Do’s and don’ts after breast augmentation surgery
With nearly 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries performed annually, breast augmentation is the second most common aesthetic procedure in US women [1]. Breast augmentation aims to increase volume, correct any unevenness, and improve the appearance of the breasts to help you improve your overall quality of life.
However, before you embark on your new life chapter, it’s essential to know what to expect post-surgery so you can prepare yourself mentally and physically. Here are our do’s and don’ts to keep in mind after your operation.
DO get plenty of rest
Following breast augmentation surgery, your body will need time to heal and regain its strength. Make sure to take at least a few days off work so you can let yourself recover and if you have kids, plan for assistance in the weeks following your operation.
Remember that it’s normal to feel discomfort, soreness, and tightness around your chest, but the intensity of symptoms should decrease day after day.
DON’T sleep on your stomach
If you are thinking of sleeping on your stomach after breast augmentation surgery, think again. During recovery, your implants are still settling into place, and sleeping in the wrong position can potentially compromise your results. That said, it’s important to lie on your back as much as possible, with pillows propped underneath your upper back to help blood flow to the surgical site [2]
DO eat healthily
Eating healthy, nutrient-rich meals can accelerate your recovery and get you feeling your best self again. Try to get plenty of lean proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, fruits, and whole grains. At the same time, make sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day.
DON’T smoke or use tobacco products
Smoking increases your risk of infection, slows down your body’s ability to heal, and prolongs recovery. Smokers also tend to cough more often, which can be both painful and risky after breast augmentation surgery.
That said, it’s recommended that you stop smoking or using any tobacco products at least 2 months before your surgery and for at least a month after.
DO use compression garments during your recovery
Don’t underestimate the power of compression garments during the healing process. Post-operative bras can increase blood circulation to the area, prevent swelling, and reduce fluid retention – helping you return to your normal activities sooner.
Compression garments are specifically designed for immediate post-operative care, which means they are wireless, comfortable, and breathable. Our Calla Cozy Post Surgery Bra is crafted from high-quality materials, offering the support and stability you need during recovery. It also features a combo front opening with velcro and hook closures as well as shoulder straps and 3-step hook & eye closures.
DON’T wear bras with underwires
Following your surgery, it’s essential to wear loose and comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing underwire bras that might irritate the incision site and impact the final positioning of your implants. Instead, opt for compression garments with ample underarm support and extended underbust area. Like this bra here.
DO be patient
Recovering from a breast augmentation surgery can be a daunting and nerve-wracking process. While recovery time differs depending on your health, after-care, and type of operation, most surgeons agree that full recovery takes, on average, four to six weeks [3]. During this time, it’s important to let yourself heal and help your body regain its strength by eating healthy, staying hydrated, and avoiding any strenuous activities.
DON’T do any heavy lifting
This brings up our next tip, which is no other than avoiding any heavy lifting during recovery. If you don’t want to risk implant rupture, incision reopening, and delayed healing; it’s better to wean yourself back in and give your body some time to heal first.
High-impact activities, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks until you are given clearance from your surgeon. Although you might be able to return to light activities like walking sooner, it’s important to ask for your doctor’s advice before beginning any form of exercise after your surgery.
DO perform breast massage
Many surgeons recommend performing breast massage after your breast surgery. The two main benefits of breast massaging are naturally setting implants to the right place and preventing capsular contracture which causes the soft tissue surrounding the implants to harden and tighten.
It’s advised to massage your breasts three times a day during the first month of recovery, but your surgeon is the best person to advise you on the frequency and massaging technique suitable for your type of operation and health condition.
DON’T swim in a pool, lake, or ocean
During your recovery period, you want to minimize your risk of infection as much as possible. Therefore, to avoid excess water from entering the incision site, it’s important to stay away from swimming pools, bathtubs, jacuzzis, lakes, and the sea. Plus, remember that you should wear compression garments at all times for the first two to four weeks after your operation, except when you shower.
Although this article serves as a general recovery guide, it’s important to recognize that each woman will experience recovery differently, depending on the type of procedure, any health problems, and adherence to post-op protocols. Your surgeon will provide you with a post-operative care plan tailored to your needs and the type of surgery.
Reference List
[1] Demetrius M. Coombs, MD, Ritwik Grover, MD, Alexandre Prassinos, MD, and Raffi Gurunluoglu, MD, Ph.D., Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine February 2019, 86 (2) 111-122; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86a.18017
[3] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. How long is the recovery for a breast augmentation?
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