Right after surgery, most patients are admitted to the hospital or facility where the procedure was performed to receive round-the-clock care and to ensure fast breast implants / augmentation recovery. After you wake up, a nurse will be assigned to see to your needs like delivering your medications, checking your bandages and seeing to your comfort. During such time, the doctor may put you under a round of prescription painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infections and alleviate your discomforts.
It is normal to feel tired and sore as your breast area remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact. You may experience difficulty raising your arms above your head. It would be best to limit your arm movement to hasten the healing process. Hence, you will be instructed to wear surgical bra or elasticized bandage. After the doctor declares that you are safe to go home, you may need someone to take you as you won’t be able to drive.
After the surgery
In the days and weeks following your surgery, you may experience a range of physical as well as emotional changes. For instance, you need to get used to wearing an elastic bandage or surgical bra around the operated area no matter how uncomfortable it is. The strap is not just meant to care for your incisions but also to help push the implants down. Bruising and swelling will be a normal sight. Usually, incisions are taped for up to 6 months after the surgery. To minimize the formation of scars on the incision area, talk with your doctor on how to go about your incision care.
Postoperative care may also involve medical help for depression. There are patients who experience emotional changes and depression in the days and weeks following the surgery. Aside from the lingering effects of anesthesia, the discomfort and side effects of medications may affect your emotional state.
Keep in mind that the healing process is something that can never be pushed. Have patience in waiting for your body to heal. Pushing the breast augmentation recovery process might only do more harm than good. It will only diminish the quality of your surgery’s results.
Post-operative Care
Postoperative care for breast augmentation procedures is generally simple. All you need to do is follow your surgeon’s instructions and be prompt at his scheduled checkups. Since each person heals differently, your surgeon will advise you on the post-operative care instructions that should serve your unique breast augmentation recovery needs.
For drains, thin plastic tubes may be left right at your incision site to conveniently collect and remove excess fluid. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to properly empty your drains. Drains are usually removed at your first follow-up appointment.
To alleviate swelling and bruising, drinking water, cutting back on salt and doing light exercises are definitely helpful. Put a cold compress on the site to enjoy soothing effects. If the swelling and bruising seem to not improve in the days or weeks after your surgery, do not hesitate to call your surgeon.
To manage soreness, your surgeon may put you under a careful dosage of pain medications like vicodin, Tylenol and Percocet. Never take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers unless your surgeon says that it is safe to do so. Side effects of self-medication with OTC pain relievers include excessive bleeding.
On your daily activities
Cutting back on movement, particularly those that involve your arms is essential during the first few weeks after your surgery. However, your surgeon may ask you to do light exercises after such time that your swollen and bruised chest area has improved. This is to prevent blood clots from forming. However, strenuous activates must be avoided at least during the first three weeks after the surgery to avoid setting back your healing.
When sleeping with your new breasts, it is best to sleep with your upper back and head slightly elevated to reduce pain and swelling. Bathing must be postponed until such time that your incisions and sutures have been removed.
Follow-up examinations
Never miss your scheduled follow-up examination. The exact timing of such meeting is important in thoroughly monitoring your breast augmentation recovery. It is during these times that you can discuss your concerns as well as discomforts. It is important to be honest with your surgeon to get the best post-operative care that will hasten your healing. As soon as your surgeon gives you the green light, you can happily resume your daily activities and return to your work.