Top 9 Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips

Most breast augmentation procedures go smoothly. As long as you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and obey their instructions, you can expect your recovery to go well.

Many patients can go back to work and light activities after only a week. However, fast and successful recovery chances are greater if you consider the nine Chicago breast augmentation recovery tips below.

Ask For Help

Most patients don’t find breast augmentation recovery difficult. But it’s still major surgery, and you will be sore and tired for a few days. You will enjoy a faster recovery if you have someone help you around the house for the first week.

This is especially important if you have small children; you shouldn’t lift anything more than 10 pounds for at least a month. So, have a friend or family member help you with little ones around the home.

Plus, you cannot drive when taking prescription pain medication, so you will need someone to drive you places.

It’s best to set up the care you need before you have surgery. For example, a week before your breast augmentation, make plans for someone to stay with you for a day or two, and longer if you have small children.

Get A Lot Of Rest

It can be difficult for some patients to take it easy and relax for a week or two after surgery. Most of us are busy and like to keep moving. But your body went through surgery, and you need to give it plenty of sleep and relaxation.

Have a comfortable place set up with a comfortable couch, DVDs, books, and any needed medications. You will want to lie down and rest as much as you can for the first week.

If you feel like taking on your regular activities too soon, remember to tell yourself that it will slow your recovery. So, take it slow and easy.

Also, try to get as much sleep as you can every night because that is when the body heals the most.

Take Prescription Medications

After breast augmentation or a breast lift, you will probably have mild to moderate discomfort. However, some patients also feel pressure or tightness across the chest in the first few days.

Your surgeon will prescribe prescription pain medication to help you through this phase. But some patients say they don’t need anything other than over-the-counter medication after the first week.

Still, you should fill all the prescriptions your doctor gives you and have them ready by your bed if you need them. You won’t be in the mood to go out to the drugstore for a day or two, so it helps to have what you need ready.

Sleep On Your Back

Your breasts will be sore and swollen after surgery, so you need to sleep on your back for at least one or two weeks. Also, do not sleep or rest on your side. Putting too much pressure on the breasts can cause pain and delay your recovery.

During the day, you should lie down in a recliner or with pillows to keep your upper body elevated, which will reduce swelling.

Have Healthy Food And Water Available

Before you go in for breast augmentation, stock up on food that is healthy and easy to make, as well as bottled water. The first day after surgery, you could feel nauseous from the anesthesia, so your appetite could be off.

Have a variety of healthy foods available, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Your body needs healthy energy to heal, so foods that are good for you are vital.

Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is essential to promoting healing.

Take Care Of Your Incisions

Your surgeon will wrap your breasts in bandages and may have you wear a compression garment. Also, make sure you wash your incisions as instructed to keep them clean and reduce the chances of infection.

No Strenuous Exercise

You need to rest a lot during the first week after surgery. And you shouldn’t engage in vigorous exercise for at least two or three weeks.

But it is important to keep the blood flowing, so plan to take a quick 10-minute walk each day once you feel up to it.

Wear Loose Clothing

Your breasts will be somewhat sore and swollen, so you should wear loose-fitting clothing for the first month.

After two weeks or so, swelling will fade. You also may notice your breasts are sitting higher than usual. But they will drop to their natural position as your body heals.

Keep A Positive Attitude

Healing from plastic surgery, whether you have breast surgery, a Chicago tummy tuck, or a Chicago liposuction, is as much about the mental as physical. So it’s essential to have a positive mindset during your recovery.

It’s common for patients not to think they are recovering as quickly as they should. But healing from plastic surgery takes time. So if you see swelling and bruising in the mirror, remember that it will take three or four months to see the final result.

If you are patient, you will eventually love your breast augmentation results. Just don’t expect to see the outcome too soon.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries. If you remember the recovery tips mentioned here, you’ll have a fast and smooth recovery.

Request A Breast Augmentation Consultation

Thinking about breast augmentation in Chicago? Dr. Otto Placik is proud to serve Chicago area patients at his practice. He’ll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for breast augmentation.

 References

Four Tips For A Healthy Recovery After Breast Augmentation. (2019). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-tips-for-a-healthy-recovery-after-a-breast-augmentation

Breast Augmentation Recovery. (2019). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-augmentation-recovery

Breast Enlargement Surgery. What To Expect At Home. (n.d.). Accessed at https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tw12671&