What happens after the surgery?

Immediately after the surgery, you will have gauze or bandages on the incision sites, which will begin to heal quite quickly. If drains are used during the procedure (tubes that remove fluid buildup in the wound), they will be removed within 1–2 days at most. You will need to wear a special elastic bra to minimize swelling and ensure the breast is properly supported during recovery. In most cases, the patient returns home the same evening. Recovery is generally quick. Pain in the first few days after surgery is usually mild and managed effectively with simple painkillers. The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your breasts postoperatively, what medications to take, and when you will need to return for a follow-up.

Possible complications and safety information

In general, breast augmentation is an entirely safe surgery, performed with high success rates. However, as with any operation, there may be certain complications that every woman needs to understand before undergoing surgery. The most important possible complications are:

• Bleeding or hematoma formation (about 1%)
• Wound infection
• Poor wound healing
• Nipple numbness
• Breast asymmetry
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant)
• Skin rippling
• Leakage, rupture, or exposure of the implant
• General anesthesia-related risks (e.g. thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications)

Which other procedures can be combined with breast augmentation?

In some cases, breast augmentation should be combined with breast lift (mastopexy) in order to achieve a more complete and harmonious result.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have completed my pregnancies before breast augmentation?

Pregnancy will change the size and shape of a woman’s breasts, whether she has implants or not. These changes may negatively affect augmentation results. If pregnancy is not in the immediate plans, breast augmentation has no relation to possible future pregnancies. If a woman is planning to have children soon, surgery is usually postponed until after childbirth and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding with implants is not affected and has been proven to be safe for both mother and child.

Will augmentation work on sagging breasts?

Women with sagging breasts, showing ptosis, can also undergo breast augmentation. Depending on the degree of sagging, an additional surgery may be required at the same time, meaning patients may need a lift and augmentation together. For breasts with nipples at or below the inframammary fold, a breast lift (mastopexy) is often necessary. Without this additional procedure to remove excess skin, implants alone may not adequately correct sagging and may even worsen it.

Will sensitivity be affected? Will nipples remain sensitive?

After augmentation, sensitivity of the nipples may be affected. This is usually described as partial or total loss of sensation (hypoesthesia), while some women report increased sensation (hyperesthesia). In most cases, this is temporary, and within 6–12 months sensation returns to normal. A small percentage may have permanent changes.

How long should I wait before exercising again?

Patients can start walking the same day after surgery—not strenuous activity, but short walks at home are recommended. Early mobility promotes faster recovery and helps prevent blood circulation problems such as thrombosis. After 2 weeks, patients can begin light exercise such as treadmill walking or uphill walking. Around 1 month post-surgery, most patients return to normal activities with the only restriction being to avoid heavy lifting. By 6 weeks, full recovery is usually complete. After augmentation, particularly with implants under the muscle, it is advised to avoid continuous heavy chest exercises such as numerous push-ups. Strong, repeated contractions put downward and outward pressure on the implants, which over time may cause sagging or displacement.

When can I drive?

Patients can begin driving 1 week after surgery, provided they are not taking pain medication.

What is the next step?

Dr. Karmiris will gladly welcome you at his Athens office, listen carefully, and discuss in detail the next steps regarding breast augmentation. He will also address all your questions and concerns, helping you feel in safe hands. For more information about breast augmentation, pricing, and cost, contact today Plastic Surgeon Nikolaos Karmiris.