How long is the normal recovery time for the Gummy Bear Implants?

Question

I have surgery on 12/18 and luckily have vacation until the end of December. I am more than nervous about the pain level & going under anesthesia. I am currently an A and am going to be going toward a D under the muscle.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery varies from
patient to patient. We generally
recommend that patients take a week off from work after this procedure. Occasionally, patients return even sooner,
especially if they have a desk job.Patients
are not allowed to return to strenuous activities for at least six to eight
weeks.At that point they are allowed to
resume all of their normal activities.It’s
important to realize that each patient is unique and should be considered
individually.For this reason, some
people recover faster than others.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Regardless of implant type (round or teardrop, smooth or textured, saline or silicone), assuming your surgeon uses careful technique, precise dissection, and meticulous hemostasis, and assuming you have normal healing capabilities, follow instructions, and minimize activities that might cause bleeding, pretty much all patients heal the same.There is no "Quick Recovery," "Overnight Augmentation," "24-hour no-pain-super-duper breast implant job," etc. These are just names designed to impress or make you think there is something special going on. If the alternative is poor training in a non-plastic surgery field ("cosmetic surgeon"), lack of experience, sloppy or rapid surgery, blunt and bloody dissection, and an Ace elastic bandage or snug surgical bra to reduce bruising and bleeding instead of meticulous hemostasis, then recovery may indeed by more painful, marked by more swelling, bruising, and higher risk of re-operation or capsular contracture, and slow return to everyday activities. If your surgeon is an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon with hospital credentials (even if s/he operates in their own surgical facility--is it AAAASF accredited?), then you are on the right track, but there still may be concerns about anesthesia.Most hospital and free-standing hospital-owned surgicenters staff their operating rooms with hospital anesthesia personnel, and most of them use inhalation anesthetics and nitrous oxide, very safe, but with a 7-28% risk of PONV (post-operative nausea and vomiting). Surgical facilities that utilize TIVA (total IV anesthesia) do not have as much associated PONV issues, since there is no gassy smell or nitrous dilation of middle ear spaces, sinuses, and gut leading to the higher PONV rates seen with inhalation anesthesia. Our accredited office surgical facility has used TIVA for well over a decade, with PONV rates of 2-4% overall, including major and long cases such as lower body lifts.Breast augmentation is an operation that can be skillfully and carefully performed in around an hour without haste or sloppiness, and most patients have no problems with either kind of anesthesia. But even a short TIVA is better than short inhalation anesthesia, IMHO.For pain control, some surgeons prescribe narcotics only, whereas others will utilize muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, long-acting AND extended-release local anesthetics, as well as IV steroids to reduce nausea and stabilize cellular membranes (reduces swelling and any pain associated with this), icebags to the protected breast skin, and of course narcotics if needed.SO, as you can see, there are surgeons who may spend more time and effort on marketing and trademarking "snappy" names for their breast augmentation procedures, but most of us spend our time and efforts at covering all of the details mentioned above. There IS a difference, so I hope you chose your surgeon wisely! For more information, click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Recovery for any breast augmentation is not dependent on the type of implant.  Normal recovery is a return to light work after 5-7 days, then gradual improvement in discomfort levels out to 3-4 months where you will see your final result.  Most people can return to regular activity in 2-3 weeks.

Christine A. Hamori, MD · Answer

Cohesive silicone gel or "gummy bear"implants create a natural and lasting result. The recovery is a bit more lengthy than with round smooth silicone gel implant in that the breasts are firmer for several months afterwards.It is not necessary to massage the implants after surgery as they will soften over 2-3 months.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have chosen your surgeon and your date. Congratulations!  Recovery varies per person and per surgeon. In our practice,  we aim for Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation.  We aim for a short surgery and short anesthesia time, minimal bleeding, minimal bruising and minimal swelling.  Although our patients feel well on the way to recovery very quickly, we also warn against too much activity too soon. Check with your surgeon about expectations, when you can swim or get in a hot tub, and any other questions you may have.Below is a link that provides information on Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation.

How long is the normal recovery time for the Gummy Bear Implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Gummy Bear Recovery

Answer: Gummy Bear Recovery

Answer: Rapid recovery breast augmentation

Answer: Rapid recovery breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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How long is the normal recovery time for the Gummy Bear Implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Gummy Bear Recovery

Answer: Gummy Bear Recovery

Answer: Rapid recovery breast augmentation

Answer: Rapid recovery breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.