A successful recovery process is an essential part of a breast augmentation procedure. For this reason, it’s important that you strictly follow your surgeon’s postoperative guidelines. Additionally, preparing yourself and your home before the surgery can help to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Prior to your surgery, your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for you to take after the procedure. It is usually recommended that you fill your prescriptions beforehand, allowing you to review directions and place the medications within easy reach of your bed or other resting area. Additionally, it’s important to set out plenty of loose clothing, bandages, and any other items you’ll want nearby during your initial recovery period when some movement will be difficult.

After Your Surgery

Immediately following your procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery room for an hour or more where you will be monitored for signs of infection or other complications. As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel sore, as well as groggy or nauseous. You will likely be released in the hours following the surgery and you should have a friend or family member help get you home and comfortable. In fact, it is recommended that your helper remain with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure to assist with your care.

Your surgeon may recommend that you place ice packs on your breasts to help reduce swelling and numb pain, though your breasts may be swollen for up to a month. You can also reduce swelling by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sodium, and massaging the breasts to promote blood circulation and reduce fluid retention. Bruising or discoloration may also occur, but should fade as swelling subsides. Additionally, you may hear gurgling or squeaking noises coming from your breasts. These noises are often the result of air bubbles or fluid buildup within the breast pocket as the implant settles, and should dissipate within a few weeks.

Promote Healing

To help the breast tissue heal and support the weight of your implants, you will be required to wear a compression garment or surgical bra for several weeks. Wearing your doctor-recommended garments is essential to your recovery and can help ensure optimum results. You should avoid lifting, bending, and other strenuous activities for three to six weeks following your procedure, but your surgeon may encourage you to walk around as soon as you are able. Walking can help prevent blood clots and reduce swelling. Typically, you can resume your normal exercise routine within a month or two.

Most patients take two to three days off from work, although if your job is physically intensive, you may need to take up to one week. Additionally, you may experience sadness, depression, or anxiety in the weeks after your surgery, which is fairly common. Viewing your new breasts for the first time can be difficult, especially if swelling and discoloration are prevalent. Keep in mind that a complete recovery after breast augmentation can take up to one year.

Ensure a Successful Recovery

Learning about the breast augmentation recovery process before an enlargement procedure can help ease your fears and leave you better prepared to handle the post-surgical effects. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon questions about specific aspects of your recovery. Following his or her instructions and suggestions can help you heal faster and enjoy the final results.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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