Tips and techniques for recovery after breast augmentation. Knowing what to expect after your surgery can help reduce anxiety and improve your healing. You can help improve your surgical results by following your post-operative instructions closely. Here are some ideas to help.
Dr Mark Gittos is a breast surgery expert and Plastic Surgeon in New Zealand who has helped hundreds of patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery is a personal decision. While it may take you some time to make this decision, the results of the procedure can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. But before you finally achieve your desired aesthetic goals, there are several factors that need to be considered in the postoperative phase and the lack of understanding of what to expect during the recovery period can make you anxious. Let’s take a look at the different phases of breast augmentation recovery for you to get a glimpse of what to expect postoperatively.
There are two main types of breast augmentation:
For best results in extremely saggy or droopy breasts, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy).
It’s important to keep in mind that every patient is unique; therefore, the recovery time may vary from person to person.
In general, a full recovery should be achieved after 6 to 8 weeks.
As a general guide you can fly or drive after a few weeks, back to the Gym and Exercising after 3-4 weeks, and a Spray Tan after 4-6 weeks
After your surgery, Dr Gittos will assess your overall health status and provide you with a more detailed breast augmentation recovery timeline.
Immediately after breast surgery, you will likely feel groggy due to the effects of the general anesthesia. If the breast implants were inserted under the pectoralis muscle, you may feel a tight sensation or muscle ache in your chest. As your chest muscle stretches and relaxes, these discomforts will gradually decrease.
After a few hours, you may experience a reduction in sleepiness and breast soreness. Dr Gittos or your nurse will wrap your operated breasts with a special bra or an elastic bandage to support the healing breasts and prevent trauma to the incision line. Once the health care team has evaluated your health condition and there were no signs and symptoms of complications, you will be then discharged from the hospital. However, it is required that you request someone to drive you home because you may still experience confusion and weakness.
In the first 3 to 5 days, you might experience some discomfort. To alleviate the pain and swelling, Dr Gittos will advise you to take the prescribed medication. You may also notice minor bleeding at the surgical site, which is normal. However, if uncontrolled bleeding is present, consult your primary care provider immediately.
After 1 week, the pain and discomfort have almost subsided completely. With Dr Gittos’ approval, you may gradually resume your daily activities. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and wear your support bra for better cosmetic results.
In the next few weeks, minimum breast soreness and swelling may still be present but these will not cause significant discomfort. While you may feel that you almost recovered, caution is still needed with regards to heavy lifting and vigorous activities like running and performing high-intensity exercises. If you have a physically-demanding job, you need to take a few days more off work to allow your breasts to heal. See Recovery Exercises after a Breast Augmentation.
After 2 months, the surgical incisions should fully heal with no signs of bruising, bleeding, soreness, or redness. You may still need to wear a support bra during this time but you can get back to work and resume your normal activities. Dr Gittos will let you know what activities will work best for you to prevent complications.
The success of your breast augmentation surgery will depend on how well you heal. To speed up recovery after breast augmentation, you can try the following strategies:
Your ability to return to work will depend on your health condition and ability to heal:
In addition to the risks of general surgery, just like all types of breast surgery, breast augmentation poses potential risks and complications, such as:
Dr Mark Gittos will discuss the potential Risks and Complications in consultations, prior to surgery.
For many women in New Zealand, having breast augmentation is a life-changing experience. There are many qualified doctors, but it is always best to find one who is experienced in breast augmentation procedures. Breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are various insertion techniques, so find a reputable practitioner who can give good advice on the right implants for you. Before considering breast implants, it is wise to find a surgeon who is also up to speed with new non-invasive techniques for boosting the breasts, so you can investigate all the options before deciding on permanent surgical implants. It is important to avoid choosing a cheaper overseas option that lacks the ongoing support that a New Zealand surgeon provides.
Always look for an experienced surgeon that you feel comfortable with and get a second opinion.
Dr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in Herne Bay, Auckland and in the UK. The practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.
Dr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years. With worldwide expertise Dr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.
Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.
Please NOTE: Dr Gittos only performs surgery on non-smoker patients with a BMI less than 30. To check your BMI please visit the NZ Heart Foundation website. For help giving up smoking before surgery visit the Smoke Free website
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