Are you getting breast augmentation surgery in the near future? Even as your excitement and anticipation rises, you may still feel wary of the recovery period following your procedure. To be sure, breast augmentation recovery week by week can continually bring up new challenges and symptoms. It’s good to be prepared.
The good news is, however, that overall, breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward surgery that doesn’t have a long recovery. This is especially true when you compare it to other popular cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks or Brazilian butt lifts.
Fortunately, one of the best ways to ensure that your breast augmentation recovery goes well is to do your research. So, you’re in the right spot!
Below, we’ve outlined several key breast augmentation recovery tips to help improve your recovery and make it as quick and comfortable as possible.
Top 3 Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips
While many patients want to know how to speed up breast augmentation recovery, the more important question is how can you improve your recovery and make yourself more comfortable throughout? In other words, your breast augmentation recovery is going to take time. Speeding up the process really isn’t an option.
But making yourself more comfortable? We can definitely help you with that.
1. Plan ahead by arranging at-home help.
Getting all the help you can for your breast augmentation recovery is a smart choice. You’ll not only need help with basic chores such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands, but you’ll also need help if you have kids at home.
For those with young children, you’ll need to refrain from lifting any child (or object) over 10 lbs. And running around after toddlers and crawlers won’t be an option either. You need rest.
Most patients turn to friends and family for help. But if you don’t have anyone close to you who can come over at least once a day to lend a hand, consider hiring a nurse and/or babysitter to help out.
2. Pick up your prescriptions ahead of time.
This can be extremely helpful as you probably won’t be up for stopping at the pharmacy right after your procedure. And while you can always have someone pick up your prescriptions for you, sometimes it pays to simply get this task done beforehand.
Keep in mind that most surgeons allow for this practice, but not all. Always check with your surgeon to see if picking up your prescriptions prior to your surgery is an option.
3. Invest in useful breast augmentation recovery tools.
Before your surgery, make it a point to purchase some tools that will aid in your recovery. For example, consider purchasing a special breast augmentation recovery bra. While you will receive a compression bra from your surgeon after your procedure, sometimes patients like to buy their own as well. This serves as a backup in case you need to wash one bra, and sometimes, patients prefer different styles as well.
Dos and Don’ts After Breast Augmentation
Do plan some things to do during your recovery. For example, borrow some books from the library, or make a list of movies and/or TV shows to watch. Having activities planned can improve the monotony of regularly-scheduled “resting”.
Don’t plan on going swimming any time soon. You won’t be able to submerge your incisions in water for at least several weeks.
Do focus on eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Having good nutrition during your breast augmentation recovery is one of the best ways to improve your outcome and experience.
Don’t sit out in the sun. The sun can make scarring worse where you’ve had incisions. Also avoid tanning beds. Wear sunscreen or cover up with clothes if you must be in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Recovery
Can I return to work 3 days after breast augmentation?
Not usually. It is more likely you’ll be able to return to work in around one week to 10 days post-surgery. But three days usually isn’t long enough. Of course, this depends upon your personal health and the details of your surgery as well. All surgeries and all patients are unique.
What day is the most painful after breast augmentation?
Typically, the first few days after breast augmentation surgery are going to give you the most pain and discomfort. The good news is that your plastic surgeon will help you manage this pain with various at-home options, including prescription medications when necessary.
How long will the swelling last after breast augmentation?
The majority of your swelling should diminish after approximately three weeks. However, you’ll likely have some residual swelling for at least several months after surgery. Keep in mind that sometimes, swelling may diminish unevenly as well. So, while it may appear that your breasts are healing unevenly, it is likely just that one breast is still swollen more than the other.
How much pain will I be in after a breast augmentation?
As is the case with most surgeries, you will certainly have some discomfort after breast augmentation surgery. This discomfort will likely be concentrated in the first few days after your procedure, and from there, it will diminish with time. The good news is that your surgeon will help you manage this pain with several techniques and, when necessary, pain medication.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
Whether you have always dreamed of having larger breasts or you’re looking to amend a cosmetic issue such as breast asymmetry or something similar, breast augmentation may be for you. To learn more about this surgery and your candidacy for breast implants, contact Dr. Nicholas Lahar today to schedule a consultation appointment.
At this appointment, Dr. Lahar will go over the basics of breast augmentation surgery with you, discuss what implant type you are most interested in, talk about your overarching goals for surgery, and take a look at your anatomy to assess your options.
Call today to book your appointment!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/breast-augmentation-recovery-what-you-need-to-know
