Breast augmentation surgery can help you achieve your desired breast size and shape and boost your self-confidence. You will want to plan ahead for your recovery and follow a few recommendations to help minimize your downtime. The total recovery time is fairly short considering the instant gratification and the years of satisfaction breast augmentation patients usually feel.
Here are 7 things you can do to prepare for and speed up breast augmentation recovery and optimize your results.
1. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and drinking can slow down the healing process, so quitting these habits in the weeks before and after your surgery is important. Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications. Alcohol also interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of bleeding.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods
Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods can help your body heal faster after surgery. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. This will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
Your body needs rest for overall health and to heal after surgery, so take time for self-care both before and after your procedure. Before surgery, this may mean getting adequate rest and avoiding stress as much as possible. After surgery, plenty of sleep is a must-have for breast augmentation recovery. Be sure to take enough time off work and arrange for help around the house.
4. Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Op Instructions
In my practice, every patient is scheduled for a pre-operative visit approximately 2 weeks prior to the surgery date. During this visit, postoperative instructions are reviewed, in detail. Following them to the letter is essential because they’re designed to help you heal properly and prevent complications. These instructions may include how to care for your incisions, when to take medication, and when to start exercising again.
5. Wear a Surgical Bra
My breast augmentation patients wake up in recovery already fitted with a special surgical bra. This style of bra is recommended for the first several weeks after surgery. The bra is designed to help reduce swelling and provide the proper support as your body heals. You will wear the surgical bra until it is specified that you may transition back to a standard bra. This may vary from patient to patient.
6. Use Cold Therapy
Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and relieve pain after breast augmentation surgery. You can use ice packs or frozen peas wrapped in a towel to apply cold therapy to the surgical area. More postoperative care will be discussed during your pre-operative visit.
7. Don’t Rush Back to Your Regular Exercise Routine
You may be eager to get back into your exercise routine if you’re used to being physically active, but it’s important to take it easy after surgery. You may be able to resume activities such as treadmill walking or low-impact cardio after about 2 weeks, but you should typically avoid strenuous activities or weight lifting for about 6 weeks. This will help prevent complications and give your body the time it needs to heal.
Request a Consultation
If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about breast augmentation, call our Burbank office today at (818) 500-0823 or request a consultation.
Browse the before-and-after gallery to see photos of previous breast augmentation patients and get an idea of what to expect.
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