Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips from a top-rated Plastic Surgeon
As the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the UK today, consideration of breast augmentation is something that a lot of time is spent on. For those spending the bank holiday deciding whether to or not to undergo breast augmentation – let’s get you prepared since there are many factors to be taken into consideration, especially in the recovery phase.
Rozina Ali, a top-rated plastic surgeon highly qualified in breast surgery, shared with us some useful tips that may help you recover not only faster but well with the best possible aesthetic outcome. But before that, let’s admire some of Rozina’s work in the Breast augmentation area:
1. Plan for assistance
Breast augmentation recovery can be made straightforward and as comfortable as possible...with a bit of planning. So in anticipation of the aftermath of a significant surgical procedure, prepare to feel some ache or discomfort and you will be tired. This means prepare to relax for those first 24-72 hours, don’t expect to be able to perform any routine daily chores around the house.
Other things you may not be able to do:
For the first six weeks, you shouldn’t do any heavy lifting - included picking up children under 20 pounds.
Good sleep is important at the best of times, but especially after surgery. Learning to sleep soundly with a very different size, shape and feeling chest doesn’t happen overnight, so it may be wise to invest in some more supportive or extra pillows or a bed wedge.
To ensure good rest, avoid known sleep disruptors like caffeine, alcohol or sugar too late into the night.
Eat well. Surgery leaves your body in a catabolic state and to enhance your recovery and healing, eat good quality foods including proteins.
Drink plenty of fluids – not just for rehydration, but to stop you from getting constipated.
Although rest is important, activity is too. Mobilise regularly throughout the day. This helps with circulation and reduces the risk of developing blood clots following surgery and being relatively sedentary. It also prevents you from becoming too stiff and achy from too much immobility.
It’s an emotional time, euphoria, excitement, new self-image...anxiety, hesitancy; just having a friend stop by to check in on you will be helpful.
2. Reducing exertion after breast surgery
Most likely you will find stretching and bending pretty difficult to start after a breast enhancement. Reduce the need to exert yourself in this way by moving things up high down to waist level and things at ground level - such as phone chargers or remote controls - easily reachable on a table.
3. Follow instructions
Just like after any other surgery, you will receive post-operative instructions that will likely involve three basic steps:
In the early days following breast augmentation, most women do take some prescription medication. The pain level will depend on different factors, including the incision, implant plane and type of breast augmentation (implants or fat transfer augmentation). Your surgeon will provide you with all the information and clinical support necessary to minimize discomfort during those days.
A supportive ‚surgical compression garment’ is recommended immediately following breast enhancement to minimise swelling and discomfort as well as supporting the tissues during healing and ensure good positioning of the breasts while they heal. The bra is recommended day and night if you can tolerate it for the first 3 weeks.
Wound check and dressings change. This will be scheduled within the first 5-7 days following surgery. Sutures are usually absorbable (dissolving) so it’s mainly a dressings change and opportunity to check wound healing.
4. Clothes
You will be advised not to wear an underwired bra for at least the first 3 months. Many post-surgery patients recommend seamless sports bras as they are more comfortable and fashionable. Regardless of what it is, make sure that it does not need to be manoeuvred over your head and that is firmly supportive – definitely no ’boob tubes’.
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes are always advised. When the scars are still tender it will be easier to slip in and out of loose-fitting clothes and they should offer you some extra comfort when you need it. Remember that these clothes should always be within easy reach so maybe leave a selection on the chair, or in the bedroom so you don’t have to search through drawers.
5. Develop healthy habits
Ideally, before heading to the surgical centre for your breast augmentation, stock your kitchen with easy to prepare food and plenty of water. However, it is never too late to switch up your diet and adopt a regular exercise routine to keep your body in top condition. For the first post-op day, you may not have much of an appetite, so soft, light foods are best. Make sure you have a healthy variety of foods on hand, to give your body energy and strength to heal over the following week. It is easy to become dehydrated during this time period, so drink water, water and more water.
Breast augmentation is an elective surgical procedure that offers significant benefits to many women today, but if you are concerned about the post-op period, the solution is to choose the right surgeon who will guide you to the right procedure and the right size of enhancement, and will also offer your clear and detailed information about the recovery period. Enhanced recovery leads to enhanced satisfaction and allows you to get on with enjoying your results as soon as possible.
If you are interested in continuing this journey, book a consultation!