Breast Surgery FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 

BREAST SURGERY

Q. Are implants used for breast surgery safe? 

A. The implants used for breast surgery is made out of cohesive gel. Cohesive gel is made not to flow out when damaged, and it was approved for not causing any problems when absorbed into the body. 

Q. Does the implant have to be exchanged once every 10 years? 

A. The expiration date for breast implants are not dated. It does not have to be replaced as long as there are no damages or capsular contracture. 

Q. Is pregnancy and breast-feeding possible? 

A. During the surgery, the implant is placed under the breast tissue and pectoral muscle. It does not damage any of breast tissue and mammary duct, so there is no problem with pregnancy and breast-feeding. 

Q. Will my nipples have feeling after surgery? 

A. Loss of feeling in nipples may occur in rare cases. It usually recovers within a couple of months. It occurs very rarely (under 0.5%)  and this may happen to surgeries done by areola incisions. 

Q. Will my spouse be able to tell if I had my breasts done? 

A. The feeling of the breast implants are close to the feeling of a Western woman's breasts in their 20s. For Eastern women, the size of the breasts are not big before the surgery so if the spouse is sensitive, he may be able to tell. 

Q. Will the implant sag due to aging? 

A. Sagging of breast tissue occurs to those who had and have not had breast surgery. However, the rate of sagging may be less as it may be hidden due to implants. 

Q. Will drinking alcohol or smoking cause problems? 

A. General anesthesia is performed for breast surgery. For general anesthesia, drinking alcohol and smoking is prohibited for 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Drinking alcohol may cause inflammatory reaction, so avoiding drinking alcohol is recommended for 2 weeks after surgery. Smoking can also cause infection and disrupt the blood flow to the surgical area, so it is recommended to avoid smoking for 1~3 months after breast surgery. 

Q. What kind of pre-operative examination will I go through? 

A. For proper selection of appropriate implant, an ultrasonography, body fat measurement and general body measurement will be done. For safe anesthesia, blood test and chest X-ray will be performed. 

Q. Is hospitalization required? 

A. At DA, we maintain a 100% hospitalization care rule for safety and satisfaction of our breast surgery patients. Patients can leave the hospital after progress check in the morning the day after surgery.

Q. Do I need to wear a blood bag? 

A. Blood bag helps extraction of anesthesia, fluid and unnecessary blood for safer results and is removed on the next day of surgery. 

Q. When can I start taking a shower? 

A. A water-proof tape is applied on top of the incision area, so you can start taking a shower after 3 days of surgery. After 2 weeks, you can take a shower without the water-proof tape. 

Q. What kind of after-care will I receive? 

A. The after-care consists of four high-frequency care, once every two weeks starting from the third week after surgery. Laser treatment or scar treating injection is done for scar treatment. Also, medication for preventing capsular contracture will be prescribed.

Q. When can I start working out? 

A. A light workout can be done after 2 weeks of surgery. Yoga and swimming should preferably be done after 1 month, and intensive workout that involve movement of the arms and upper body should be avoided for 2 months. 

Q. When can I start wearing wired bras? 

A. Wearing wired bra is recommended after 3 months of surgery. However, metal wired bras are not recommended and push-up bras are to be avoided for 3 months as well. 

Q. Is fat grafting possible for breast surgery? 

A. Yes. However, large amount of fat should be extracted, so it is recommended for those with enough fat in the body and for those who already have some volume in the breast but want to exaggerate their breast size. An appropriate surgical method will be decided during a consultation with the specialist.