BREAST SURGERY (IMPLANTS)
Improves and enhances the contour of a woman’s breast. It is most commonly used to correct volume loss after pregnancy and to increase breast size. Breast surgery can also be used to help balance breast size asymmetries and as a post surgical procedure following other breast reconstruction surgeries. Breast implants can be placed above or below the muscle. Placement of implants can be through the armpit (trans-axillary), the nipple (peri-areolar), the bellybutton (trans-umbilical), or under the breast crease (infra-mammary).

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BREAST LIFT SURGERY (MASTOPEXY)
Improves the fullness of a woman’s breast with or without breast implants. This procedure is used to minimize the amount of excess skin on the breast. The most commonly types of lifts performed are crescent, circumferential, vertical, and anchor lifts.

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Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation

How much does Breast Augmentation cost?

Based on what treatment plan is needed for each individual patient, the cost range for surgery varies. Take into consideration that a primary augmentation or a secondary procedure with scar tissue involved can change a patient's treatment plan. For your benefit, visit with your surgeon prior to making plans based on a fee quote over the phone, as this is one of the reasons we offer complimentary cosmetic consultations.

What type anesthesia is used and can I go home the same day?

One of the goals of Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center is to provide a safe, effective anesthetic while allowing a relatively quick recovery with few side effects. Currently this facility uses only intravenous (I.V.) anesthetics. We do not use inhalation (gas) anesthesia, as it causes most patients to take longer to wake up and may slightly increase the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Unless otherwise specified, all patients will receive a general anesthetic, meaning you will be asleep. You will not feel or be aware of anything during your surgery. All patients will have an I.V. started before going to sleep. It is a small needle usually started in the back of the hand or lower arm, causing little discomfort.  After you are asleep, Dr. Davila will inject local anesthesia at the surgical site, causing a numbing effect. This allows the anesthetist to use a very light level of general anesthesia. Using a light level of general anesthesia, the vast majority of patients breathe on their own and do not require the insertion of an endotracheal tube (breathing tube). All patients receive supplemental oxygen during surgery. During surgery, all patients receive medication to help prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting and appropriate antibiotics. At the conclusion of surgery, you will begin to wake up in the operating room. You will not be wide-awake, but somewhat aware that we are getting you ready to go to recovery. You will be able to talk and answer questions. At this time bandages are being applied, your I.V. will then be removed and you will be changed back into the clothes you wore to the office. All patients will go to recovery for approximately one hour. The purpose of the recovery experience is to allow normal recovery from the general anesthetic prior to being discharged home. Monitoring equipment will be applied. It is normal to feel somewhat cool after a general anesthetic. For this reason we will provide you with a blanket and a room air heater. When you wake up, you should not be in much discomfort as the local anesthetic and I.V. medications will still have some effect. When discharged, you will be taken to your ride by wheelchair. You will meet with the anesthetist, James Barber, the day of surgery and will have an opportunity to ask any additional questions you might have.

Will I be given any medications for after surgery?

A frequent side effect of anesthesia is nausea and vomiting. Also, it is not unusual for the return of normal bodily functions to take several hours after a general anesthetic. Our patients receive prescriptions for pain pills, suppositories for nausea and vomiting, for anxiety, and antibiotics. Medication for anxiety are to be taken the evening before surgery. Take the pain pills as directed. Pain pills can be taken as soon as needed; immediately upon arrival to your home. It may be beneficial to eat a few crackers before taking the pain medication to help prevent stomach upset. Suppositories for nausea and vomiting can also be used as soon as needed. In general, antibiotics should be started the evening of surgery unless instructed otherwise. The antibiotics given during surgery will cover you until that time. The effects of the anesthetic drugs should be worn off sometime the evening of surgery. If you are sick or feel “out of it” the next day, it is likely due to the pain medication. If this occurs, you may wish to switch to an ibuprofen drug such as Advil or Motrin. You may take up to a total of 800mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours as needed in place of your pain medication. Please remember not to drive or operate any motor vehicle while under the influence of prescription medication.

How soon after surgery can I eat and do I need someone with me?

Meals are not restricted following this surgery. You should drink clear liquids to prevent dehydration. You may eat as soon as you wish. It is best to eat light, easily digested foods such as toast, tea, crackers, Sprite, etc., and progress as tolerated. It is suggested to initially avoid milk and heavy dairy products. No alcoholic beverages the day of surgery or while using prescription pain medication. Someone should be with you the first few hours after you go home. They do not need to sit at your bedside, just be available if you need assistance. If they need to awaken you they will be able to do so with little difficulty.

What do I need to do before surgery?

Your general health and prevention of infection is a primary concern before surgery. Factors that determine where your surgery is performed and what anesthesia will be used are your health, the length and nature of the procedure and recovery period. Please inform the doctor of any health problems you have had, especially events of previous surgeries, all medications and vitamins being taken on a routine basis, especially blood pressure medications. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, DIET PILLS OR HERBAL MEDICATIONS FOR TWO (2) WEEKS PRIOR TO OR DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD FROM SURGERY. Be sure that you have read ALL of your pre-op and post-op instructions. It is advisable to have everything ready prior to your surgery including your recliner or bed for when you arrive at home. * Remember NOTHING BY MOUTH AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.*

Will I have any swelling or bruising after surgery?

Swelling, discoloration, and tenderness are normal following breast surgery for 4-6 weeks. Expect some temporary discomfort as well. It is normal for the breast to be asymmetric or one breast to be larger than the other immediately after surgery. Be prepared to give yourself 3-6 months to assess results.

How long should I stay in bed?

You should be resting in bed the remainder of the day of surgery. Elevate your body from the waist up on two (2) pillows. You may want to sleep in a recliner or lounge chair. You may need assistance in getting up and down. After (3) three days normal activities may resume, with the exception of strenuous exercise. Tennis, swimming, bowling, etc. may be resumed four (4) weeks after surgery. Avoid lifting children, pets, or heavy objects for 8-10 days.

Is there any special bra I should wear after surgery?

You will be provided a sports bra the day of surgery and will wear it home. This must be worn continuously for the first (3) three days after surgery. A sports bra should be worn a total of (6) six weeks following surgery instead of a less supporting bra or going braless. BRA SHOULD ALSO BE SLEPT IN. NO UNDERWIRE BRAS FOR 12(twelve) WEEKS. If your breast have been wrapped at the time of surgery it is important to maintain this dressing until directed otherwise. Please try and keep this wrap on day and night as much as possible. Naturally, remove this dressing for showering and reapply.

At which appointment will my sutures be removed?

Your sutures will be removed from 7 to 14 days following surgery. Your post-op suture removal date will be given to you the day of your pre-op appointment. Scarguard may be used following the removal of sutures to enhance healing of the incisions. *NOTE* IF SUTURES ARE IN YOUR ARM PIT AREA - DO NOT USE ANTIPERSPIRANT, DEODORANT OR SHAVE UNTIL THEY ARE REMOVED.

When can I go swimming or sunbathe after surgery?

At a minimum 6 (six) weeks; the incisions should not be soaked and bruising should not be exposed to sunlight.