Terminology
Breast construction:
This procedure (also called breast augmentation) is a gender-affirming, upper body surgery that creates, enhances or shapes one’s breasts by placing implants underneath natural breast tissue and muscle. The goal is to have breasts and nipples with sensation, a larger cup size and minimal scarring. This surgery is done by a plastic surgeon.
Compression bra/garment:
You may be asked to purchase a compression bra/garment. This is often used immediately and in the weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling.
Drains:
You may have surgical drains inserted during surgery. A surgical drain is a tube placed at the surgical site to allow fluids (like blood and pus) to leave your body. The fluid will collect in a plastic pouch. You will be taught to regularly empty your drains into a small measuring cup and record the amount of fluid each time. This record will help your healthcare providers decide when the drains can come out. Once the flow slows or stops, your surgeon, doctor, or nurse practitioner will remove the drains. The amount of time drains are needed varies from person to person.
Nipple-areolar complex:
The nipple-areolar complex is made up of the nipple, the areola (the pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple) and sebaceous glands, nerve endings, smooth muscle and lymphatic tissue.
Scars:
As surgical incisions heal, they turn into fibrous tissue called scars. The appearance of scars depend on several factors:
Although scars fade with time, they may still be visible to varying degrees. You can take steps to reduce scarring by following your surgeon’s advice about getting rest, avoiding the sun, doing scar massage and using silicone gel or tape (if recommended). Severe scarring may require surgical revision. Some tattoo artists specialize in ‘skin/scar camouflage’, meaning that once the scars have fully healed, they may be able to make them appear less noticeable by blending them into the surrounding skin. Silicone products or tattoos are a personal expense.