After Breast Augmentation Surgery – Post Op
Recovery for each patient is different. Your doctor will take this in consideration and will prescribe the proper medications to manage pain to make recovery more comfortable for you. You may also receive an antibiotic to reduce the risk of getting an infection during recovery.
In order to comfortably and conveniently transition from the hospital to your home after surgery, you should prepare for recovery. First, you should have your prescriptions filled before surgery so that they will be available immediately following surgery and available for you to take home. Next, you should prepare your bedside with all the necessities, such as drinks and towels and any other items to help keep you off your feet and comfortable. It is also important that you arrange to have someone stay with you for the next 24 hours following surgery. You will need help getting around as you might be groggy until the sedation completely wears off. Any pain medications may also make you drowsy which could cause you to be unsteady on your feet. Therefore, you should be prepared to stay in bed and rest as much as possible for the next few days following surgery.
You may notice that your doctor has placed a small tube just under your skin at the incision sites. This is to allow excess fluid to drain. If there is no tube, your doctor may have sutured the incisions so that the fluid is able to flow freely. Therefore, you shouldn’t be alarmed if you see fluid draining from the site as this is completely normal.
You will need to avoid lifting and strenuous activity for the next 2 – 3 weeks following surgery. If you do not get the proper rest and try to take on too many activities before you’ve given your body time to recover, you risk the possibility of damaging the surgical site as well as your general health. Wound separation and improper healing is always a concern when recovering. If you do not get the proper amount of rest, you could suffer from both these complications which may result in revision surgery. You may resume light activities a week following surgery if you feel like moving around. Your doctor will give you instructions on when it is okay to return to work and normal activities. Most patients can resume normal activities and exercise 1 to 2 months after surgery. Only participate in activities that you feel you are physically well enough to handle after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Recovery time is different for each patient. You may need more or less time than the average patient. So, take your time and make sure you are completely recovered before partaking in strenuous activities.
You may feel some discomfort for the first few days of recovery. Your doctor can assess the pain you are having and prescribe a pain medication that will make you comfortable. You may also experience some bruising and swelling which is normal. You will need to keep the surgical area clean. For the first few days following surgery, you will be required to wrap the area in bandages and may need to wear a support bra. This helps to reduce swelling and provides support to the surgical site. You may need to clean the incision sites 2 to 3 times per day, depending on what your doctor recommends. When showering, you can gently clean the area. You may also need to clean the area at other times during the day. In order to speed healing, you can use vaseline on the incision sites before wrapping them in bandages. Keeping the area clean will not only make you more comfortable, but will also greatly reduce your chances of getting an infection.
You should be aware that complications can develop during the recovery period. Your doctor will explain these to you and give you instructions on what to do and when to seek medical attention. By following your doctor’s instructions on post-op care, you will greatly increase the chances that you will have a good recovery with no complications.
While results of surgery are visible immediately following surgery, it can take several weeks and even months to see the final result. This is because it can take months for the swelling and bruising to completely disappear. It is important that you follow up with your doctor to ensure your recovery is on track. Implants usually last a long time and will become a part of your body so that you do not even notice they are there.
