DO: Take It Slow
Rest and heal! We understand, many of us live busy lifestyles where we rarely spend a day just doing nothing. But, in order for the body to fight off infections and heal itself from the shock of breast augmentation surgery, it must have extra sleep and rest. Especially in younger patients, it can be challenging to slow down and not do much, but it is crucial. Getting some books, magazines, movies, and other easy activities prepared ahead of time as well as mentally preparing yourself to rest can help.
DON’T: Stay Sedentary
But you just said to rest? Even though rest and relaxation are important, staying in bed 24/7 is also not ideal. Staying sedentary for days can slow healing, cause constipation, and can even lead to blood clots in extreme cases. Just taking a “walk” around your house or apartment several times a day can give the body enough stimulation for a positive recovery.
DO: Wear a Surgical Bra for the First Two Weeks
Another unique part of breast augmentation surgery recovery is the need for a compression garment or surgical bra. This will need to be worn around the clock for the first 14 days, except when showering. The surgical bra serves multiple purposes. It protects your incisions and prevents the weight of your breasts from creating too much pressure. But it also helps the implants to settle in the ideal placement creating evenness and stability.
DON’T: Go Without A Support Bra for Long Periods After Breast Augmentation
Many women hope that their new, perky, enhanced breasts mean they can go braless most of the time after surgery. While wearing certain outfits braless will definitely be the way some women show off their new look, continuing to support your implants most of the time is essential. Your breast tissue and skin are now supporting extra weight, and without help, they can begin to sag or feel heavy.
DO: Ask For Help
Along with slowing down, asking for help can also be challenging for some of our rockstar patients. You’ve chosen to invest the time, effort, and finances on surgery to get the look you want; keep your investment safe by being cautious. Asking for help with self-care, meals, or other basic tasks can ensure well-healed incisions and better final outcomes.
DON’T: Do Any Heavy Lifting or Intense Physical Activity
Another time to ask for help is when you need to lift just about anything for the first two weeks. Particularly if your breast implants are beneath the muscle, your chest area is also recovering from surgery, and we often don’t realize how much these muscles are involved in lifting or pulling. It may be eight weeks or more after breast augmentation surgery before your doctor clears you for strenuous activity, particularly involving the upper body.
DO: Eat Healthy and Nutritious Foods and Drink Plenty of Water
Nutrition is another important part of helping the healing process for breast augmentation. Healthy foods that don’t promote inflammation, along with ample water intake, should be the focus for the first few weeks (and ideally months) after surgery.
DON’T: Consume Alcohol While You’re Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Alcohol affects blood flow and your autoimmune system, two things you want to keep high-functioning while you heal. In addition, it can be dangerous when mixed with pain meds or may impair your better judgment (i.e., “let me pick up this heavy thing, it’ll be fine”). It’s simply better to wait on the celebratory champagne.
DO: Listen To Your Body
No matter how much information you’re able to learn or read upfront, this is the first time you and your body will be experiencing breast augmentation recovery, so nothing will be familiar. You’re the only one in your body, and if you feel like something is off, there’s a good chance you may be right. Even if you simply feel extra tired or dehydrated, take those as your cues to rest and hydrate.
DON’T: Wait to Contact Your Plastic Surgeon With Questions
It’s ok to wonder what’s really normal and whether something might be a concern. Even if it’s a standard part of breast augmentation recovery and nothing serious, with surgery recovery, it’s important to head off possible infection or complications sooner than later. Waiting until a symptom has become unbearable instead of asking the question when it starts might result in poor healing or, in extreme cases, hospitalization. Call us! We’re here to help!
Recovery Can Be Simple With The Right Team
The key to a successful breast augmentation surgery is working with a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon both before surgery and during recovery. Dr. Tantillo and Dr. Lee at Clareo Plastic Surgery in Boston both have extensive education and experience and pride themselves on guiding their patients through each step of the breast augmentation recovery process with skill and compassion. The entire team at Clareo Plastic Surgery is ready to provide each patient with outstanding care and stellar results.
