Newport Beach Plastic Surgery | Dr. Hendrick's Blog

Breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure that requires patients to get the appropriate amount of rest after surgery to allow for proper healing. It is common for women to experience post-operative sensations in the breasts, such as firmness and swelling. The breasts may also appear slightly high after surgery. By following Dr. Hendricks’ specific post-operative instructions for your unique situation, these sensations should subside within a month after surgery.

What about exercise?
Generally, one of the most important instructions after breast augmentation surgery is to avoid strenuous or straining activities during the first full week after surgery. Exercise should be avoided for 2-4 weeks after surgery; however, leisurely walking is encouraged to keep blood circulation moving in the body to avoid blood clots. To allow the incision areas to heal properly, it is also important to avoid sweating.

Studies show most women can resume full activity within 3-6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. It is important to keep in mind that every woman is different and will experience her own unique healing process.

Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center is committed to helping each breast augmentation patient have a positive experience during every aspect of this surgical procedure, from initial consultation to follow-up appointments. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2007 surgeons performed nearly 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, which is up 7 percent from 2006. More than 1.8 million surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with breast augmentation leading the top five. In fact, 348,000 patients chose breast augmentation surgery in 2007, up 6 percent from 2006.

With so many women choosing this elective surgery, how do you know if breast augmentation surgery is right for you? The following lists may help you make the initial decision to pursue conversations and a professional breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Good candidates for breast augmentation

A good candidate for breast augmentation will be a woman who:
• Has good overall health
• Is physically and mentally mature (teenagers may not be good candidates)
• Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Is making the decision for herself, not another person
• Understands the potential risks and complications
• Has realistic expectations of how the breasts will look
• Has realistic expectations of how the new breasts will make her feel

Breast augmentation surgery can give women renewed self-confidence if done for the right reasons. If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Whether you have always wanted larger breasts or want to regain a larger breast size after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast augmentation is a popular and effective way to achieve the upper body you desire. When performed by a knowledgeable, trained and qualified board certified cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks and complications that can arise. It is important to ask questions about breast augmentation and be aware of these risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Possible risks and complications
• Infection (causing breast inflammation, fever, tenderness, etc.)
• Capsular contracture (when the implant pocket shrinks, squeezing the implant and making it feel hard)
• Bottoming out (when the implant falls on the chest, making the nipple too high)
• Rupture, leaking or deflation of the implant
• Sensation changes in the breast or nipple
• Mondor’s cord (a blood vessel inflammation that will heal itself)
• Symmastia (when the two implants merge on the chest, making the two breasts look like one “uniboob”)
• Rippling or wrinkling (when the skin appears wavy due to saline shifting)
• Scarring
• Blood clots

During any consultations with Dr. Hendricks, he will discuss all of the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery so you can make an informed decision. To arrange for your free breast augmentation consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.