Recovery Tips for Breast Augmentation Patients

One of the best things you can do as you prepare to undergo breast augmentation is to research the recovery period. Knowing what to expect immediately after breast augmentation can help ease nerves or anxiety you may be feeling, and ensure your recovery is a safe and successful one.

In this blog post, Albany plastic surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha shares his top recovery tips for breast augmentation patients.

Breast Augmentation Recovery 101

Here are a few things you can expect after breast augmentation:

• Immediately after your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery suite where you will rest as the anesthesia wears off.
• The surgeon will release you into the care of a loved one so they can drive you home or to your hotel room.
• You will need to rest in a comfortable position for the remainder of the day.
• A compression garment will be in place for the first few days. You will likely return to your surgeon’s office three to five days after surgery for a follow-up appointment.
• Your mobility will be limited and you will need to avoid any activities that can strain your body and open incisions (e.g., bending, lifting the arms, running).
• The initial recovery period usually takes one to three weeks. After this point, you can return to work and resume most normal activities.

Tips to Make Your Recovery Easier

Take plenty of time off work. If your surgeon advises you take a week off work, try to take two weeks off, if possible. Always go with the maximum amount of days you can request to take off instead of the minimum to account for any unexpected complications or last-minute recommendations from your surgeon.

Don’t exercise until you’re cleared to do so. You must adhere to your surgeon’s instructions on exercising. Exercising too soon after surgery can compromise results and increase the risk of a complication.

Prep your recovery station ahead of time. Setting up your recovery station before breast augmentation gives you one less thing to worry about when you return from surgery. Prepare your bed or couch with clean sheets, blankets and pillows. Buy foods that are easy to prepare and other must-have items you think you will need ahead of time.

Enlist help. You will need to ask a loved one to drive you to and from your surgery. In addition to this, many women find it helpful to ask a loved one to stay with them overnight after the surgery. Your loved one can take care of chores and look after children or pets, if you have any. This way, you are free to rest, worry-free.

Learn more about breast augmentation by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Kayastha.