How to Improve your Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Updated: Jan 3
Improving your Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery
Tips and techniques for recovery after breast augmentation. Knowing what to expect after your surgery can help reduce anxiety and improve your healing. You can help improve your surgical results by following your post-operative instructions closely. Here are some ideas to help.
About Breast Augmentation Recovery
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery is an extremely personal decision. While it may take you some time to come up with a decision, the results of the procedure can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. But before you finally achieve your desired aesthetic goals, there are several factors that need to be considered in the postoperative phase and the lack of understanding of what to expect during the recovery period can make you anxious. Let’s take a look at the different phases of breast augmentation recovery for you to get a glimpse of what to expect postoperatively.
What are the Best Types of Breast Augmentation Surgery?
There are two main types of breast augmentation:
Cosmetic breast implant surgery: This surgical procedure alters the size and shape of the breasts by using a silicone or saline implant that is inserted behind the breast tissue or below the pectoralis muscle (chest muscle).
Breast reconstruction surgery: This surgical procedure reconstructs or rebuilds one or both breasts using breast implants or fat tissue from another part of the body of the patient. Breast reconstruction surgery is usually performed in patients who had surgical removal of the breasts to prevent the spread of breast cancer.
For best results in extremely saggy or droopy breasts, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy).
How long is the Recovery Time after Breast Augmentation?
It’s important to keep in mind that every patient is unique; therefore, the recovery time may vary from person to person.
In general, a full recovery should be achieved after 6 to 8 weeks.
As a general guide you can fly or drive after a few weeks, back to the Gym and Exercising after 3-4 weeks, and a Spray Tan after 4-6 weeks
After your surgery, your doctor will assess your overall health status and provide you with a more detailed breast augmentation recovery timeline.
When can I return to work after a Breast Augmentation?
Your ability to return to work will depend on your health and ability to heal
Light work – working from Home, computer work or light office work – within 1 -2 weeks
Moderate work – Moving and Lifting things – within 3 to 4 weeks
Strenuous work – Heavy duty work – within 6 to 8 weeks
What can you expect during the Breast Augmentation Recovery Period?
Immediately after breast surgery, you will likely feely groggy due to the effects of the general anesthesia. If the breast implants were inserted under the pectoralis muscle, you may feel a tight sensation or muscle ache in your chest. As your chest muscle stretches and relaxes, these discomforts will gradually decrease.
After a few hours, you may experience a reduction in sleepiness and breast soreness. Your surgeon or nurse will wrap your operated breasts with a special bra or an elastic bandage to support the healing breasts and prevent trauma to the incision line. Once the health care team has evaluated your health condition and there were no untoward signs and symptoms, you will be then discharged from the hospital. However, it is required that you request someone to drive you home because you may still experience confusion and weakness.
In the first 3 to 5 days, you’ll probably experience the most discomfort. To alleviate the pain and swelling, your surgeon will advise you to take the prescribed medication. You may also notice minor bleeding at the surgical site, which is normal. However, if uncontrolled bleeding is present, consult your primary care provider immediately.
After 1 week, the pain at the surgical site may become tolerable and you will less likely depend on your pain medication. With your surgeon’s approval, you may gradually resume your activities of daily living. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and religiously wear your support bra for better cosmetic results.
In the next few weeks, minimum breast soreness and swelling may still be present but these will not cause significant discomforts. While you may feel that you almost recovered, caution is still needed with regards to heavy lifting and vigorous activities like running and performing high-intensity exercises. If you have a physically-demanding job, you need to take a few days more off work to allow your breasts to heal.
After 2 months, the surgical incisions should fully heal with no signs of bruising, bleeding, soreness, or redness. You may still need to wear a support bra during this time but you can get back to work and resume your normal activities. Your surgeon will let you know what activities will work best for you to prevent complications.
What can you do to improve Recovery Time and reduce scarring after Breast Augmentation?
The success of breast augmentation surgery will depend on how well you heal. To improve recovery time after breast augmentation, adhere to the following self-help strategies:
Follow closely the instructions from your surgeon and the support team
Rest adequately
Wear support bras as instructed to reduce breast pain and swelling.
Take your pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort.
Apply prescribed medications for your surgical incisions to prevent infection (As directed)
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes to promote comfort and prevent injury to the incision site.
Avoid strenuous activities to prevent tension on the healing wound.
Maintain sterility – do not pick at your wound or bandages – to avoid risk of infection
Consider Increasing the intake of nutritional and protein-rich foods to accelerate the wound healing process.