Breast implant surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to correct a deformity from a previous surgery or trauma. Many women who have breast cancer also decide to have breast reconstruction and use implants after their mastectomies (removal of the breast).
Breast implant surgery is not just a cosmetic procedure. It can also be performed for reconstructive purposes. For this reason, it’s important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with breast implants.
Breast implant surgery is a safe procedure, but it can lead to complications and long-term health risks. If you’re considering breast implants, it’s important to be aware of the risks and complications that come with this procedure.
Breast implant surgery can be a very stressful experience both physically and emotionally. There are many things you can do before your breast augmentation to make your recovery easier and more successful.
Breast implant recovery is a process that takes some time, but with the right preparation you can ensure that you are ready to take on the challenge.
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during breast implant recovery:
Don’t forget to hydrate.
You may be on a liquid diet for a few days after your surgery, so make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your procedure. Also, stay away from alcohol as much as possible during this time because it can slow down the process of healing.
Prep your home for a speedy recovery.
For example, make sure that there are no stairs or steep inclines in your home so that you can avoid any falls while recovering from surgery. Prepare meals ahead of time or designate someone who will help cook meals for you after surgery so that you don’t have to lift heavy pots or pans while healing from breast augmentation surgery.
Eat right to heal right.
You might think that eating whatever you want will help you get over your hangover or catch up on lost calories from being too busy with work or school. But eating poorly can actually slow down your body’s ability to heal after surgery. To speed things along and avoid complications such as an infection, consume plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while you’re recovering from surgery.
Keep up your self-care.
Don’t skip your regular appointments with your primary care physician, dentist and gynecologist. Going to the doctor can help you spot any health problems early on.
Use ice regularly.
Ice is an effective tool for reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation from any kind of surgery. It will reduce swelling in the breasts as well as in other areas that may be affected by breast implant surgery (such as in your arms). To use ice properly, place a bag of frozen peas or ice cubes inside a plastic bag, then cover the bag with a thin cloth before placing it against your skin. The cloth should not come into direct contact with your skin because this could cause frostbite. Leave the ice pack on your body for 20 minutes at a time and repeat every two hours until you no longer feel any pain or tenderness.
Sleep with extra pillows
Sleep is essential to good health, and during recovery from breast augmentation surgery it is even more important. To ensure that you get enough sleep, place two or three pillows under your head and upper body when sleeping on your back. This will help keep your shoulders elevated and reduce swelling in your arms and hands.
Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
It can be difficult to know what is normal and what isn’t when it comes to recovery, so talk with your doctor if you are concerned about anything. This will also help you understand what to expect in the coming weeks.
Do not lift anything heavy for about a month after your surgery.
This includes children and pets. Even light lifting may cause pain and discomfort in your new breasts, so it’s best to avoid it until the implants have settled into place more fully.
Massage is an important part of the recovery process.
Doctors recommend massaging your breasts after surgery to help reduce swelling and pain. The massage should be gentle, but firm enough to help the implant settle into place. Doctors also recommend massaging your chest muscles before you go back to work to help improve blood flow and prevent soreness.
Make Sure You Have Someone to Help You
One of the most important steps in your recovery is making sure that someone else is around to help you during this time. This person can be a friend or family member, or your doctor may recommend hiring a nurse or home health aide. This person should help you with everything from taking medication to preparing meals and doing housework. They should also be there when you need emotional support after surgery.
Keep your incisions clean.
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions about how and when to clean your incisions after surgery. But in general, it’s important to wash your hands before touching them, and gently clean any visible drainage with soap and water.
Rest As Needed
Breast implant surgery can be physically demanding on your body, especially if you have large breasts or implants. Resting is important while recovering from breast implant surgery because sitting up or leaning forward puts pressure on the implant pocket and internal stitches. You should avoid strenuous activity for several days after plastic surgery, including working out at the gym or doing housework.
Keep A Positive Attitude
Having a positive attitude will help you recover quickly from any kind of surgery including breast implant surgery. You should always remember that your body has its own healing powers and if you want to recover quickly from any kind of surgery then you must keep a positive attitude towards it. You may feel weak or tired at times but do not let that stop you from doing anything as it can hinder your recovery process.
Keeping Your Stress Levels Low
Stress has been proven to cause a number of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease and depression. It also affects our immune system by making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses. If possible, try to reduce your stress levels before getting breast implants so that you don’t increase your risk for complications during recovery. This includes taking time off from work and avoiding stressful situations as much as possible until after your procedure has been completed.
Be sure to take all medications as directed.
Don’t stop taking any medication unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you’re having trouble swallowing pills, ask your doctor if there’s an alternative form of the medication that would work better for you.
Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothes
Your body will be swollen and bruised for several weeks after surgery. You may also feel discomfort or pain in the area where your incisions were made, so it’s best to wear loose fitting clothing that will allow air circulation around your chest. Wearing baggy shirts or sweaters helps reduce irritation from rubbing against clothing that is too tight on the surgical site.
Control Swelling
In the days following surgery, you may experience swelling, pain and bruising. These are normal symptoms of breast augmentation recovery. You can help reduce swelling by keeping your arms at your sides as much as possible and avoiding activities that put pressure on your chest.
Don’t drive for several days.
If possible, take a cab or have someone else drive you home after surgery. The adrenaline rush that comes with driving an automobile is not good for your body at this time. You want to give yourself plenty of time to heal before getting back behind the wheel.
Don’t lift your arms too high
Don’t lift your arms above your head for at least two weeks after surgery. This will prevent your chest muscles from tightening up, which could result in pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s okay to lift your arms above your head again.
Make Sure You Get a Good Pair of Supportive Bras
The first thing you should do after your surgery is buy yourself a good pair of supportive bras. These bras will help keep your implants in place while they heal and prevent them from moving around too much. The best way to find a good support bra is to go shopping with your surgeon. He or she will know exactly what kind of support you need based on your body type and how big your implants are.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is highly discouraged during breast implant recovery and beyond. Smoking increases your risk of infection and decreases blood flow, which can lead to complications with your implants. Dora Hospital recommends quitting smoking if you haven’t already. If you’re having trouble kicking the habit, consider using nicotine replacement therapy products like patches or gum to help reduce withdrawal symptoms while you’re trying to quit.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
The first rule of breast implant recovery is to avoid alcohol and other drugs. These substances can increase your risk for bleeding, infection and other complications. If you’re taking any prescription medications, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice on what not to do during recovery.
Go for regular check-ups
During the first two months after breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to see your physician for regular check-ups. Your doctor will examine your incisions and make sure there are no signs of infection or other complications. If there are any signs of infection, he or she will prescribe antibiotics immediately.
Get your blood circulating.
Breast implants are a foreign object that are placed under the skin, so it’s important to keep your blood circulating to reduce scarring and swelling around the area. Stretch before bed and get up every hour or two to walk around. If you’re feeling up for it, try some light cardio or strength training as well.
