If you’re considering breast augmentation, you probably have plenty of questions about the procedure and your recovery afterward.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
While it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there is still a window of recovery after breast augmentation. But, it’s nothing you can’t handle.
Keep reading to learn all about what to expect during the days and weeks after surgery.
Recovering After Breast Augmentation
It takes most people six to eight weeks to fully recover after breast augmentation surgery. But, this varies based on how you heal and your overall health.
Make the process easier on yourself by planning for what you’ll need to recover. And, remember that healthy lifestyle decisions like eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting plenty of sleep will speed the healing process up.
If you’re feeling concerned about your recovery time, talk to your surgeon before scheduling a procedure.
Just After Surgery
During the first few hours after surgery, you’ll probably feel sore and sleepy. Most patients spend a few hours in recovery while the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
Before you leave, your surgeon will wrap your breasts with a bra or elastic band. This is also when you’ll receive your instructions on how to care for your incision sites.
You’ll need someone to drive you home from the hospital, and it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member spend the night if you live alone.
The Next Few Weeks
You’ll probably feel the most discomfort during the first three to five days of your breast augmentation recovery. And, you might have minor bleeding around your incision sites.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to physical activity, pain medication, and caring for your new implants.
As you approach the one week mark, you will experience less and less uncomfortable. So, you’ll probably switch to over-the-counter pain medication.
If you are healing well, you’ll also be permitted to return to light daily activities.
Making a Full Recovery
Over the next few weeks, you’ll probably still have some soreness and swelling. But it should get better every day.
Although you’ll be well on your way to recovery, you will still need to take it easy. If your job is physically demanding, you’ll likely need to miss three or more weeks of work. You will also need to wait a while before returning to intense physical activities like weight lifting and running.
You should reach a full recovery sometime around two months after surgery. Though, this will depend on how well your body heals, how you care for your incisions and implants, and how closely you follow doctor’s orders.
Most patients visit their surgeon for a followup at this time.
Plan Ahead
No matter what, you’ll need a few weeks of rest and recovery after breast augmentation.
Make the process easier by planning details like your transportation, activities at home, and having friends around to help, well in advance. And, if you have any specific concerns about the healing process, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your surgeon before scheduling your procedure.
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