Posted December 16, 2019 in Breast Augmentation
2 min read
From visibly voluptuous to a subtle enhancement, breast surgery helps women everywhere get the look they’ve always desired.
But change isn’t always easy. Most breast surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, can take weeks to recover from.
As surgery day approaches, here’s a handy list of do’s and don’ts that will help ensure surgery and healing go off without a hitch.
What Is Recovery From Breast Surgery Like?
Patients recovering from breast surgery will experience symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tightness along skin and chest
- Pain and discomfort on surgical sites
- Breast tenderness
Recovery from most breast surgery procedures takes about six weeks on average.
While recovering from breast surgery can take weeks, breast augmentation helps women get visibly fuller breasts, as seen in this before and after set.
Strenuous activity will need to be avoided in the first week, but most patients can typically go back to work two weeks after surgery.
What to Do When It’s Almost Time for Surgery
Here are three things you can do to better prepare yourself for the recovery ahead:
1. Enlist a Friend
Breast surgery is a major change to your body, and it will more than likely come with some major adjustments as you heal.
You will not be able to move around much at first, so try to enlist a friend or loved one to help you in those first few days after surgery when discomfort is highest.
2. Meal Prep
Surgery takes a lot out of your body as it heals, especially the first few days. Needless to say, cooking a full-fledged dinner will not be something you want to do.
Preparing meals beforehand saves time in the long run. Snacks that are low in sodium, like fruit, gelatin, and crackers, can even help decrease swelling.
3. Ask for Details
Never be afraid to ask for details on what to expect during and after surgery. The more you know, the more you can minimize the chance of complications happening.
Knowing how long recovery takes will aid in your pre-surgery preparation plans. You’ll be more prepared to make your healing period as stress-free as possible.
Preparing before your breast augmentation surgery can facilitate healing for beautiful, natural-looking results, like the before and after image set above.
What You Don’t Want To Do
Here are two things you should absolutely avoid when you are getting ready for breast surgery:
1. Drink Alcohol and Smoke Tobacco
Both alcohol and nicotine have been proven to act as blood thinners, which can increase bleeding during surgery and ultimately impede healing.
It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco for at least one week prior to breast surgery.
2. Forget to Mention Medications and Supplements
The same rule about alcohol and smoking also applies to certain medications, particularly aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause problems with the body’s clotting process.
Some herbal supplements, like ginseng or St. John’s wort, can also interfere with anesthesia during surgery.
It’s best to speak with Dr. Rey about any medications or supplements you take before surgery to figure out if any need to be ceased prior to your procedure.
Interested in Breast Surgery?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rey by using our contact form online or calling us at 310-205-3107.