The recovery experience can differ between patients who have undergone breast enlargement surgery. The majority of patients will find that they are able to return to light activity and a modified work schedule about a week after surgery. Regular activities can be resumed within two weeks, with normal physical activities being resumed by the four week-mark. By six weeks, the implants will have settled and most of the postoperative swelling will have gone down.
You may be wondering if there is anything that you can do in order to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as is possible. We’ve gathered some tips to help you through the recovery period.
Don’t disregard your doctor’s advice
It can be all too easy to disregard some of the smaller things mentioned in the postoperative care instructions your surgeon will provide you. Remember that your surgeon has a world of experience with this procedure and will be able to provide you with breast enlargement surgery information that’ll best in your best interests to follow.
Even if you feel well enough to disregard instructions to take it easy working out, you could potentially impact the way that your implants are settling. This could ultimately have a negative impact on your final results.
Don’t disregard the sage and expert advice your medical professionals provide. It truly is in your best interests.
Invest in a body pillow
After surgery you will be told that it’s best not to sleep on your stomach. This can impact the way that your implants settle on your chest. Investing in a body pillow can help to support you when you sleep, so that you can sleep on your back or on your side. You may prefer to sleep propped up in a recliner for the first few nights after surgery, as it’ll make it much easier for you to stand up when you need to.
Stay hydrated, eat well
Certainly recovery from any surgical procedure can feel like an excellent time for you to enjoy some of your comfort foods. Don’t deny yourself your favorites, but do ensure that you are eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Most importantly, be sure that you stay hydrated. Keep drinking your water. It’ll not only help you to feel better during recovery but will also help to flush the anesthesia out of your body.
Considering pain management
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery can bring with it some discomfort but it is not considered to be an exceptionally difficult recovery period. There will be some degree of discomfort after the procedure, particularly within the first week. The severity of the discomfort will depend on your personal pain tolerance and the technique used for your surgery. Some may feel almost no pain at all, while others may need prescription pain relievers in order to get through the first few nights.
A good rule of thumb is to follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain management, and stay ahead of the pain. You shouldn’t need much by way of pain relief after the first postoperative week.
Scars and stretch marks
Patients are often concerned about developing stretch marks after getting their implants. Stretch marks resulting from implants are quite rare and are typically only a concern when you go up several sizes. Scars resulting from breast augmentation surgery are inevitable, but a skilled plastic surgeon will know the best ways to conceal and minimize scars. You will also be offered scar care advice so that you can minimize the appearance of the scarring as your incisions heal.
