If you’re considering breast augmentation, you may be thinking about the process and the recovery period. Recovery will take several weeks until you are able to enjoy all your normal routines. To ensure the maximum results and a successful period of healing, we’ve put together our suggested breast augmentation recovery tips to follow.
Breast augmentation is major surgery, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as about potential issues with sensitivity in the nipple. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is here to fill you in on all the details of a breast augmentation so you can go to your consultation prepared with questions or concerns your doctor can address.
What to Expect with Breast Augmentation Recovery
Before you learn about the best recovery tips for breast augmentation, you should know what to expect with the procedure.
It takes about four to six weeks for breast lift and augmentation recovery, but you can resume some activities in two to four weeks. Following surgery, you will be given compression garments to wear to help with swelling. Be aware that you will have to bruise along with swelling and possible drainage from the incision sites. You may feel tightness and soreness for several days following the procedure. You can reduce your discomfort and help improve the success of your surgery with specific steps outlined below. Follow these breast augmentation and breast reduction recovery tips after your procedure.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Breast Surgery?
Recovery from breast surgery happens in stages. The first stage is about a week when you should limit your activities and stay home from work. After the week is up, you should be able to go back to work.
It will be at least four weeks before you can begin doing exercises or heavy lifting. Some patients can take six weeks or longer before they feel like working out or being involved in strenuous physical activity. The final results of your procedure won’t be fully visible until about six months after the surgery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips
To get maximum results from your surgery, you’ll want to ensure the recovery process goes smoothly by following the doctor’s instructions. Here are some breast augmentation recovery tips.
- Make time for recovery: Take time off from work and clear your schedule from other activities.
- Listen to your body: Rest will be critical to recovery, so rest when you feel tired.
- Plan ahead for help: Ask your family and friends for help after your surgery. See who is willing to help by running errands, fixing meals, providing childcare, and handling other tasks.
- Create a good recovery space: Prior to the surgery, you should optimize your area for recovery. Place pillows by your bed or favorite chair. Set up medication where it’s easy to reach, put cold packs in the freezer, and buy or make and freeze meals. You’ll want to have books or other entertainment set up to keep yourself occupied when you can’t do much.
- Ask plenty of questions: As Dr. Lapuerta talks to you about your procedure and recovery, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get clarification if you are unsure about any instructions.
You will also need to keep incisions dry, so stay out of the bathtub or swimming pool. Sleep on your back to protect your breasts as they recover. Don’t wear underwire bras for six weeks or longer after your surgery. The friction of the wire against your incision can cause pain, which you definitely want to avoid.
Breast Reduction Recovery Tips
While breast reduction is the opposite of breast augmentation, the recovery process is similar. It will take four to six weeks to recover. During that time, you shouldn’t be exercising or doing any heavy lifting.
Just like with breast augmentation, you should plan to have extra help for a few days after surgery. You will need someone to do the lifting of heavy objects until you are released from restrictions. Spend as much time as necessary sleeping and resting to allow your body to recover faster. Make a plan about how you will handle carrying objects so you minimize any lifting or other activities that will impede your healing.
Recovery from Breast Lift Tips
Abreast lift can be a stand-alone procedure or done with breast augmentation. Recovery will vary based on whether it was performed as part of an augmentation. You will need to follow the doctor’s instructions on restrictions and take pain medication as needed for your breast lift surgery recovery. You should return to your normal routines gradually and not rush it if you have pain.
Schedule Your Breast Surgery Today
If you need breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift, you can find out more about the procedure with a consultation. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He has performed hundreds of breast surgery procedures, including breast revision. Feel free to ask questions about the procedure and recovery process when you meet with Dr. Lapuerta to help you feel confident about taking the next step. Contact us today to find out more about breast augmentation in Houston, TX.