Recovery Stage: What To Do After Getting Breast Augmentation Surgery

If you're considering breast augmentation surgery, you may be wondering what to do post-op. Our plastic surgeon will give you details instructions, but to help you with a generalized idea of what to expect during the recovery stage, we've compiled useful tips in what to do after breast augmentation surgery.

Useful Tips To Reduce Pain And Swelling

We suggest the following to help reduce pain and potential swelling after breast augmentation surgery:

• Get plenty of rest
• Use ice packs
• Take prescribed pain medications as instructed
• Avoid underwire bras
• Prop up while sleeping
• Take at least one week off from work (as needed)
• Refrain from physical activity
• Once incisions are starting to heal, use Vitamin A and E cream to reduce scarring

Do be aware that every patient and procedure is unique. Your surgeon may give you slightly different instructions to optimize your results.

What to Expect In The Days To Come

In the days following your surgery, life can get a little overwhelming. While your body takes the time to heal, it's important to know what to expect throughout the recovery process.

Days 1-4: This is the inflammatory period which includes swelling, pain and discomfort. There may be an early risk for bleeding within the first 24 hours. This is the period that also requires the vast majority of pain management. You are allowed to move arms slightly to minimize muscle spasm pain (as instructed by your doctor), but this is the crucial period to take time off of work and your daily routines to rest.

Days 4-10: At this stage, it is generally ok to shower and get wounds briefly wet if permitted by your surgeon. Pain tends to diminish during the day with less need for meds. However, pain tends to occur at night and is worse with sub muscular placement. During this time you may begin implant displacement exercises if instructed to do so by your surgeon. Be on the lookout for signs of bleeding or infection. Most women return to work within 7-10 days after surgery.

Days 10-21: During this period, you have a lowered risk of infection and bleeding. You'll want to increase your physical activity such as doing low impact exercises, but be sure to avoid arm resistance exercises. Your surgeon may recommend you to do more aggressive implant displacement exercises as well. The majority of swelling begins to subside during this time, with occasional pain at night. Nerves begin to "wake up" and may cause a pins and needles sensation to your nipple area. It is normal to have some areas of numbness in your skin. This is a great time to get back to work and resuming your daily activities (lightly).

If you're a Fort Lauderdale, Florida woman considering breast augmentation, call us today at (954) 526-0066 for a consultation.