|
Pectoral Implants
No matter
how hard you work out, no matter how rigorous your training, defined pectoral
muscle mass is hard to come by. Even
bodybuilders may have trouble developing pectoral muscles that are proportionate
to the rest of their body. This is when pectoral implants can help.
You
do not have to be a bodybuilder to justify getting these implants to give the appearance of
muscle mass. Pectoral implants are for any individual who
wishes to have the look of very well defined and well worked out pectoral muscles.
The
Implants
Pectoral implants are constructed to be soft, yet solid; the implant is made
from medical grade, rigid silicone. Remember they are still pliable, but
firm and have the feel of a well exercised and developed pectoral muscle. The
pectoral implants are available in different sizes to suit your individual
needs. It isn't a one size fits all type of implant, different people want
different results and different people are different sizes. You will be
measured and fitted for implant size at your pre-operative visit. The surgeon
can custom design the implants for each individual patient by making a 'mold' of
each individual pectoral muscle and sending it to the manufacturer, or if
equipped, process it right in the office. That way there is less of a chance of
discomfort and irritability.
The Procedure
The implants are solid, but soft.
The implants may be clear but the ones normally used are opaque and
white. For cosmetic enlargement, the implants are placed under the pectoral
muscle Single implants are used frequently in reconstructive procedures, which
generally require only one side or the other to be augmented. The implant is
placed underneath the muscle as so not to show a distinct ridge and to help hide
the implant under the muscle tissue. This way, the implant does not feel or look
fake but more like a flexed, well defined pectoral muscle. Usually
the implant size is determined by the length and size of the patient's own muscle.
The operation will usually last about 1-½ hours. It can be done
under local, regional, or general anesthesia. Once the implants are in place,
the incisions are closed. The patient will be more comfortable if a long
acting (usually about 10-12 hours) local anesthetic is left in each implant
compartment. An ACE bandage is wrapped around the chest area to assist in
compression and aid in a correct healing position. This ACE bandage should be
worn for about 3 weeks. Patients are advised to go home to bed for 24 hours.
Recovery
The down time for this procedure is difficult to determine as each
case is individual. However, on those with an office job with little lifting and
a lot of sitting, the time off is about 5-7 days, depending upon your individual
needs. For those who are required to do physical labor, the time off is about 3
weeks. You should not elevate your pulse rate or blood pressure during a period
of 3-6 weeks. You also should
elevate your upper chest area with at least 2 large pillows when you are both awake
and when you are sleeping. Normally, you may return to exercise and other
activities after 6 weeks. Remember, too much, too soon equals disaster.
Don't
immediately return to your weight lifting routine. Ease back into it.
If you do
not take care it could cause hemorrhaging, implant shifting or worse.
Risks & Complications of Pectoral Implants
Among the risks and
complications are hematoma, excessive bruising, extreme tenderness, numbness,
infection, implant displacement, uneven healing resulting in asymmetries. Negative reactions from the anesthetic, simple dissatisfaction and muscle
weakness. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and complications
associated with this procedure.
Typical Pre-
& Post-operative Instructions for Pectoral Implants Patients
|
Pectoral
Implants Pre-operative Instructions (1)
- Your Pectoral implants will be done as an outpatient under general
anesthesia or Light Sleep Sedation with Local anesthetic, depending upon the
surgeon and your preference. You will be discharged about 1 1/2 hours after
surgery is completed.
- ARRIVE ON TIME. You should have the arrival time in your information
packet or at least confirm the night before and make the proper notation.
If you are late, the surgeon may cancel your surgery and charge you for it
anyway. Then the surgery fee is non-refundable.
- DISCONTINUE alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking several weeks prior
to surgery. If your lungs are congested or have wheezing, the surgery cannot
be done as the risk of pneumonia and poor healing is too great! If surgery
must be canceled at the last minute due to any of the above, you may be
charged.
- DO NOT take aspirin, ibuprofen, large doses of Vitamin E, or
algae-containing food supplements for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
They may act as a blood thinner and promote excessive bruising. You may use
Tylenol or similar medications. See
Aspirin List
- DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your
surgery.
- DO NOT bring rings, watches, or other jewelry or large sums of money to
the the surgery center or hospital; leave these items at safely at home.
- If you bruise easily, notify the office immediately and certain
medications will be prescribed for you prior to surgery to help prevent
bruising.
- Take Vi-Con C (one capsule 3 times daily) or other Vitamin C capsules or
tablets for approximately 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. This is necessary to
promote good healing. You may continue this vitamin after surgery at the
rate of one daily. Also, Discuss with your doctor the use of SinEcch or
Bromeliad, a pineapple extract, for added anti bruising and anti swelling
properties.
- Laboratory tests or "blood work" may be required several days
prior to surgery on patients over 40 years old. Call your surgeon for exact
instructions.
- Prescriptions will be given to you at your preoperative visit for
antibiotics and pain medications. Have these filled immediately and begin
taking them after you arrive at home. Refills will generally not be
necessary.
- Prior to surgery, should you develop any fever, chills or other signs of a
cold or other infection, call the office immediately.
- Wear loose fitting clothing to the surgery center or hospital. The shirt
should button or zip down the front.
Pre & Post-operative Instructions and photos courtesy John A.
Rusca, MD - Atlanta, Georgia
|
Pectoral Implants Post-operative
Instructions
- Discharge: You will be discharged
approximately 1 1/2 hours after surgery. Go home to bed for 24 hours, get up
only to go to the bathroom. It is advisable to have a responsible adult
drive you home after your surgery. Your State's laws may not allow patients
to leave a surgery center or hospital following surgery in a public
conveyance if alone. They may leave this way if a responsible adult is with
the patient and the driver is willing.
- Prescriptions: On your preoperative visit you
should be given several prescriptions to have filled. Begin taking the
medicine as soon as you return home or as your surgeon instructs. The
medicine will last about 4-7 days and will generally not be refilled.
- Bandages: You will have compression bandages on after surgery. Do not remove them. They will be changed during your first
office visit.
- Office Visits: Your first post-operative
office visit will be 2-3 days after your surgery. Your next visits are
usually scheduled at weekly intervals for 2-3 weeks, then at the 6th week,
3rd month, 6th month, 1 year, and annually thereafter.
- Ice packs: You should ice the area
continuously to help with swelling. There will be swelling and the more you
do this the better it will help it subside.
- Showering: You may sponge bathe 24 hours
after the surgery. DO NOT get the bandages wet. DO NOT lift your arms over
your head!
- Activity Level: Bed rest for 24 hours with
the chest area elevated by at least 2 pillows; this will also help with the
swelling. After that you may move about but no strenuous activity. Do not
exercise the pectoral muscles for at least 6 weeks.
- Sun Exposure: Do not expose the scars to the
sun (or tanning bed) for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery as severe
burns can occur from minimal exposure. Scars must be covered when exposed to
sun or tanning bed (so as not to hyper-pigment) until all redness is gone,
about 3-6 months. You may use tanning creams.
Pre & Post-operative Instructions and photos courtesy John A.
Rusca, MD - Atlanta, Georgia
|
The
average prices for pectoral implants: $4,000. - $7,000. (includes implants, anesthesia)
References
(1) Pre & Post-operative Instructions courtesy John A.
Rusca, MD - Atlanta, Georgia
Content Author: Marc Pfannenstein
|
