If you’ve been dreaming of having breast augmentation surgery, you’ve probably spent a lot of time envisioning the results – being able to show off sexy cleavage in low-cut tops or flaunting your curves in a bikini. But many women don’t consider the aftercare steps they’ll need to take in the days and weeks immediately following their procedure.
Here’s what to expect as you plan for your breast augmentation recovery:
Arm Stretches
Starting in the recovery room, you’ll be asked to perform specific arm stretches every hour you are awake after surgery for the first week. If done properly, these will help you heal correctly with the best possible results.
Arrange a Ride Home
Breast augmentation is an outpatient surgery. So, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home since you’ll still be sleepy from the anesthesia.
Rest
Dr. Desman recommends taking a two-hour nap once you return home. After waking up, continue to rest comfortably, but don’t fall asleep again until your usual bedtime. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep over the next several weeks as your body heals.
Antibiotics
Start taking the prescribed antibiotic within two hours of arriving home. The post-nap period is an ideal time to take your first dose of antibiotics as prescribed. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle for accurate dosing information.
Ibuprofen
Taking ibuprofen around the clock for the first seven days after surgery will help your body heal and reduce inflammation. Dr. Desman recommends taking 800mg of ibuprofen the morning after surgery with breakfast 30 minutes before taking a shower.
Showering and Dressings
We advise taking a hot shower as soon as you feel comfortable enough to move after your nap. This shower is meant to loosen things up and wake you up from any haze left over from the anesthesia. After your shower, pat the Steri-strips dry. If you have any drainage or leakage, put some more gauze pads over the Steri-strips. Otherwise, they do not need to be covered.
Comfortable Clothing
There are no special dressings needed after surgery. A sports bra is frequently the most comfortable thing to wear, but it is not necessary. Over the long term, a bra is always recommended to support the breasts. However, immediately after surgery, you should wear whatever is most comfortable to allow for maximum movement.
Activity
We encourage you to get up and walk around periodically to stimulate your circulation and aid the healing process. On the day after surgery, go to the store, drive a car, or do other normal activities, as normal movement aids proper healing. However, we recommend avoiding more strenuous activities, such as high-impact exercise, until Dr. Desman clears you to do so.
Ask For Help
If you have young children, ensure your spouse or another family member is ready and willing to help you with child care and household chores. You might want to proactively do some meal prep, laundry, or cleaning the week before your surgery to simplify these tasks while you focus on your recovery.
Nutrition and Hydration
It’s always smart to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water, but this advice is especially crucial when you’re healing from surgery. Pack your plate with a variety of fresh, seasonal produce, complemented by whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Drink water throughout the day, keeping a glass always within reach so that you remember to take sips frequently.
Getting the Most From Your Breast Augmentation
At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Desman has pioneered a rapid recovery breast augmentation technique that can get women back to feeling their best with few disruptions to their busy lives. We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you heal as quickly as possible and minimize your risk of post-surgical complications. For optimal outcomes, please follow these directions to the letter.
To learn more about rapid recovery breast augmentation or any of the other procedures we offer, please contact us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.