Your own individual recovery time is based on several factors. The type of breast augmentation surgery you had done, if the surgery was done as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with another surgery such as a breast lift, as well as your own personal strength and resilience. Your recovery will not be the same as everyone else’s, but there are a few basic similarities with all breast augmentation recoveries.
Years ago nausea was very common with any type of surgery. This was due to the use of general anesthesia. These days nausea is not a likely problem because there are many medications that can be prescribed to help curve the nauseous feeling.
Pain and swelling are two major complications that everyone has following their breast surgery. This is because the skin is stretched and pulled in order to insert the implants. Ice packs and regular pain medication can usually help ease any discomfort.
The most swelling a breast augmentation patient will experience occurs at around 48 hours after surgery. However, many patients have experienced swelling up to three to four months following their surgery. A sports bra or any other type of well-supported bra can help to relieve some of the swelling. For help with bruising, you can take an herbal supplement such as Arnica Montana. Your plastic surgeon will also give you some suggestions on ways to alleviate swelling and bruising. These solutions can also be helpful for those who have recently had a breast lift as well.
Soreness and pain are usually a result of where the implant was placed, whether on top or underneath the chest muscle. This pain can be lessened with the help of prescription pain medications or OTC medications. You should avoid all NSAIDS such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding risks. Ask your plastic surgeon which OTC medications are safe to take following your surgery.
Antibiotics may be prescribed after your surgery to prevent the onset of infection. You should take the antibiotics as described to make sure you will not develop any type of harmful infection.
A drain may have been placed on your incision to drain out any excess fluids. You will need to keep these in place for at least a week or as long as your surgeon instructed you to. You will also need to keep all incision areas and suture lines dry. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about cleaning and taking proper care of the drains, incisions or suture lines before you leave the hospital or surgical center. Your surgeon will remove the drains on your first follow up visit after surgery.
You should avoid any type of heavy lifting or straining and sleep on your back with your head elevated several days following your breast augmentation. Getting out of bed and moving around as soon as you are able to will help to prevent any type of life threatening blood clots in your legs.
By following these tips and the instructions from your plastic surgeon, you should be able to return to normal everyday activities within a few weeks. Your plastic surgeon will let y you know exactly when it is safe to return back to work and normal activity.