are considering breast augmentation. If you’re scheduled to have breast augmentation surgery, then you’re not alone. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most requested elective surgeries in the country and with good reason. Dr. Hetal Fichadia has been performing breast augmentation surgeries for years with many satisfied patients. This procedure has a very high patient satisfaction rate. Her experience with breast augmentation procedures means she is well qualified to assist anyone who wants to feel more confident about their appearance.

One of the most common questions asked by our breast augmentation patients is the recovery time. Most women opting for this surgery have busy schedules, both in and outside of the home. Naturally, recovery is a prime concern. Dr. Fichadia uses the principles of Rapid Recovery breast augmentation, or flash recovery breast augmentation, or 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation. Also known as One-day recovery breast augmentation, this is an approach to breast augmentation popularized by Dr. John Tebbetts. The process starts before the day of surgery with a selection of implants and education about the recovery process. During the surgery, Dr. Hetal Fichadia uses a minimally traumatic technique, with minimal blood loss. All of these details combine to ensure recovery with minimal discomfort. Emphasis is on making sure that patients move their arms, and get as close to their normal activities immediately afterward.

How Will I Feel Right After The Breast Augmentation Procedure?

It’s natural to feel nervous about the surgery, even if you know the outcome is going to look amazing. For most of our patients, narcotic pain medications are not necessary, even though you will be prescribed a small amount. Most patients do well with Tylenol and/or Advil. Immediately after the surgery, while still in the recovery room, our qualified and compassionate nurses will help you start the stretches that allow you to lift your arms overhead. Depending on the time of surgery, you can take a short nap after your discharge, and take a shower after you wake up. Dr Fichadia encourages you to go out to dinner, or visit friends the same day as 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation surgery. Sexual intercourse is permitted the evening of your surgery. Use common sense to avoid trauma to the breasts. This is in stark contrast to the traditional teaching where arm movements are restricted for several weeks.

How much pain can I expect after surgery

As mentioned earlier, pain is easily managed by non-narcotic pain medicine. Most women describe the discomfort as a sense of muscle soreness, or a feeling similar to “when your milk comes in”, rather than severe pain. As this resolves, you may have a little soreness on the sides of your breast/chest. Again, this is all normal. Ice packs also help with discomfort. Don’t use ice packs for over 20 minutes as this can cause a mild burn.

What about activities, exercising, and driving?

You are encouraged to do gentle exercises immediately after surgery and can use a treadmill (no incline) the same day. It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities (anything that can get your heart rate over 120) in the first three weeks after surgery. You may lift up to 25 pounds. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. If you have a sedentary job, you may return to work when you feel comfortable. Patients sometimes report difficulty with opening/closing heavy doors (i.e. car doors) and opening pill bottles. You are encouraged to do gentle exercises immediately after surgery and can use a treadmill (no incline) the same day. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Again, avoid aerobic exercises for 2 weeks. We like to say “Let pain be your guide”. The activities that are to be avoided (for 4 weeks) are bench presses, pec fly, weight lifting, push-ups, swimming as these activate your pectoralis muscle.

Following breast augmentation, the breasts will be fairly tight, and there will not be much movement of the breasts. As the breasts stretch and relax, you will see more motion, but this will take months.

You may drive when driving does not cause pain and you can drive defensively. This may occur as soon as the next day if you have a car with power steering. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT drive the same day as your surgery. This is a general recommendation for anyone who has undergone a general anesthetic.

The first week after your breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions for care. You will have a small dressing that you can remove after your procedure, except for the incision tape.

How Can I Speed Up My Recovery Process?

Before your surgery, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy food. Do your stretches as prescribed and increase your activity as your discomfort permits. Remember, the goal is to continue your pre-surgery activities as much as possible to have a speedy recovery with a 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation.

When Will I Be Fully Recovered?

Every person is different when it comes to healing time, but most patients are able to return to work after 2-3 days, as long as they are not lifting over 25 lbs, and are avoiding the activities described above. After two or three weeks, you should be able to perform light exercises, but you should be careful not to exert yourself. In a few weeks, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your gorgeous new figure without much discomfort. The final shape of the breasts can take 5-6 months to evolve.

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that’s been popular for many decades at this point. People decide to get breast implants for all sorts of significant reasons. They often do so to look better in their clothing items. They often do so because they think that their breasts are uneven in size. It doesn’t matter why specifically you decide to get breast augmentation. The thing that matters most is recovering in a safe and healthy manner. If you’re currently trying to decide whether you want to get breast implants, you should learn all that you can about typical recovery duration periods.

Recovery Periods After Getting Breast Implants

Patients should be realistic with regard to breast implant recovery matters. That means that they should acknowledge the fact that all individuals are totally different. They’re never identical. That’s why breast augmentation healing periods always vary. You cannot predict how long it will take for your individual body to bounce back simply by assessing another patient’s situation. Despite that, the vast majority of plastic surgeons out there state that complete breast implant recovery calls for roughly six weeks in total. The majority of women who get implants state that they’re 100 percent normal after roughly one week has gone by.

Plastic surgeons are able to evaluate patients’ health situations. That’s how they’re in many situations able to provide patients with recovery duration guesses that make sense. There are many different parts of breast implant recovery. After you go through your procedure, you may make up feeling somewhat cranky and out of sorts. Soreness may be an issue for you as well. People who get breast implants often feel exhausted for anywhere between three and five days. Surgeons frequently give their patients pain medicine prescriptions.

Bouncing back after breast augmentation surgery is something that calls for a lot of care. You should speak with your surgeon about all of the things you can do to stay on track and bounce back as healthily as possible. This can be especially vital for women who have busy careers and plentiful social obligations. You may want to talk to your plastic surgeon about going back into your physical fitness regimen. You don’t want to shock your body and interfere with healing by going back to the gym and jogging too rapidly. For the first couple of weeks after surgery, patients should not undergo any strenuous activity.

Women who receive breast implants in most situations are given the “okay” to get back to their lives as normal after approximately two months. Patients should do everything they can to promote recovery stages that are devoid of complications. That means that they should listen meticulously to any and all instructions that are given to them by their plastic surgeons.

Contact Dr. Fichadia’s Office in Portland, Oregon

Are you curious about breast implant recovery in Portland, Oregon? Call Dr. Hetal Fichadia‘s office to set up a consultation. We’re a plastic surgery clinic that concentrates on all kinds of face, body and breast procedures.

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