The process of getting a breast augmentation is not finished after the surgery is completed. Recovery is always long and at least a little painful. The after-effects of the operation have a major impact on how the patient goes about her life in the months following her augmentation. There are ways to prepare yourself by understanding what to expect after your surgery and then taking these careful steps to a good recovery.
Immediately Following the Surgery
The first thing the patient will notice after she comes out of anesthesia is that her breasts will look much larger and higher than she expected them to be. She should not panic. She will not see her final results for a month or two. It takes that long for the swelling around the implants to go down and for the implants to descend into their resting position. Many patients wake up and immediately worry that their surgeons have made irreparable errors. They should do their best to remember that the appearance of a fresh augmentation does not indicate how the implants will end up looking.
The First Few Days After Surgery
The healing process can be impaired by physical activity, so the patient must prepare for her recovery before she heads into the surgery. She should ask her doctor what bra size she will need immediately following the operation and purchase one or two new bras in that size. She will be relieved to already have them when she arrives home. She should also consider buying a few loose-fitting tops that are appropriate for work if she does not already have any. Her refrigerator should be fully stocked and she should clear some space on her nightstand or in her medicine cabinet. These preparations seem minuscule under normal circumstances, but even the tiniest bit of stress or unnecessary movement impede recovery.
A recovering patient must not be afraid to advocate for herself. If she needs stronger pain medication than the kind she was originally prescribed, she should call her doctor. There is also nothing wrong with asking questions as the healing process progresses. Breast augmentation is a major surgery. The body will be working hard to repair at least two deep and invasive incisions. Strange pains and sensations are to be expected, but it is always best to err on the side of caution if something does not seem right.
The Next 30 Days
While one must be extremely careful to avoid unnecessary movement in the vicinity of the breasts, it is important to maintain a minor level of physical activity. The patient needs to resist the urge to spend a month in bed. Low-key walking for short intervals is good for the circulation and helps the patient grow accustomed to her new body. She will notice a shift in her center of gravity. She should practice having good posture, since she will need strong back muscles to support her new chest.
Driving is to be avoided for as long as possible after the surgery. Not only does driving require the use of the muscles adjacent to the breasts, but any bumps on the road will cause incredibly painful bouncing. Even riding in the passenger seat hurts after getting breast implants. This rule is especially important immediately after the operation. The patient will be prohibited from driving herself home, due to the pain and the lingering effects of the anesthesia.
Recovering patients cannot sleep on their sides or stomachs for obvious reasons. They also cannot get their incisions wet, so they must be careful when bathing. Showering is allowed as long as the incisions are sufficiently covered. The light pressure from the shower stream can help to relieve soreness. By taking proper precautions after surgery, the patient can speed up her recovery time and ensure that her new body looks as good as possible.
