Breast augmentation with implants, lasting between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, is generally performed under general anesthesia. This is supplemented with long-lasting local anesthesia to limit the extent of the general anesthesia and post-operative pain.
Generally, Dr. Kron does not use a drain or a painful compression dressing. This allows the patient to see the result upon waking, before the edema has had time to set in.
Recovery is simple in most cases: discomfort is moderate and normal activities can resume after a few days. 80% of patients can raise their arms above their head, shower and wash their hair without assistance from the day of or the day after the procedure. Discharge usually takes place the day after the procedure. Wearing a support bra is not mandatory, except in certain cases (it must then be worn day and night for 15 days).
At the end of the procedure, Dr. Kron will apply a "special" dressing, resistant to water and germs, allowing you to shower every day without special care or a nurse's intervention. This dressing does not prevent healing or the skin's gas exchange with the outside, allowing for a normal healing process. This dressing will be changed painlessly during a consultation by Dr. Kron himself.
The intensity of pain varies from person to person. Some patients no longer take painkillers from the day after the procedure. Generally, taking painkillers for the first 4 days relieves pain, while some physical discomfort is felt for the first 10 days.
In the first few days, it is entirely normal for the breasts to appear swollen, too large or too firm. The breasts may not look alike (difference in size and shape) and their shape may change from day to day. Breast sensitivity is temporarily altered (they may feel numb or, conversely, overly sensitive). Normal breast sensitivity returns, at the latest, within a few weeks.
These are relatively common after-effects that should not cause concern. The patient should keep in mind that the result of the procedure can only really be assessed after one to three months. The breasts do not take their final shape until three to six months after the procedure. Scars gradually fade, disappearing between six months and a year and a half after the operation.
Certain post-operative symptoms, on the other hand, should alert the patient. She should contact her surgeon if she notices:
- A fever above 38.5°C, possibly accompanied by chills
- A breast that becomes noticeably larger than the other
- A breast that becomes noticeably more covered in bruising than the other
- Particular pain or redness in an area of the breast
- Discharge at the scar.
For post-operative recovery to go as smoothly as possible, it is essential to precisely follow the instructions given by the surgeon. You are advised to:
- Maintain your hydration level in the first few days following the procedure by drinking regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet (proteins, vitamins and minerals are needed for healing).
- Take any treatments with meals (they will be better tolerated).
- Resume normal activity as quickly as possible, according to the surgeon's instructions.
Possible risks following breast augmentation with implants:
Since this is a surgical procedure, all the risks of a surgical procedure can occur with breast augmentation (see "Risks in cosmetic surgery").
Smoking increases the risk of surgical complications in any type of surgery. Stopping smoking 6-8 weeks before the procedure eliminates this additional risk. If you smoke, talk to your doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist, or call a smoking cessation helpline to help reduce risks and give yourself the best chances.
Risk after breast augmentation with implants
The risk of "capsular contracture" is rare, but it must be understood and accepted by the patient before the procedure. This is a scar retraction around the implant forming a fibrous layer. It can sometimes be addressed with massages or a touch-up procedure. In other cases, removal of the implant may be necessary.
If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. Dr. Kron's patients have his mobile phone number as well as that of the anesthesiologist.
Dr. Kron has never used PIP-brand implants in cosmetic breast augmentation. Any patient who has had cosmetic breast augmentation with Dr. Kron is therefore not affected by this issue.
> See the news item about PIP implants
> See the before-after gallery dedicated to breast augmentation with implants
