The Traditional Procedure: Implants
Consultation. Dr. Rademaker takes the time to review every patient’s expectations. Consider the size you want to be. Look at pictures and imagine your breasts just like that. Does your frame accommodate that size? Very small breasts may not get the results you’re dreaming of with very large implants. Look at your posture, your shoulders. Look at the positioning of your nipples. Will the implants alone deliver on your dream? Dr. Rademaker will help you take all that into account before helping you decide on the right implant size. He’ll explain in detail the where the implants will be placed –under the pectoralis muscle or above. His first priority is a well-informed patient.
The Surgery
An incision is made under the breast (breast fold), around the nipple or in the armpit. Given the aesthetic implications of scarring, the placement of the incision is perhaps the most-asked question. Therefore, the ability to minimize the visibility of the scar is important.
Some incisions will allow for certain maneuvers that others will not. It is important to note that most doctors cannot offer certain approaches because of inexperience with and lack of understanding about them, and so limit patient choice.
Dr. Rademaker is expert in all surgical options. For instance, where possible, he offers the possibility of going through the armpit. The latter uses special cameras and for may patients seems preferable.
"Because I am practiced in all approaches I can provide patients with an array of options. That allows me to remain completely objective about what is best for the patient," says Dr. Rademaker.
In all cases a pocket is made and an empty implant is positioned then filled with the appropriate amount of saline (Sterile salt water) solution. Silicone is never used this way because the incisions is normally too small and may result in implant damage.
Post-Surgical Care
All instructions are individualized for each patient according to their needs. At Rejuva, we develop personalized instruction sheets and our patient liaisons are on 24/7 call.
Dressings, typically are removed the next day.
Patients will be instructed to use a bra or a wrap Each patient will receive specific instructions which one and how to use it. The bra or wrap provides support and reduces bleeding if necessary.
Massaging the breast after surgery is encouraged since this enhances blood circulation to the breast and speeds recovery. Massaging also softens the breasts and reduces the chances of the capsule around the implant to tighten. This is also known as capulsar contraction.
After 2-3 days most patients will experience a dramatic decrease in their discomfort. Oral pain medication will alleviate most pain.
Oral antibiotics are started one day before surgery and continue for 4 days afterwards.
Sutures are usually removed after 7 days.
Light activities can be resumed as tolerated. Aerobic activities usually can be started in approximately 3 weeks.