After your breast augmentation surgery, there are a few things you should do in order to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications. First, it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least the first week after surgery. You should also keep your incisions clean and dry, and avoid any activities that could irritate them. Additionally, you will need to wear a supportive bra for at least six weeks following surgery. So, let’s see what you should do and avoid after breast augmentation.
What is breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts and it is quite different than breast reconstruction. Breast implants are commonly used to achieve these results. It is mostly performed for cosmetic reasons, but can also be done to correct a birth defect or reconstruct the breasts after injury or mastectomy.
How Do Breast implants work?
Breast implants are made of either silicone gel or saline. They are placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to create fuller, larger breasts. With saline implants, a silicone shell is filled with sterile saltwater. With silicone gel implants, the silicone shell is filled with a cohesive gel. The more recent “gummy bear” implants are made of a type of silicone gel that is thicker and less likely to leak. It is possible to get breast augmentation without implants but the results vary.
Let’s Talk About The Do’s First
There are always certain things you should do with any surgery to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications. With more and more people opting for breast enhancement surgery, it is essential to know what you should and shouldn’t do afterward.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
After your breast augmentation procedure, it is important to get plenty of rest. This will help your body heal and recover from the procedure. Try to take it easy for at least the first week after surgery. Avoid any strenuous activity, such as working out or lifting heavy objects.
2. Keep Your Incisions Clean and Dry
It is also important to keep your incisions clean and dry. This will help prevent infection and ensure proper healing in the recovery process. Gently clean the incisions with soap and water, and be sure to pat them dry. You should also avoid any activities that could irritate the incisions, such as wearing tight clothing or using lotions or creams on the area.
3. Wear a Supportive Bra
After surgery, you will need to wear a supportive bra for at least six weeks. This will help support your breasts and prevent them from moving around too much. It is also important to avoid underwire bras during this time as they can put pressure on your incisions and cause irritation.
4. Take Your Medications
As with any surgery, you will be given medication to help manage pain and discomfort. Be sure to take these as prescribed by your doctor. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or taking any non-prescription drugs, as they can interact with your medications and cause side effects.
5. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
All breast augmentation patients must follow all of their doctor’s orders after surgery. This includes attending all follow-up appointments and taking care of your incisions as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
Now let’s take a look at the don’ts
While there are certain things you should do after surgery, there are also certain things you should avoid. Let’s see the don’ts after breast augmentation:
1. Don’t Smoke
Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery. If you smoke, it is important to quit at least two weeks before your surgery date. This will help your body heal properly and reduce the risk of complications.
2. Don’t Drink Alcohol
It is important to avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Alcohol can interfere with your medications and delay healing. It is also important to avoid drinking while you are taking pain medication as it can cause side effects.
3. Don’t Take Non-Prescription Drugs
You should also avoid taking any non-prescription drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can interfere with your medications and cause side effects. If you are in pain, be sure to take your prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor.
4. Don’t Forget to Take Your Medications
As mentioned above, it is important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. This includes antibiotics and pain medication. Be sure to take them as directed in order to prevent infection and manage pain effectively.
5. Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms
If you experience any symptoms after surgery, such as pain, redness, or swelling, be sure to contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of a complication and need to be treated as soon as possible so see your plastic surgeon immediately.
Now that you know what to do and what not to do after breast augmentation surgery, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with breast augmentation. These include bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, and implant rupture. Additionally, you may experience some pain and swelling in the recovery period. Be sure to talk to your doctor about these risks before having surgery.
You should also be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Most implants will last for 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. Additionally, you may need additional surgery down the road to correct any problems that may arise.
Bottom Line
With any surgery, there are some risks and potential complications. However, if you are considering breast implant surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Additionally, follow all of your doctor’s orders after surgery to help ensure a smooth and successful healing process.
After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of breast augmentation recovery. You should also know what to expect after surgery and how to take care of your implants. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Dr. Jim Brantner provides comprehensive care for breast surgery patients undergoing plastic surgery, breast augmentation surgery, and breast reduction surgery in Johnson City. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your plastic surgery procedure.
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