Understanding Your Recovery
Breast augmentation is a popular choice of cosmetic surgery among women all over the world. If you are not satisfied with the size of your breasts, a breast augmentation can make them fuller and bigger.
If, like many other residents of Saratoga Springs, New York, you too have decided to undergo breast augmentation, we at Ridha Plastic Surgery and Med Spa strongly believe that you should know exactly what you are getting into and how you need to take care of yourself.
In This Article:
What Helps After Surgery
After your breast augmentation surgery, your doctor will wrap your breasts in gauze dressings, and you will have to wear a support bra or an elastic bandage. This is to make sure that your breasts receive the support they need during their recovery period. Also, it helps in minimizing swelling.
Usually, you will be discharged after an hour or so after your surgery. Your doctor will provide you with instructions to follow that will aid you in your healing. Dr. Jeffrey Ridha makes sure that each of his patients clearly understands the detailed instructions he provides, and always sets clear dates for follow-up appointments.
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
- Take your pills and other medication on time
- Do not miss any follow-up appointments
- Rest and take regular medication for pain and discomfort
- Sleep on your back during your recovery period
- Keep your support bra or elastic bandage on to keep implants in place
It is normal to experience pain and discomfort for the first few days, but it typically goes after five days or so. However, swelling and soreness may remain for the first few weeks after surgery.
What to Avoid
Recovery for breast augmentation often requires downtime for patients. Ensure that you do not engage in heavy physical activity for around 3 to 7 days after the breast augmentation surgery.
Generally, the duration of your down time as well the duration for a full recovery are heavily dictated by where your doctor has made an incision, the size of the breast implant and where it is placed.
Smoking and Tobacco
Make sure to avoid smoking or tobacco in all forms. Apart from being detrimental to your health, it greatly slows down your ability to recover like you are supposed to. This is because nicotine makes your blood vessels smaller, leading to lower levels of oxygen in the blood and negatively affects the functioning of red blood cells.
In order for any kind of wound to heal, division and growth of cells is required, but this process is delayed if there is lack of oxygen in the blood. So, if you smoke regularly, stop smoking for at least about 3 months before your breast augmentation surgery, and abstain from it during your recovery period as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery period for breast augmentation?
Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. The exact timeline depends on factors like incision placement and implant size.
When can I return to work after breast augmentation?
Many patients return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks. However, if your job involves physical labor, you may need to wait 3-4 weeks or longer.