What Should I Know to Best Prepare for My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Posted August 31, 2020 in Breast Augmentation
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Recovery is one of the common discussions during any breast augmentation consultation. From pain to downtime to proper supportive apparel, there are many things to consider before jumping under the knife, and deciphering the vast amounts of information provided on the internet can be overwhelming and confusing.
While Dr. Grazer will provide you with a breast augmentation recovery guide, there are several things to understand and steps to take to ensure that your recovery is as easy as possible.
Will There Be Pain After My Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, and it goes without saying that there will likely be some discomfort during the recovery process. Fortunately for most women, however, this pain is generally mild and easily remedied by following a few simple practices.
To help minimize post-operative breast augmentation discomfort, women are suggested to:
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication
- Ask about a pain pump
- Ensure that the breasts remain well-supported
- Keep their chest elevated
- Take a break from the gym
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid being too sedentary
- Perform breast implant massages
To learn more, read our blog discussing ‘10 Ways to Reduce Pain After Breast Augmentation.’
What Is My Expected Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline?
Even though most women sail through their breast augmentation recovery with little difficulty, there will still be some downtime. This amount of time varies between women, as every woman has a different pain tolerance and lifestyle. Age also plays a significant role in the length of recovery, as does whether or not any other surgical procedures were performed simultaneously. (Common combination procedures include breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, liposuction body contouring, or the comprehensive Mommy Makeover.)
As previously established, recovery is unique to each individual; however, most women can expect the following:
- When can I shower after breast augmentation?
- After 48 hours
- When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?
- Usually within one week (depending on the nature of your job)
- When can I sleep on my stomach after breast augmentation?
- After four to six weeks, or when comfortable to do so
- When can I lift weights after my breast augmentation?
- After six weeks
- When can I go swimming after breast augmentation?
- After six weeks
How Do I Know That I am Healing Correctly After Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation with implants is not as invasive as other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery or body lift surgery. Therefore, it should not be overly painful. If you experience significant pain in or around the breasts following your breast augmentation (especially if it is a few days or weeks after your surgery), you should see your plastic surgeon right away. Severe discomfort is a sign that there may be something deeper going on.
Also, it is wise to monitor the healing processes of your incisions. While your incisions will be red initially, this coloring should fade. Be sure to be on the lookout for inflammation under the incisions, prolonged redness, or raised incisions. These may be signs of an infection.
Learn more about how to tell the difference between a healthy incision and an infected incision here.
What Bra Should I Wear During My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Following your operation, a compression garment will be worn to reduce pain, swelling, and promote blood circulation in the treated area. This garment must be worn around the clock for pain management, swelling reduction, and proper healing. Patients should only remove this garment briefly for activities, such as showering.
Once you remove the compression garment (when approved by your surgeon), you should switch to a supportive sports bra for four to six weeks. Proper support is essential for reducing post-operative breast pain. You should avoid underwire bras for a minimum of six weeks following your operation.
Interested in Learning More?
If you want to learn more about what to expect from your breast augmentation recovery or set up a consultation with Dr. Grazer, contact his Newport Beach office by calling (949) 644-1240 or filling out our online contact form.