The road to a full recovery after breast augmentation can be a bit daunting, especially if you are unsure of what to expect. In this article, I will uncover the secrets of a smooth recovery and guide you through the aftercare steps you need to take to ensure a successful breast augmentation.
Immediately Post Surgery
After your surgery, it’s normal to feel some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. With my special 72 hour numbing medicine injected at the end of your surgery, most of my patients may feel discomfort but little pain.
I prescribe pain medications to help manage any pain and discomfort you may experience after you wake up. Most patients may need these stronger pain pills just for the 1st night or so after breast augmentation surgery. After this, you will probably only need acetaminophen or equivalent for pain relief a couple of days after your procedure.
I will also place you in a special post surgery compressive bra, which helps with swelling and pain reduction.
Short Term Care
In the first few days after your surgery, please get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activities. You may find sleeping upright, with your chest elevated, helps to reduce swelling after breast augmentation. A pillow under your knees may also help you stay in a slight fetal position, which may be more comfortable.
You should also avoid lifting heavy objects and sleeping on your stomach for at least two to three weeks. It’s also crucial to keep the surgical incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.
Diet and Hydration
Plan before surgery to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated during your recovery period. Eating a great diet includes plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals to help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out toxins and reduce swelling.
Stay Slightly ActiveGetting out of bed under your own power, going for short walks around your house or even in the neighborhood, and using your arms as much as you can will all help to reduce swelling after your breast augmentation. Anything that increases circulation and blood flow will also help you heal faster.
Follow-Up Visits
I will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly. Typically you will need 1-2 post surgery video follow up visits, and 2-3 in person visits, for the best result. I will make sure you are healing well, show you how to to breast implant massage, remove your sutures, and ensure that you are healing as beautifully as possible.
These visits are an important opportunity for you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have about your recovery.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Some pain and discomfort are normal after any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation. 72 hour injectable medicine will be placed into the appropriate areas around your breasts so that you will feel little to no pain after surgery.
I usually recommend acetaminophen right after surgery, since this does not cause issues with bleeding. I will give you the green light to switch over to ibuprofen or equivalent when we are less concerned about possible bleeding. (Just in case you do not know, ibuprofen and similar medications may cause your blood to thin a little, and potentially you may have more bleeding and possible bruising after surgery. It’s important to avoid these medications until I see you after surgery, to avoid any potential complications.)
Importance of Mental Health
Recovering from breast augmentation can be emotionally and mentally challenging. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time and seek support from friends or family. Try to focus on self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Scar Care
The appearance of your surgical scars will gradually improve over time, but proper aftercare can help speed up the healing process. Once your incisions are beginning to heal up, taking care of your scars with silicone gel is the most common way to ensure that your scars are flat, thin, and blend in terms of color to the surround tissue.
Avoid exposing the incisions to the sun and keep them moisturized with a silicone-based scar gel. If you experience any itching or discomfort, talk to your surgeon about other treatments that may help.
Breast Implant Massage
Breast implant massage is an important part of your aftercare routine, as it may help to prevent capsular contracture, which is a common complication of breast augmentation. I have created a breast implant pocket slightly bigger than your breast implant, and it’s crucial to maintain the size of the pocket.
I will give you specific instructions on how to perform the massage and how often to do it, since the protocol varies slightly based on how you are healing after your breast augmentation.
Wearing of Bras
It’s important to wear a supportive, post surgery, compression bra after your breast augmentation to help reduce swelling and support your breasts. I will put you in a surgical bra when you wake up from your procedure.
You should wear this type of bra, or a sports bra with no underwear, for several weeks after your operation. Most of my patients can start wearing a regular bra or sports bra a couple of days after their breast augmentation. Underwire bras may have to wait 4-6 weeks after your procedure for optimal results and your comfort.
Resuming Exercise and Athletic Care
You are allowed to start light exercise, such as walking, within a week of their surgery. Weightlifting with light weights should also be possible within a week of your operation. However, you should avoid any strenuous physical activity, such as running or weightlifting, for several weeks to allow your body to fully heal.
When To Resume Sex
You should avoid sexual activity for several weeks after your surgery to allow your body to fully heal. The biggest concern is that you may be in an uncomfortable position, your breasts may hurt from minimal pressure, and your heart rate may zoom up temporarily during all of the excitement. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on when it’s safe to resume sexual activity.
Final Thoughts
Breast augmentation is a highly personal decision, and the road to recovery can be a bit overwhelming. However, by following these aftercare steps and working closely with me, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any concerns or questions, leave them below in the comment section.
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