Breast Augmentation Recovery

The procedure of breast augmentation can enhance the size, shape and attractiveness of a woman’s breasts. It improves the breast contour and gives you a feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you look good. Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery to reclaim their youthful figure and feel more feminine. Breast volume lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding and dieting can be restored with this procedure.

Breast enlargement surgery is carried out using FDA approved saline and silicone implants, or via the more natural fat transfer method. The latter is available only in select plastic surgery centers in the United States. Implant placement is done through an incision made either in the crease line beneath the breast, in the armpit or at the lower edge of the areola. The procedure duration is usually one to two hours; the time may vary depending on the technique employed and individual patient conditions. In fat transfer breast augmentation, excess fat in areas such as the abdomen, hips and thighs are harvested via liposuction and injected into the breasts to increase the volume naturally.

Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery

It is important that you follow all the guidelines of your plastic surgeon during the recovery process.

• When you wake up after the operation, nausea may be experienced due to pain and anesthesia. You can ask your surgeon for medications for both. Cold and discomfort may be felt due to cold compresses and ice packs that are given to the breast.
• During this surgical procedure, drains or thin plastic tubes may be used for draining out the excess fluid. Due to these tubes, some itchiness may be caused at the site of incision. The surgeon would remove these on the first follow-up appointment after the surgery and may replace it with surgical bra.
• Make sure no creams or lotions are used around the site of incision as inflammation may be caused due to it. The sutures should be kept dry. If there is any infection, it can be detected by monitoring temperature and controlled with regular antibiotics.
• You should take proper care of yourself and give your body time to heal. For the first few days post surgery, you may feel tired and sore. Therefore you must take ample rest during this time.
• A feeling of tightness in the region of the breast is normal and is caused by your skin adjusting to the new breast size and implants. Slight loss of feeling in the breasts and nipples is also likely.
• Take care to follow breast massage or other exercise routine your surgeon may have advised. This will lessen any discomfort you may be feeling and aid in recovery.
• You may have to wear a special bra, or compression bandage to ensure extra support and proper positioning of the implants.
• You can return to work and normal activities within a few days after the surgery.
• Do not indulge in any kind of strenuous activities during the recovery period. If you bend, lift or move less, healing would be quicker and sores would be lesser.
• The recovery time will be more if a package of breast augmentation and a breast lift is taken.
• During the period of recovery, over the counter medicines should never be taken.
• For around 3-4 months, the swelling may stay. There may be few lumpy scars and bruises too. However, as time passes, these would subside.