Breast Enhancement FAQ
We understand that you may have many questions regarding your breast surgery. The following are answers to the most common questions we hear from the women who visit us for breast enhancement in Omaha, arranged by procedure.
If you would like to speak to one of our excellent surgeons about breast enhancement in Omaha, request a complimentary cosmetic consultation at Aesthetic Surgical Images. Or you can call our office at (402) 390-0100 or (800) 331-5001 and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.
Breast Augmentation
What can I expect in my consultation?
On the day of your consultation you will be greeted by our friendly, professional staff in the home-like setting of our office. Your surgeon will listen thoughtfully to your goals regarding breast augmentation in Omaha and answer all of your questions. Your surgeon will thoroughly explain all of the known risks of the procedure. You will then undergo a physical examination. After the physical examination your doctor will discuss the different options available to you regarding placement of incision, location of the implant, size of the implant and type of implant to be used.
At your initial consultation, you will meet with your own individual patient care coordinator. Throughout your experience at Aesthetic Surgical Images, she will always be available to take your calls, answer your questions, and assist you in any way she can.
What do I have to do to prepare for the operation at Aesthetic Surgical Images?
When you call to set up your surgery you will also be scheduled a time to meet with the physician's assistant for a pre-operative visit. This appointment is scheduled 2 weeks prior to surgery. You will receive important information and instructions at this visit. You will also need to avoid a number of medications for 2 weeks prior to surgery (a full list can be downloaded from our Patient Resources page). On the day of your surgery you will arrive at our Surgical Suite approximately 1 to 2 hours prior to your scheduled operating time. You will meet with our anesthesiologist and your doctor will visit with you and answer any questions you may have at that time. Your surgery typically takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
What will the rest of my follow up be like?
You will be closely followed during your postoperative course and should plan at least four visits the first month after surgery. (Your scheduled visits may depend somewhat on the distance you travel though.)
Most women can resume work approximately 3 to 5 days after a breast augmentation. Aerobic activities may need to be deferred for 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively. Most of the sutures will be absorbable but some may need to be removed after 2 to 3 weeks. Your surgeon will likely recommend wearing a soft bra for several weeks. You will not be allowed to wear a bra with underwire for three months post-surgery. Swelling and discoloration around the incisions generally subside in a few days.
Temporary changes in sensation of the nipples and skin is normal, and should improve with time. Scars after breast surgery are permanent, but our surgeons make every effort to make scars as inconspicuous as possible and they will fade over time. Since incisions are made below the nipple, scars should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing. One of our doctors is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with any of your concerns.
How long will I be swollen after breast augmentation surgery?
Swelling will diminish over several weeks; if you experience bruising most will be gone in 7 to 10 days. Usually 80% or more of your swelling will be gone in two weeks and the last 20% gradually fades over the next several weeks. You will be asked not to put your elbows above your shoulders and not to engage in any heavy lifting for the first three weeks. Your surgeon and the staff will carefully help tailor your recovery to take into consideration your necessary daily activities.
How is breast enlargement performed?
Breast enlargement is accomplished by placing an implant (either saline or silicone) underneath the chest muscle or less commonly just beneath the breast tissue. The choices for incisions include the armpit, the crease underneath the breast or on the lower edge of the areola. The areola is the darker skin which surrounds the nipple. All of these incisions typically heal very well and are usually inconspicuous after healing is completed. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that placement of the implant beneath the muscle of the chest wall has many advantages. It is generally accepted that implants placed under the muscle have a greater chance of keeping the breast soft and less chance of visible wrinkling. This approach usually makes mammography easier to perform and therefore more accurate.
Recovery after breast augmentation surgery
Recovery following breast surgery is generally swift. You will need an adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. If you live outside of Omaha, we will ask that you spend the night at one of the neighboring hotels offering discounted pricing for our patients. You will wear either a wrap around your breasts or possibly a post surgical bra. This will be up to the discretion of your surgeon. You will be given appropriate medications to control discomfort after surgery and you will be placed on an antibiotic for a few days after surgery. You will likely also receive a medication for control of postoperative nausea. On the day after surgery you will return to our office for a visit. Your wrap may be removed on that day and your surgeon or the physician's assistant will examine you.
Breast Lift
What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in anesthesia
How is a breast lift performed?
Your surgeon will carefully examine you and take special measurements of your breasts to determine the amount of skin to be removed and the new location of the nipple. Often, the darker skin surrounding the nipple called the areola is larger than you would like. During a breast lift this area is made smaller. Once the measurements are made with you in an upright position you are taken to the operating room and the operation is performed. Once the extra skin is removed from the lower parts of the breast special stitches are placed to uplift and reshape the breast to a more youthful appearance. A breast lift normally takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It will take longer if you also requires breast implants, as many Des Moines and Omaha patients do.
What can I expect after surgery?
You will be placed in a surgical bra after surgery. A friend or loved one will take you home and must stay with you for the next 24 hours. You will wear the bra and your dressings until you are seen the next day in our office. At that time your surgeon, or the physician assistant, will give you instructions on how they would like you to care for your breasts. Specific instructions will be given to you before the operation regarding limitation of activity. In general, you will be expected not to lift your elbows above your shoulders for several days after surgery. Special instructions regarding hair washing will be given to you. You will be asked to refrain from heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Your doctor will give you more specific instructions depending on the type of activity you will be returning to. You will be given sufficient medication to control your discomfort postoperatively. You will also be given an antibiotic for a few days and possibly some medication to have on hand in the event that you experience nausea.
What can I expect during the initial recovery period?
You will have a number of follow-up visits the first few months following surgery. Your surgeon or physician's assistant will provide guidance during your recovery including any restrictions. Much of the discomfort will be gone in the first 48 hours. Your breasts will remain slightly swollen and may have some bruising for up to ten days. The incisions will remain reddened for several weeks. Over the course of the next several months the redness will slowly diminish.
What can I expect long term?
Long term we expect significant fading of the redness and the incision areas. You may develop some sagging over time. The vast majority of women however enjoy the improved shape for many years and never require another lift.
Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery
Recovery following breast surgery is generally swift. The swelling and discomfort generally resolve within five to ten days. Most women can resume work approximately three to five days after a breast lift. Aerobic activities may need to be deferred for four weeks post-operatively. Most of the sutures will be absorbable but some may need to be removed between two and three weeks after surgery. Within the first week or two, the surgeon will likely recommend wearing a soft bra for several weeks. Patients should refrain from wearing bras with underwire for three months. Swelling and discoloration around the incisions generally subside in a few days. Temporary changes in sensation of the nipples and skin is normal, and should improve with time. Scars after breast surgery are permanent, but surgeons make every effort to make scars as inconspicuous as possible and they will fade over time. Since incisions are usually made around and below the nipple, scars should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing.
Breast Reconstruction
Do you perform Lat Dorsi Flap Reconstruction?
Yes. Our physicians perform many different types of breast reconstruction at the same time as or after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Breast Reduction
Do my stitches have to be removed?
The majority of stitches do not need to be removed. A few external stitches may be present and will be removed in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.
How long will bruising and swelling last?
Bruising is normally gone in two weeks after your operation. Approximately 80% of your swelling will be gone in 3-4 weeks after surgery. The last 20% will gradually subside over the next few months. The scarring associated with the surgery normally fades over a period of 12-24 months.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
General anesthesia will be used. It will be administered by an anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in anesthesia
How successful is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is highly effective in relieving the problems of neck, back and shoulder pain. In addition to alleviating the added weight associated with large breasts, the operation will lift them and provide a more shapely and youthful appearance. The vast majority of our patients say "I wish I had done it sooner."
Does insurance pay for this procedure?
Many insurance companies recognize the effectiveness of breast reduction surgery in alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with overly large breasts. At your private consultation, your doctor will examine you to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. A letter will be sent to your insurance company along with photographs. The photographs do not show your face. Your insurance company will review the information and make a determination as to whether they are going to provide benefits for you. The entire process for prior-authorization may take up four to eight weeks before we receive your insurance company's response. You may then schedule your surgery
What should I expect in the consultation?
Breast reduction surgery is commonly performed at Aesthetic Surgical Images. Our staff is very experienced in the individual needs and goals of women requesting this type of surgery. After being greeted by our staff, you will have a lengthy consultation with your surgeon who will explain the risks and benefits associated with this procedure, perform a physical examination and determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery. After the consultation and physical examination, your doctor will discuss with you how much breast weight will be removed. Our staff will then discretely photograph you. Your face will not be in the picture and the photographs of your breasts along with your individual history will be sent to your insurance company with a request for pre-authorization.
What do I need to do before surgery?
After you are scheduled for surgery you will be given instructions regarding medications you should not take prior to surgery. These include aspirin or aspirin-containing compounds and ibuprofen. Other medications are listed and will be discussed by our nursing staff. You will be instructed not to smoke for at least two weeks before surgery and for at least two weeks after surgery. Approximately 1-2 weeks before surgery you will be scheduled for a preoperative visit. This is a good time to ask any additional questions you may have.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
On the day of surgery you will arrive 60 to 90 minutes before your scheduled operation. You will visit with the anesthesiologist and will be given the opportunity to ask your doctor any additional questions.
What can I expect after surgery?
A surgical support bra will be applied immediately following the surgery. Beneath the bra there may be some additional bandages. You will stay in our recovery area until you are fully recovered. You will then be allowed to go home with a companion who will spend the rest of the day and the night with you.
What can I expect after I leave the Surgi-Suite?
You will need an adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. If you live more than an hour from Omaha your physician will recommend you stay at a nearby hotel. You will return to our office the next day to be examined by either your surgeon or the physician's assistant. The next follow up visit will be scheduled approximately one week after that.
What will my limitations be after surgery?
During your preoperative visit you will be given specific instructions on your postoperative care. You will be asked not to lift anything over five pounds for two weeks and not to raise your elbows above your shoulders. You can still wash your hair and fix your hair, but high reaching will be discouraged. You will also be requested not to do any heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Other details regarding your postoperative care will be discussed by your doctor.
Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery
Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery often tell us they can feel relief from neck and back pain the very next day. Most women can resume work approximately 1-2 weeks after a reduction. Aerobic activities may need to be deferred for 4-6 weeks postoperatively. Most of the sutures will be absorbable but some may need to be removed after about a week. You will wear the support bra from surgery for several weeks. Swelling and discoloration around the incisions generally subside in a few days. Temporary changes in sensation of the nipples and skin is normal, and will improve with time. Scars after breast surgery are permanent, but surgeons make every effort to make scars as inconspicuous as possible and they will fade over time. Since incisions are usually made around and below the nipple, scars should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing.
Consultations
What is the cost of a consultation?
Cosmetic consultations are complimentary. This gives you the opportunity to meet with the doctor and have your questions answered with no obligation.
What hours are available for consultation?
Cosmetic consultations are offered most afternoons and evenings until 8pm.
What is a cosmetic consultation?
Any procedure that may be run through insurance is not considered cosmetic in nature. The following procedures are often considered cosmetic (exceptions may apply): Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Facelift, Brow Lift, Eyelid Surgery and Rhinoplasty.
What happens at a consultation?
Your Consultation Will Include:
- Discussion with your physician
- Evaluation with your physician
- Computer imaging (except breast surgery)
- Fee quote
- Financing options discussed
- Tour (when operating room is available)
Consultations usually last an hour to an hour and a half. During your appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals with your physician and have your questions answered. You may discuss as many procedures as you wish at your appointment, as it is quite common, and safe, for patients to have more than one procedure performed at the same time. Your physician will evaluate you for the procedure(s) you are considering and inform you about all of the associated benefits and risks with surgery.
Computer imaging may also be used to help you have realistic expectations regarding your post-surgical result. Unfortunately, the computer technology is not capable of breast imaging, but for most other procedures the imaging is very helpful.
At your initial consultation, you will meet with your own individual patient care coordinator. Throughout your experience at Aesthetic Surgical Images, she will always be available to take your calls, answer your questions, and assist you in any way she can. Feel confident when you visit Aesthetic Surgical Images, you will receive an honest opinion regarding your concerns.
Appointments are available from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday (some exceptions can be made based on the physicians' surgical schedules if you have limited availability). Request a complimentary cosmetic consultation at Aesthetic Surgical Images. Or you can call our office at (402) 390-0100 or (800) 331-5001 and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.
