Your Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation Recovery
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In recent years, breast augmentation (also known as a “boob job”) has consistently ranked as the most popular cosmetic procedure. For most people, recovery from breast augmentation is straightforward and uncomplicated. That being said, there are still certain rules you need to keep in mind.
You can help ensure your recovery is quick and stress-free by following some simple steps. Read on to learn about some of the behaviors and lifestyle changes that can help improve your breast augmentation recovery process.
What Can I Do to Recover From My Breast Augmentation Recovery Quickly and Safely?
Incision Care
Make sure you keep your incision clean. You will have to care for your incisions for at least five to seven days post-surgery. This is done by showering daily, using clean liquid soap and rinsing with clean running water (no dirty bathtub water). A daily dressing follows, using Bacitracin ointment and dry gauze. Usually the dressings are not needed after a week.
Be aware of signs of incision infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage. If any of these things occur, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.
Physical Activity
Strenuous physical activity after your procedure can cause post-procedure complications. You will need to avoid strenuous activities, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy items for six to eight weeks after placement of your implants. The wrong activity can compromise your healing, misplace your implants, or affect your incisions. Especially no hyper-extension stretching be done which may cause muscle injury or stir up bleeding.
Ask your doctor for a clear timeline of when you can start exercising again.
Compression Garment
A special garment is usually unnecessary to ensure the implants settle in the right way. These garments apply pressure to the chest to correct implant location or settling.
Sleep Position
After breast augmentation, you must sleep on your back or your side and avoid any stomach sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach can displace your implants.
It is important that you get enough rest during your recovery so your body has the energy to heal itself.
Diet
Your body needs proper nutrition so it can have the energy to heal itself. Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Note that pain medication can make you feel nauseated, so avoid taking it on an empty stomach.
Returning to Work
Before your operation, make sure to get a realistic timeline on how long your recovery may take. Plan to take off as much time as you need to have a full and healthy recovery in advance so you do not have to worry about it later. Stress can slow down healing, and the last thing you need is to be worrying about how you have to return to work soon.
Ready for Your Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Hiatt is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), ensuring he has the training and experience to provide a safe and effective procedure. He is also a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS). To schedule your consultation with Dr. Hiatt, please call (480) 844-1410 or fill out our online consultation form.
We look forward to helping you achieve the appearance you desire!