Breast Enlargement Surgery: How To Prepare For Recovery

Breast enlargement surgery can be a great way to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but first, you have to get through the recovery period. You can prepare yourself for what to expect and how you can speed up the healing. Here is everything you need to know about the healing process.

The most important piece of advice for weathering the breast implant surgery recovery process is to follow all of your surgeon's instructions to the letter. She has studied your medical history and best understands your situation and your needs. Obeying your surgeon means less chance of infection and a smoother healing period.

What to Expect Immediately After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The first two to four days after your procedure are usually the most uncomfortable for breast enlargement patients. This is when the muscles are most sore from all the tweaking during the procedure as well as the adjustment to new tissues (implants) on or around the pectoral muscles. This is also the period of greatest swelling and bruising as the body tries to heal up the incisions and fight off any bacteria trying to enter the wound sites.

Most patients can manage their pain well with prescribed medications, but there may still be some pain and soreness for several days. Almost all patients will feel a lot of fatigue during the time and it is very helpful if a friend or family member can be on hand to help with daily needs.

Surgeons usually recommend lots of sleep during the first few days post-breast implant surgery and then call for limited arm movement for the next few weeks. Specifically, movement requiring bending, lifting, and straining should be restricted.

The surgery dressings will be removed several days after the surgery and you will then be instructed to wear a surgical bra during the remainder of the recovery period. If the sutures are not dissolvable, they will be removed about a week after the procedure. Most people feel well enough to return to work and normal activities after about one week after breast enlargement surgery.

What to Expect In the Months Following Surgery?
While the major pain will dissipate after the first two weeks, there will still be some soreness and tenderness and even heightened sensitivity of the breasts for the first month or two afterward.

Bruises will also disappear rather quickly, but the swelling make take a month or more to go down. Because of the continued swelling and tenderness, most patients are counseled to hold off on strenuous exercise and other activities for at least one month after breast implant surgery.

Patients can also expect to watch their scars continue the healing process during this time. They will most likely be bright purple or pink and feel very firm to the touch. While the scars will never totally disappear, the good news is that they will fade over time and they are usually in a very inconspicuous spot.

While the recovery period can be a challenge, after it is over most breast enlargement patients experience great satisfaction with their surgery results and are glad they braved the process.