Category: Breast Implants

How Long Will It Take for My Breast Implants to Soften?

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery for women who want to enhance their breast shape and size. As with all cosmetic procedures, once the operation is completed, there is an expectation of seeing the outcome. Unfortunately, there will be some time before you realize the final results.

Once you awake after surgery, and for some time afterward, your breasts will be high on your chest and hard to the touch. Don’t get alarmed. This is to be expected until your implants drop and fluff.

Drop and Fluff Explained

You should understand the terms “drop and fluff” before your breast surgery. If not, you may worry that your implants appear too small or too high when waking after surgery. Rest assured that this is an expected part of your recovery. Implants “drop” into their permanent position once your natural tissue adjusts to the new breast contour. The “fluff” part occurs when the implants fill the lower breast area below the nipple.

When Will My Implants Feel Soft?

Many factors affect when “drop and fluff” happens. For example, implant placement and post-operative inflammation may contribute to breast firmness. Your breasts will begin to feel softer from eight weeks to six months. Dr. Florence Mussat can be specific with your timeline during your consultation. A good rule to follow is this: the larger the breast implant, the more time it may take for your implants to look and feel natural.

Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat may recommend gentle massages to help your breast implants settle during recovery. This may include pressing your implants in certain positions multiple times daily. This practice can expand your breast pocket and prevent future complications like capsular contracture, a condition that causes scar tissue to compress your implants.

How Long Does the Swelling Last?

After surgery, you will experience some side effects, like swelling and inflammation. This is your body’s natural response to surgery. Most swelling will diminish within six weeks. Our office will provide post-surgical instructions like employing ice packs to control swelling and pain meds to manage discomfort.

Learn More About Breast Implant Recovery

You may have other questions about breast augmentation in Chicago. If you want to learn the details of drop and fluff or discuss how implants can enhance your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Florence Mussat for a breast evaluation. She will answer all your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you fully understand the process.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Mussat to learn more about breast implant surgery, contact our Chicago office online or call (312) 751-9000 today.

Can You Breastfeed Safely After Getting Implants?

Breast augmentation helps many women be more confident about their breast size and shape. But some hesitate to have the procedure because they plan to have a family and worry that this surgery may interfere with breastfeeding.

For many mothers, breastfeeding is an act of selfless love. There are several reasons for nursing your baby – including bonding, providing healthy nutrition, and boosting your growing child’s immune system.

Is Breastfeeding With Implants Difficult?

If you have breast implants, here are the challenges you might face when nursing.

• Low milk supply: Depending on the breast augmentation technique your surgeon used, you may have trouble producing enough milk to exclusively breastfeed. Some women with breast implants struggle with a limited milk supply.
• Inhibited letdown: If your nipples lose sensitivity, you may have a slow or inhibited letdown, where your breasts produce less milk.
• Sore nipples: If your nipples are ultra-sensitive, you may experience soreness that makes breastfeeding uncomfortable.

Could Implants Harm My Baby?

Researchers have not found any harmful elements in the breast milk of women with implants. Still, if small amounts of silicone get into your breast milk, it’s unlikely to harm your baby. According to the FDA, silicone is safe for infants to ingest.

How Can I Successfully Breastfeed My Baby If I Have Implants?

If you have implants and are worried about your ability to nurse an infant, here are some steps you can take.

• Work with a lactation consultant: A professional lactation consultant can get you and your baby off to the best possible start for nursing. In addition, they can give you tips for dealing with nipple sensitivity. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, consider contacting a lactation consultant before delivering your baby.
• Nurse your baby often: If you nurse your baby frequently, your body will respond by producing more milk. Your lactation consultant may suggest using a breast pump between feedings.
• Tell your pediatrician about your breast surgery: A doctor will closely monitor your baby’s weight gain to ensure your newborn is getting enough to eat.

How Should You Time Your Surgery?

If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and still plan to become pregnant and nurse your baby, it’s wise to postpone your procedure until after you wean your child. If you already have implants and would like to have them taken out before pregnancy to avoid potential complications with nursing, an breast implant removal is a safe and effective procedure that removes the entire implants with their surgical capsules.

To schedule a discreet consultation with Dr. Mussat to learn more about breast surgery, contact our Chicago office online or call (312) 751-9000 today.