Breast Augmentation Recovery Guide

Women undergoing a breast augmentation procedure will recover as quickly as possible by following a specific set of guidelines and also benefit greatly when heeding these five important recommendations. Most patients are able to resume their normal routine within a few days after surgery, with a few exceptions, and experience full recovery around the three-month mark. Cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation are both invasive and strenuous on the body. Therefore, recovering post-procedure means taking it slow, avoiding routine activity and allowing the body to heal exclusively during the first few days following surgery.

Resting and staying well hydrated is not enough for adequate recovery. Women need extensive help in the first few days after undergoing breast augmentation for both physical and emotional reasons. Since this type of surgery stretches the skin tightly and often involves placing implants under the muscles in the chest, reaching, bending forward slightly and using the arms to eat, drink or open medication is next to impossible and at the very least, tremendously painful.

Clothing and Exterior Comforts

Soft clothing and button-style tops are essential post-recovery. Since the arms will be difficult to lift, items that can be comfortably worn are the best choice. External comforts such as flexible ice-packs or frozen peas, postoperative or sports-style eye-hook bras and pillows to use for support will also help make patients as comfortable as possible.

Body Position

Patients must rest initially, in a sitting-up, gently reclined position in order to promote healing and keep blood pressure stable. After surgery, the breasts will be swollen and incredibly sensitive, so body position is paramount.

Food and Medication

Coming out of surgery, most patients will not have a very good appetite. Having food on hand that is easy to eat such as saltine crackers, jello and clear soda is recommended. Pain medication will be prescribed, and in order to minimize nausea, patients will need to eat something in addition to sipping as much liquid as possible with their medication. Avoiding constipation is also important and can be achieved by drinking a lot of water and taking an over-the-counter relief product.

Healing Time, Taking it Slow

The complete recovery process will take several weeks. During this time, patients are advised against any moderate or heavy lifting, encouraged not to smoke, and to support the new breasts in order to allow the implants to settle favorably and reduce surrounding scar tissue.

Warning Signs and Physician Follow-up

Physician follow-up will be scheduled around day-3 after surgery. Prior to seeing the doctor, patients should look for warning signs like redness, fever and vomiting that may indicate a possible infection.

Breast augmentation recovery is an experience that requires assistance, patience, and time to heal. Following these recommendations allows patients to make it through the recovery process successfully, and satisfactorily.