Surgical Name : Augmentation Mammaplasty
Hospital Admission: 1 night
Duration of Operation: 2 - 3 hours
Anesthetic: General Anesthesia
Recommended stay in Bangkok: 7 days

Who benefits from breast implants?

• Clients with inadequate breast size.
• Clients with congenital breast deformity.
• Clients with asymmetrical breast shape.
• Clients who wish to have reconstruction following mastectomy.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. The implant is inserted through the incision and may be placed under either the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. Various approaches can be used to make the implant pocket and for the placement of the implant. The common approach is by placing the scars underneath the breast in what is called the inframammary fold or breast fold incision. For teardrop silicone implants this is the suggested approach; an exact pocket can be safely made using special illuminated instruments and the insertion of the implant is less likely to damage the implant. It is technically more difficult and unwise to squeeze these implants through small incisions in the armpit or around the nipple. Those other approaches are however adequate for round implants. The incision is then closed with stitches. Dr. Boonchai will place temporary drains in the incision prior to closing it to prevent fluid or blood accumulation. The drains or catheters would be removed during a follow-up visit after surgery.

Pre-Operative Care
Our team will evaluate your medical history to check for conditions that may delay the surgery or the healing process. Some of the common conditions are:

• Bleeding tendencies – problems with blood clotting, or lack of clotting
• Scarring problems you have had in the past – like keloid scars and hypertrophic scars
• Hypertension (High blood pressure) – particularly if it is not under control.
• Smoking – this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Please stop smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Please avoid aspirin and brufen-containing medication for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op bleeding. Generally it is best to continue any blood pressure or blood sugar medications. These may safely be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Women should ensure negative pregnancy test before surgery.

Protect your health prior to surgery. Even a simple cold could cause complications with the anesthesia. If you do develop an illness right before your surgery, let your surgeon know. You may need to postpone your breast augmentation until you feel better. On the day of your procedure, do not wear any skin care products, makeup, deodorant, perfume, nail polish or powder.

Post-Operative Care
After the surgery the surgeon will place waterproof plasters over your incision sites. Keep your incisions/suture line dry. If the plaster should get wet or start to peel off we recommend that you contact the Dr. Boonchai’s office to make an appointment to have the wounds cleaned and redressed. You will be able to shower but not swim until your incisions are closed and your sutures have been removed.

Walk around as soon as you are able while recovering from breast augmentation surgery. This will help prevent blood clots and can also help relieve swelling. Do not engage in strenuous activities, or exercise, for at least three to four weeks after your surgery. You should plan to avoid activities which require much raising of the arms above the level of the head for 10 days after surgery. With great care, you can drive about 7 days after surgery.

You may be swollen for three or four months after breast implant surgery. Drinking water, cutting back on salt and engaging in light exercise can help reduce this swelling (edema). Do not take any over-the-counter or herbal diuretics unless advised to do so by your surgeon. If you experience sudden swelling in the days after your surgery, call Dr. Boonchai’s office. You will probably have some bruising after your breast implant surgery, but this will fade. Certain herbal remedies such as arnica or bromelain may help. Ask your surgeon what he recommends. If you still have some discolorations after several months, talk to your surgeon.

You may lose some sensitivity in the nipple or the surrounding skin after breast augmentation surgery. This usually subsides within a few weeks. In rare cases, however, loss of sensation can be permanent. As sensation returns to your nipples and breasts, you may experience sharp pains, itchiness, heat, tingling and prickling. These temporary sensations occur because nerve function is returning.

All breast augmentation techniques will leave a permanent scar behind, which is meant to be as inconspicuous as possible after healing. Scars will fade gradually but nipple numbness may take up to 12 months before sensation returns.