24 Nov Understanding Breast Augmentation Recovery: 3 Tips For A Smooth Healing Process
What’s Next After Breast Implants?
Cosmetic procedures like breast implants are rising in popularity in America. More individuals choose breast augmentation to improve confidence or restore breast size due to certain medical conditions. The process involves making small incisions on the breast to insert a silicone or saline implant, based on the patient’s preferences. However, breast augmentation is not an immediate change. Like any cosmetic procedure, there is a recovery period that lasts several weeks. Breast augmentation recovery is vital to a successful outcome. These 3 tips can reduce post-operative symptoms, speed up healing, and help patients avoid complications.
1. Follow the doctor’s instructions
Some patients want to resume normal activities as quickly as possible, but recovery is necessary for the best possible outcome. The surgeon will provide a list of post-op instructions to help with healing. Following the instructions precisely ensures the patient has the best chance of recovery. The surgeon will provide information on how often to take pain medication and instructions on changing the bandages, rest, and sleep. The patient will also be advised to look for possible signs of complications. Even if the patient feels great, the surgeon will recommend following the recovery protocol.
2. Diet matters
A person’s diet plays a critical role in any post-operative recovery. The body will experience pain and inflammation after surgery, which can vary by patient. A diet high in processed foods can increase the body’s inflammatory response. Doctors often recommend a balanced post-op diet full of fruits and vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. Proteins, in particular, are essential to rebuild tissue and muscle that may have been impaired during surgery. Recovering patients should also avoid alcohol use before and after surgery. Studies show that alcohol use increases the chances of infection, bleeding, and cardiovascular issues. Maintaining a healthy diet ensures the patient will enjoy breast augmentation results faster.
3. Avoid strenuous activity
Some active patients are eager to resume exercise and other strenuous activities after surgery. This is especially true if the patient is an athlete or regular gymgoer. While exercise does sound helpful for the body, the wrong exercise can have the opposite effect. Strenuous exercise can tear incisions, increase bleeding, and prolong recovery. Heavy lifting and other high-intensity training can also increase the risk of blood clots. During recovery, avoid lifting anything over 20lbs for at least 2 weeks. A light walk or moving slowly on a stationary bike are better alternatives.
Embracing long-term healing strategies
Breast augmentation recovery can take 6-8 weeks or longer, depending on the patient. Swelling and discomfort are expected for all patients. However, the breasts will drop and fluff with time, revealing the expected size and profile. Patients will need periodic visits during recovery to ensure the incision sites are healing on schedule. Additionally, the medical team may recommend having support from friends and family, as the process can be emotionally taxing. Breast implants have a high success rate, with 98% of women satisfied with the results.
Enjoy a new you
Breast implants require sufficient healing time before the patient can enjoy the final results. Understand that recovery is part of the process. Patience and care are crucial for patients hoping to avoid additional procedures or severe complications. Follow the doctor’s instructions, get lots of rest, eat well, and ease into physical activity for a stress-free recovery.