An Interview With Dr. Roy Semlacher MD , A Qualified Plastic Surgeon For Moms In Sacramento
1. How are the breast implants put in?
Breast implants can be placed through incisions in the areola, infra-mammary fold(under side of breast), armpit, and belly button. I use only the first two options.
2. What is a "drain" and when is one used?
Drains are placed to remove fluid that results from the surgery, in the pocket surrounding the implant. It usually stays in place for 1-2 days. They are used if there is excessive bleeding or in re-do surgeries. I rarely use drains in first time breast augmentation patients.
3. What about doing other operations at the same time?
I will consider doing a mini-tummy tuck with breast augmentation, or other smaller procedures. It has been demonstrated by studies that surgeries that are longer than 4-6 hours are at higher risk for complications.
4. Why must I have an adult stay with me the first night?
Because you have had a general anesthetic and you might be very sleepy. Also, you will be on a medical regimen that requires adult supervision for the first 24 hours.
5. What measures can be taken to prevent capsular contracture?
Measures taken to prevent capsular contracture:
PRE-OP...-Using special wash. Wash armpits, groin, and breasts once a day for 3 days prior to surgery. This decreases the risk of MRSA-Methacillan Resistant Staph. If a patient has a sore throat or bladder infection , surgery will be postponed for 7-10 days.-No products containing ASA 14 days prior to surgery in order to keep bleeding low.
INTRA-OP...-IV Antibiotics-Minimal bleeding-Sub muscular placement of breast implants. No Touch technique is always used. Closed filling system is used for saline filled breast implants
POST-OP...-Oral antibiotics for 2 days-Displacement exercises, which are started 4 days post-op. Antibiotics should be taken prior to any dental procedures for the first 6 months post-op -Pump milk, do not breast feed, if becoming pregnant following the surgery
6. What is the "Band" or "Strap" that everyone talks about wearing after operation?
A "band" or "strap" is commonly placed above the breasts to keep the implant in the lower part of the breast for the first 6 weeks. I rarely use these.
7. What is meant by the Rapid Recovery method? How much swelling is there after operation?
Rapid recovery- Patients are back to relatively normal activity in 24-48 hours post op. If you have a desk job, you could have surgery on a Friday and be back to work the following Monday. Pain is not an issue. The big issue is your level of energy, and you may find yourself napping in the afternoon for the first couple of weeks. This is a result of the general anesthesia wearing off.
Roy A. Semlacher, M.D., F.R.C.S.C. offers breast augmentation surgery in:
