Nicole’s ImplantInfo

Nicole:
Dr. Edwards will be on the site tonight from 6:30-8:30 EST. It should be a good session so get those questions ready.

Ladies he's here to answer questions so let's take advantage of his experience.

Q: Realistic Recovery Time?
I have to be on my feet all day for my job. Is 2 weeks enough time off, or should I try to roll over some vacation into 2009 so I can be off 3 or 4 weeks?

Dr. Edwards:
Every patient is different in how they recover. I do find that the great majority of my patients are back to work by 2 weeks keeping in mind the lifting restrictions (depending on the surgery you are having). It wouldn't hurt to have more time off but you may find that you don't need it and could use your vacation time once you have recovered. I hope this helps. Dr. Edwards

Visitor Response:
Thank you!

Dr. Edwards:
You are most welcome.

Q: Question on Recovery Time
I'm new to the site and wondered if there is anything we can do to speed recovery?

Dr. Edwards:
I am a firm believer in preparation for surgery. Picking an appropriate sized implant is probably the best facet. I perform a lot of under the muscle breast augmentation but if you are a candidate for above the muscle, this is also less uncomfortable.

Q: How Much Time Before Breast Drops
Hi, I know we need time for the breast to drop, but I am feeling that the implant is a little too far over to one side, could I still be swollen after 8 weeks? They don’t seem to be swollen. Any advice? Thanks

Dr. Edwards:
It is hard to say but if your breasts are soft the likelihood that swelling would cause it to be too far to the side is not high. It does take weeks to months for them to drop into their final position. I would bring your concerns up with your plastic surgeon. There may be some additional massage exercises he/she would want you to try. Take care. Dr. Edwards

Q: Question on Stretch Marks:
Hello, Dr. Edwards. If stretch marks are going to appear on breasts as a result of breast aug, at what point do they appear - immediate post op, after dropping and fluffing, later on or at some other time? I'm putting a very thick lotion on mine twice a day. I'm 4 weeks out. Am I out of the woods yet? What percentage of girls get stretch marks, and is it proportionate to the size of implants they get? Thank you!

Dr. Edwards:
There is no reproducible means of preventing stretch marks other than not stretching your skin too much. How much your skin was already stretched can have an impact as well. We can't pick our parents and I do think heritage plays a role in formation of stretch marks. I don't have hard and fast numbers on my patients, especially with all the variables I described, but I would say that 10-15% of my patients get some stretch marks as a result of their breast augmentation. I could not say when you would be out of the woods but your skin should be beginning to relax some now.
Best of luck. Dr. Edwards

Q: Recovery for Revision:
Is the recovery generally easier then the initial surgery?

Dr. Edwards:
There are a number of parts to this question. It depends on if you are going with larger implants, same pocket, is there a lift involved, capsule work, etc. On average I would say the recovery should be a bit easier unless your revision is a complicated one. I hope this helps. Dr. Edwards

Visitor Follow up Question:
I'm contemplating going a bit larger and was curious as to recovery time.

Dr. Edwards:
It should not be as rough as your first recovery on average. It may be that your capsule inside might have to be altered to make room for the new implant. You sometimes will have drains but overall you should do fine. I wish you well. Dr. Edwards

Q: Question about Nipple Sensitivity:
Hi. I had a BA 15 days ago- an Incision under the nipple where it hits the areola- not the usual incision. I’m healing up fine and I know it's normal to have very sensitive nipples. I'm wondering when does this sensitivity usually go away? Thanks.

Dr. Edwards:
I have not used this approach before but it is no doubt similar to the traditional peri-areolar approach. It is normal to have sensitive nipples and this is probably from the placement of the implant inside as opposed to the incision. I tell my patients that this sensitivity can last for weeks to a few months but should resolve or improve over time. Dr. Edwards

Visitor Response:
Thanks!

Dr. Edwards:
You're welcome. Dr. Edwards