Tips for Your Successful Breast Augmentation Recovery

Although you might be excited about seeing your results from breast augmentation, it’s important to make sure that your recovery is effective and safe. After all, surgery is only one step in your breast enhancement journey. Afterward, you’ll need to carefully follow care steps to make sure your body can rest and heal for optimal recovery:

MAKE SURE YOU’RE SLEEPING PROPERLY

It’s important to sleep on your back during your recovery since this avoids putting any strain on your incision site or breast implant. The best way to make sure of this is to sleep within a nest of pillows that will prevent you from rolling over during the recovery period. If you naturally sleep on your side or stomach, you may want to try this for the first week before your surgery date so that you can become comfortable with it.

AVOID CERTAIN BRAS

Your new implants should have time and space to settle over the course of your recovery and for a few months after. This means you should avoid underwire bras since these can irritate or strain your incisions– even though it might be tempting to try out your new cleavage! During your recovery, you should wear your post-surgical bra, also called a support bra, and possibly your sports bra if instructed by your plastic surgeon.

TAKE CARE WHEN BATHING

During the first few days of a typical recovery period, it’s very important to adhere to the follow-up care as dictated by your surgeon’s instructions. Although you’ll be able to shower, you’ll need to avoid taking a bath or enjoying a hot tub since these can introduce bacteria to the recovery area, causing pain and infection that could lengthen your recovery time.

AVOID DRINKING OR SMOKING

Both alcohol and smoking can be detrimental to your breast implant recovery process in the weeks after surgery, so your plastic surgeon will ask you to stop smoking a few weeks in advance of and after your surgery. Immediately before, you should avoid any alcoholic drinks as well as certain medications, as this can affect your body in ways that can be dangerous during any major surgery.

DON’T TOUCH

You’ll most likely be very excited to feel your new breasts, but it’s very important to keep your incisions and surgical site free of any bacteria or harmful substances. Although your plastic surgeon will want to check up on your incisions during a follow-up appointment, you should avoid handling your compression garments, drains, or breast area unless instructed otherwise post-op. Additionally, your breasts will most likely be tender and swollen, so you should avoid strenuous activity to reduce swelling.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Although your breast augmentation surgery may seem daunting, it’s an important step to being fully recovered. As long as you follow instructions and allow yourself time to rest, most patients will likely be able to prevent complications. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation or ask questions about what to expect, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.