Whether you’ve had a breast augmentation and are curious about what to expect, or if you’re just contemplating the procedure, this article will give you an idea of what it’s like after your surgery. Your surgeon will want to see you as soon as possible post-op, but there is no need for alarm. He/she wants to make sure that everything has gone according to plan and that your recovery is going smoothly.
You may find yourself sore and swollen for several days following the procedure; however, most patients can return home within 24 hours of their surgery provided they stay on top of their pain medications and follow instructions from their doctor.
Recovery Time
The length of time you will need to recover varies from patient to patient and the type of procedure performed. On average, patients can expect that they will need to take anywhere from two weeks off work after breast augmentation for both procedures; however, if you’re extremely sore or your implants are higher risk (e.g., placed over the muscle), then it may be longer than this estimate.
What to Expect After Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery can result in some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. For the first few days after your procedure, you will likely need help with daily tasks such as bathing or cooking; however, this is temporary and should improve within a week of your surgery.
You’ll want to take it easy for several weeks following breast augmentation surgery with limited activity. Your doctor will most likely encourage you to take time off work for at least two weeks after your procedure, but this may be more than is required depending on the type of breast augmentation performed and your personal recovery path.
The Recovery Process
Recovery varies significantly from patient to patient. The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery is different for each person, depending on their pain tolerance and the type of procedure performed.
Breast implants are usually placed under your chest muscles or breasts through small incisions made around the nipple area; however, you may need a larger implant if it cannot be inserted through this small incision.
The larger the implant, the more anesthesia you will need and the longer your recovery time. If placed under your chest muscles, it can take several weeks for implants to settle into their final location; however, if they are filled with saline solution or silicone gel (as opposed to being filled with fat), then doctors report that you can expect a faster recovery time.
Complications & What To Do if They Arise
If you know and trust your surgeon and feel comfortable with his/her level of expertise, then you should not worry about serious complications arising. However, if something does go wrong or if you experience any unusual symptoms after surgery (e.g., fever), then it’s important to call him/her right away for advice on how best to proceed.
Your communication with your doctor throughout the process is crucial to the success of your surgery and recovery.
Conclusion
You need to be extremely careful about who performs your breast augmentation surgery; therefore, it is important to do thorough research and ensure that you are comfortable with both the surgeon’s level of expertise as well as their ability to communicate effectively.
To find out more about what happens post-op or if you want to know what results can be expected after several months, contact Dr. Jim Brantner M.D. to schedule a consultation today.
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