25 Feb 3 Tips For A Healthy Healing Process: Understanding Breast Implant Surgery
What Happens During Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation enhances the look and shape of the breasts. Surgeons use breast implants or fat transfers to add fullness, improve symmetry, and increase projection. First, patients start with a consultation with a surgeon to address main concerns. Then, testing and pre-surgery preparation is done. During the surgery, patients receive anesthesia before the surgeon makes an incision along the breast and inserts the implant or fat transfer. The incision is closed with sutures, adhesive, and skin tape.
Handling post-surgical care
Doctors believe it takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks for patients to fully recover from augmentation surgery. After stitching up the incision, doctors protect the breasts with gauze bandages. Patients are monitored for a few hours after surgery to reduce the risk of medical complications. Before discharge, patients receive post-surgical care instructions along with prescription medicine. Usually, patients are placed in a surgical support bra.
Tips for handling the recovery process
Once a patient has been discharged, the recovery process begins. Doctors will schedule a follow-up appointment at least 1-2 weeks after the surgery to monitor the healing process. Surgeons will remove bandages and schedule additional appointments at different intervals like 4-, 6-, and 8-weeks post-surgery. The following are useful tips for post-surgical aftercare.
1. Always wear the support bra
After surgery, patients will experience swelling and bruising around the breasts. A post-operative compression bra helps to reduce the swelling by applying pressure to increase blood circulation. The bra helps the breast tissues heal by preventing blood clots and safeguarding the surgical incisions. The bra also provides stability to help the breasts retain form and shape. Patients should wear this bra throughout the recovery process, especially when sleeping.
2. Stay hydrated
Patients tend to feel groggy and dehydrated within the first few days after surgery. This is normal and due to the body’s response to a major event. However, patients should be sure to drink adequate amounts of water during the healing process. Staying hydrated can prevent surgical complications and speed up recovery time. Hydration can also help nourish the body when dealing with pain from the swelling and bruising post-surgery.
3. Avoid strenuous physical activity and maintain a healthy diet
While recovering from a breast augmentation, patients should avoid any heavy lifting or demanding physical activity. Surgery is a major trauma to the body and the body needs time to rest and heal. Patients could potentially get injured and rupture the implants or tear the incisions when performing certain activities. Eating a well-balanced diet will expedite the healing process and ensure the body gets the right vitamins and nutrients to thoroughly recover.
Following up with the surgeon
Patients should discuss any questions or concerns regarding aftercare with the surgeon. The follow-up appointment is a good time to mention any issues with recovery and ask the doctor about any post-surgery recommendations. Patients can discuss compression garments, medication, and approved physical activities.