Breast Augmentation Recovery Guide
Breast augmentation or a boob job is a cosmetic surgery procedure which increases the size of the breasts by using implants or a fat transfer. The surgery also improves the shape of the breasts and makes them evener.
Breast augmentation is done as an outpatient procedure but requires general anesthesia. It is a major surgery and requires an adequate recovery period. The first few weeks after surgery can be difficult. Your breasts will be swollen and you will be bandaged up with fine drainage tubes inserted in your breasts. This is all part of the procedure and will get better with time. By the third week after the surgery, your tubes, bandages and stitches would have all come off and from then on it is just a matter of the swelling subsiding.
We have put together a guide to help you through the post-surgery recovery. The steps mentioned here of what you should and shouldn’t do after breast augmentation will help speed up your recovery and have you feeling as good as new in the quickest time possible.
Breast augmentation – What works
After the surgery is completed you will be moved to a recovery room where you will come out of anesthesia. You will be very groggy and even a bit disoriented at this stage and will need someone to drive you home. Make sure you have someone to help you that first day after the surgery.
Once you are home, follow these steps for a smooth and quick recovery:
- Rest: Sleep helps the body to heal so make sure you get as much as possible during the first couple of days. When you first get home you will still be quite drowsy from the anesthesia, so don’t fight it but give in and get your rest.
- Breast support: You will need to wear a compression bra over your bandaged breasts throughout the day and night after the surgery. Be sure to wear the bra as instructed by your doctor. The compression bra is there to support your breast tissue and help it conform to its new shape.
- Medication: Post-surgery you will be in some pain and will need to take a painkiller. Make sure to have all your prescribed medicines at home with you for easy access. Take your medication only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Get help: Some amount of bruising and swelling is normal after the surgery however if you notice anything unusual, be sure to call your doctor immediately. Call your doctor if you notice any redness or discharge from the suture wounds. Also, call your doctor if you develop a fever in the first week after the surgery.
- Sleep elevated: Elevating your upper body while sleeping will help to reduce the swelling sooner. Use a high pillow or two pillows to prop you up while you sleep, for two weeks after the surgery.
- Bumping: Be extremely careful for the first month after the surgery. Bumping and bruising of the breasts could cause complications so make sure to avoid any situations that could cause any trauma to the area.
- Hot showers: Hot water and steam could worsen the swelling so it is best to avoid taking a hot shower for at least a month after the surgery. Have a warm shower and keep the bathroom ventilated to stop the place from steaming up.
From the time of surgery till the swelling has gone completely and the results are seen can take about a year. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to heal well. You will notice the improvement in your breasts after the first few weeks and it will only get better as time passes. Take all the care and precautions you need to help the recovery process along.
Dr. Garth Fisher is an extremely skilled plastic surgeon with several years of experience in breast augmentation surgery. If you would like to know more about breast augmentation contact us at our Beverly Hills center to book an appointment. Dr. Fisher will guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have.