In the recovery room, your breasts are wrapped in gauze dressings to keep the surgical site sterile. You may also be asked to wear a supportive bra to aid in the recovery and the bandages may be changed just before you go home. You will also be given a pain medication, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone, to manage pain and discomfort.
For example, you should know how long you need to wear the gauze dressings after the surgery, if you need to change them and whether you need to remove the dressing before a shower or keep them covered while showering. Sometimes, your doctor may advise you not to remove the surgical dressing at all, as this is done during your postoperative appointment. [2] X Research source Your doctor will also go over the activities you should avoid that can put your recovery and the implants at risk. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
You will most be given pain medications that can impact your ability to drive. Also, make sure you and your driver have plenty of time to get back home. The last thing you need is a bumpy ride and a seatbelt digging into your sore chest area.
Make sure that you do not schedule any important appointments or strenuous activity within two weeks of your breast augmentation surgery. Do not engage in any activity or exercise that requires you to use or engage your upper chest muscles. This includes activities such as jumping, running, swimming, tennis and horseback riding. [5] X Research source ’ In particular, you should not swim or soak in water for three to four weeks after surgery. This can interfere with the healing process of your scars and cause infection. [6] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020. If you do swim after this waiting period, be sure to change out of your suit (or bikini top) quickly, or put on a dry one, so that you are not soaking your still healing incisions. [7] X Research source Do not push, pull, or carry anything heavy for at least one week after your surgery. Ask your doctor what is a weight you can safely pick up and carry. [8] X Research source
Use an unlined sports bra during the first few weeks of your recovery period, as underwire can irritate your incision site. Visit a department store or lingerie shop to get specially fitted for a sports bra to support your new breasts. [10] X Research source Although you may need to replace all your old bras, you should wait at least one month before shopping for new traditional bras and stick with the sports bra.
Some doctors may recommend more natural pain relievers, like arnica, CBD, and fish oil. [11] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020. Whether you opt for over-the-counter or prescription medications, make sure that you take all medications responsibly and according to directions. It is generally recommended to avoid aspirin-containing pain medication for 10 – 14 days after surgery, as it can thin the blood and increase bleeding. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with inflammation and swelling. You may also want to ask your doctor about an injectable, time-released medication called Exparel, which can help manage your pain over a longer period. [12] X Research source
While you can return to work within a few days of your surgery, it is advisable to wait one to two weeks to return to work and regular activities Additionally, you shouldn’t try to work from home until you’re fully recovered. [14] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020.
Postoperative appointments typically take place during one day one to two weeks after the surgery. [15] X Research source During the appointment, your doctor checks for signs of hematoma and irritation of the flesh as well as for any other complications. [16] X Research source
The implants can cause your skin to stretch. By applying shea butter, you may promote proper healing and prevent stretch marks.
During your post-surgery checkup, ask your doctor if it is safe to sleep on your stomach again; however, you may still opt to sleep on your back or side if your breast tissue continues to be sore or it is uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach.
Before you start any massage regimen, consult your doctor and ask if it is safe. Gently use your hands to massage your breasts for 20 minutes at a time twice, using the opposite hand to massage the opposite breast. [18] X Research source Only do the massage regimen if there is no pain or discomfort. If you experience pain during the massage, stop immediately.
Fever (greater than 100. 4°F or 38°C), pain, skin discoloration, inflamed tissue, and smelly wounds are indications of infection and require immediate treatment. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Shooting pain, uneven lumps, and deflated breast tissues are possible signs of failure from the implants and should be inspected by your doctor as soon as possible. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal changes can cause your breast tissue to change, leading to changes in the appearance of your breast implants. [21] X Research source Weight loss can also cause the composition of your breast tissue to change, meaning you need to have some sort of surgery for correction. [22] X Research source
Talk to your doctor before engaging in any exercises. You should feel gentle stretch during the exercises described. If you experience pain, stop or reduce the range of motion to a level that you can perform without feeling pain.
Sit with your back straight and arms straight on your side with fingers pointing to the floor. Roll your shoulders in a circular motion moving them up, forward, down, back, and up again. The movement should come from the shoulder, while the arms and elbows stay straight. Do 10 rolls to one direction, then switch directions and do another 10 rolls on both shoulders. Start with small circles and then increase the diameter as you can.
Fold your hands to your chest so that your elbows point downward. Holding your hands against the chest, raise your elbows to the side like a “chicken wing. ” Hold for a moment, then lower the elbows and repeat 10 times. As your range of motion improves, try lifting the elbows higher and higher.
With your back straight, raise one arm to the side as high as you can, keeping your elbow straight. Start making small circles in the air with your straight arm. The movement should come from the shoulder and not from the elbow. Perform 10 circles to forward and 10 circles backwards. Then switch to the other arm. Start with small circles and increase their size when you feel comfortable and experience no sharp pain.
Pushing your elbows down toward your back, pitch your shoulder blades together. Hold the position for a moment, then release and repeat at least 10 times. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop or reduce the movement.
Place your hands behind your neck with your elbows pointing to the side. Slowly bring your elbows forward, nearly touching them together. Hold for a few seconds, then move your elbows backward as far as you can to feel the stretch in your chest, arms and shoulders.
During the forward facing crawl, place both hands against the wall and begin to walk your fingers up as high as you can to feel a stretch but no pain. Walk back down and repeat. For the side crawl, turn one side toward the wall and perform a wall crawl with one had at a time.
