No-recovery breast augmentation is a relatively novel plastic surgery procedure that is a game changer—remarkable advancement in breast surgery. It is an awake procedure done under the effects of local anesthesia, not general anesthesia. This means that the patient does not lose consciousness during the procedure and benefits from an overall safer experience. Below, we cover the procedure in an in-depth guide to no-recovery breast augmentation.
Guide to No-Recovery Breast Augmentation
Although awake surgery might sound intimidating, it is a much safer and more effective procedure in many respects. The benefits, such as decreased tissue damage, brief recovery, and more refined results, are generally worth it for the patient.
If you are thinking about receiving awake breast augmentation and are interested in some of the benefits that an awake, no-recovery procedure can offer, take a look at this guide to no-recovery breast augmentation, which explores some of the key details of the procedure.
What Occurs During Awake Breast Augmentation?
While many surgeons provide breast augmentation only with general anesthesia, it can be performed as an awake procedure by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. This might surprise some patients, as many are used to these types of procedures being framed only as possible under the effects of general anesthesia, which has a number of known risks and drawbacks.
During an awake procedure, Dr. Kim numbs the target surgical area with only local anesthetic. He then conducts the procedure with enough precision that patient do not even require additional sedatives, while remaining fully comfortable.
Many patients will be surprised to find that they go through the surgical experience with little to no discomfort and rebound and recover significantly more quickly than if they had gone under for a full general anesthesia experience.
Because of the expedited recovery times, many will find that they can return to their daily lives much more quickly than with traditional general anesthesia methods, even without full downtime in some cases.
The Benefits of Awake Breast Procedures
In our culture, having a positive perception of one’s body can lead to feeling better about oneself in general. The breasts can represent a variety of symbolic elements of a woman’s femininity, attractiveness, and more.
The negative emotional effects can permeate practically every aspect of a patient’s life when they are unhappy with a feature of their body that is as prominent as their breasts.
By giving this part of the body a sculptor’s touch and counteracting these negative effects, breast procedures have the potential to produce a variety of positive results. But, having a procedure with a no-recovery aspect makes the path toward such results easier and safer than in years past.
Who Is a No-Recovery Breast Augmentation Procedure Designed For?
Patients with a wide range of concerns, including those dissatisfied with the initial outcomes of their breast augmentation surgery, can benefit from no-recovery breast augmentation. In particular, this procedure benefits patients who want to avoid lengthy interruption to their daily routines while having a cosmetic surgery experience that keeps their safety and well-being center stage.
Additionally, patients who want a more refined outcome will find this procedure especially suitable for them. The more precise technique involved results in little to no damage to the body’s tissues, meaning there is nothing that needs to recover following the surgery aside from the incisions gradually closing.
Why Not Use General Anesthesia?
Many patients are unaware of this, but general anesthesia can cause more problems than it solves in a surgical setting, including patient death. Faster recovery periods, fewer side effects, lower overall expenses, and more overall options are some of the advantages of these procedures that are frequently noted when it isn’t used.
Due to the negative (and occasionally dangerous) side effects that some patients experience from having general anesthetic during conventional operations, awake procedures have started to become increasingly popular. The adverse effects can be fairly severe in some cases and outweigh the advantages of even doing the work, particularly for heath-minded physicians and patients.
By working with an experienced surgeon, patients will not need general anesthesia not only for breast augmentation but also for other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or a facelift.
Additional Contraindications for General Anesthesia
For many people who might otherwise seek therapy, general anesthesia can be prohibitive. This is because it can subject the physical systems to extremely high levels of stress.
Due to potential medical issues, a patient may not be able to get general anesthesia at all, depending on a variety of factors. Some of these are fairly widespread and consist of:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Epilepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Lung illness
- Liver disease
- Excessive alcohol use
Drawbacks of General Anesthesia
Even if one does not have one of these delicate illnesses, going under general anesthesia might have a number of unfavorable side effects. A few of these are:
- Shivering
- Muscle aches
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Death
Avoiding general anesthesia can give one an edge in their recovery process, which will allow them to fully embody the benefits of their procedure for a longer period.
The Positives of Awake Surgery for Breast Augmentation
Going this path for your no-recovery breast augmentation has a number of advantages (in addition to the absence of recovery time), including avoiding many of the issues previously discussed that come along with getting general anesthesia.
- Health Factor: Heavy sedation and general anesthesia come with notable risks and drawbacks. By avoiding these, the patient starts off the procedure already with less strain on their body.
- Time Factor: Although the surgery itself takes longer, there is no recovery time as patient gets up from the operating table, change to regular clothes and walk out of the clinic without any assistance.
- Refined Results: Some patients will find that they enjoy the results of their awake procedure even more than the results of a regular procedure. This is because the physician is given a higher degree of control over how the procedure goes in general.
Are There Drawbacks to Awake Surgery for Breast Augmentation?
Most patients agree that no-recovery breast augmentation’s benefits outweigh any drawbacks. In most cases, the only concern for choosing this type of procedure is related to the psychological aspects of being awake during surgery.
People who are afraid of needles or other similar objects are probably not suitable candidates for awake surgery because there is a chance that the treatment will set off their phobias. However, even in these cases, patients may be put at ease with mild anti-anxiety medication.
Receiving A Medical Evaluation
One essential thing you can expect to go through during your meeting with your doctor is a medical check to determine whether you are physically healthy and sound enough to bear the stress of surgery.
While conducting this evaluation, you should inform your doctor about any information you feel might be relevant. This contains details about your medical history, surgical past, family background, and lifestyle choices.
Most healthy people will ultimately be eligible for the treatment, so barring any severe medical conditions, you should be accepted.
Choosing the Right Physician
If a patient can overcome these obstacles, they will probably discover that an awake operation is a secure, economical, and efficient choice for them in terms of their surgical objectives.
Finding the ideal doctor is a step in the process. It’s essential to consider a variety of traits while choosing a doctor to do awake surgery. A few of these are:
Choose a surgeon who is ABPS-certified, has a successful track record of operations, and with whom you are at least somewhat at ease. Find a medical professional who is regarded as an expert in awake operations. You can prepare for awake surgery by following these instructions, ensuring your safety and convenience.
Becoming Ready for Your Operation
Results will vary depending on the patient’s unique situation and the concerns dealt with during the operation. You will have a pre-surgical consultation with your doctor before the procedure. You will talk about all of your objectives and ideals for your future procedure throughout this time.
Additionally, prior to your operation, your doctor may have a number of recommendations and instructions for you to follow. Overall, it will be in your best interest to adhere to these instructions as closely as you are able prior to having surgery because it can significantly affect how the procedure is carried out. The ability to follow directions can mean the difference between a successful operation and one that fails to meet one’s general expectations.
A Key Center for No-Recovery Breast Augmentation in Southern California
Dr. Kenneth Kim and his amazing staff deliver refined results with awake, no-recovery breast augmentation available in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area. If you’re interested in receiving this type of treatment for yourself, then contact Dr. Kenneth Kim today to set up a consultation.
Further Reading
In addition to our guide to no-recovery breast augmentation, our blog is filled with beneficial resources. Additionally, we have linked to helpful academic resources below.
References
- Han HH, Kim KK, Lee KH, Kim IB, Lee PK. The Use of a Retromammary Adipofascial Flap in Breast Augmentation for Patients with Thin Soft Tissue. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(6):1447-1456.
- Kislevitz ML, Coleman J. Commentary on: Awake Plastic Surgery Procedures: The Use of a Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet to Improve Patient Experience. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2022;4:ojac003.
- Locke MC, Davis JC, Brothers RJ, Love WE. Assessing the outcomes, risks, and costs of local versus general anesthesia: A review with implications for cutaneous surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78(5):983-988.e4.
- Shimizu Y, Nagasao T, Taneda H, et al. Combined usage of intercostal nerve block and tumescent anaesthesia: an effective anaesthesia technique for breast augmentation. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2014;48(1):51-55.
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