The boob job or breast enlargement/augmentation is the option for women who wish to have larger breasts. Women can seek breast enlargement to streamline their figure or correct asymmetries between their two breasts. It is also very useful for women seeking breast reconstruction following breast cancer treatment or other types of loss of breast tissue. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures.

Breast augmentation procedure

Increase in the size of the breasts is achieved through breast implants . These are saline-filled or silicone-gel filled plastic bags that are placed behind breast tissue or chest muscles. The procedure begins with a general or local anaesthesia. The extent of anaesthesia depends on individual patients’ requirements. Incisions are then made to insert the implant. The position of the incision depends on where the implants would be inserted, which is also dependent on the wishes of the patient. Once implants are inserted, the incisions are sealed with sutures.

Recovery from breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is generally an outpatient procedure. This means that the patient is able to go home after the process. As soon as the patient recovers from the anaesthesia, she will be able to leave. The length of recovery from anaesthesia will depend on the type of anaesthesia used (general or local). Recovery from ” ”" general anaesthesia is longer (within a few hours, usually, even though it may go on for days for some patients) and involves nausea, vomiting, shivering and disorientation.

Breast augmentation is considered a major surgical procedure and therefore complete rest is necessary. Recovery will depend on the healing of the sutures. If sutures are damaged by brisk movement, there may be delay in healing. If implants are placed underneath the muscles, then a longer resting period is warranted since the muscle will be cut during the intervention. Normally, a rest period of 1-2 weeks is sufficient. The following should be strictly observed during the resting period:

1. No exertion (exercise and physical activity)
2. Avoid wetting the sutures for at least 24 hours
3. Wearing of support garments (special bras that hold the breasts in place while they heal, maintaining blood circulation and reducing swelling)
4. Evacuation of excess fluid from the breasts using surgical drains
5. Follow prescriptions for pain relievers and antibiotics

Although the resting period may be a week, soreness and pain from the breasts may be recurrent for months after the procedure.