An important part of preparing for your breast enhancement procedure is knowing what to expect afterward and what you can do to help facilitate your healing process. These six helpful breast enhancement surgery recovery tips are a great place to start to help ensure a smooth, seamless procedure and aftercare.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
Although an obvious must after any surgical procedure, getting plenty of rest can be much easier said than done. Now isn’t the time to be suddenly bothered by dust bunnies under the bed or to decide to tackle a DIY home project while you’re off work. Schedule enough time away from work and other obligations, and use that time to catch up on rest and sleep after your breast plastic surgery procedure.
2. Pick a Good Caregiver
You’ll need some help around the house for the first few days after your breast enhancement, so line up some help ahead of time. If you live with a partner or spouse, remind them that you’ll need some extra help with household chores, child care and other daily duties. Otherwise, ask a close friend or family member to stay with you for the first night or two.
You will also need to make sure you have someone to drive you to and from your breast plastic surgery.
3. Meal Prep ahead of Time
Fueling your body with nutritious food is a crucial part of your recovery. Make this step a whole lot easier by getting grocery shopping and meal prep done ahead of time. If you’re really feeling motivated, prepare a few healthy meals in big batches before your breast augmentation, store them in pre-portioned containers and pop them in the freezer. Then, when you’re supposed to be resting up after your procedure, all you have to do is put them in the microwave and you’re good to go.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water after your breast enhancement surgery.
4. Wear Open-Front Shirts
Raising your arms over your head may feel tight or uncomfortable in the early stages of breast surgery recovery, so button-up and zip-up tops can be your best friend. A comfy bathrobe that ties in the front can also be the perfect attire while you recover. If you don’t have these items already, treat yourself to a mini shopping trip before your breast procedure. But don’t go crazy on bra-buying until you’re closer to seeing your final results.
5. Light Walking Is A-Okay
As soon as you’re feeling up to it, getting in some light walking is good for circulation and aids in the healing process. But don’t overdo it, especially at the beginning. Start by getting up and walking around the house every few hours. Talk with your plastic surgeon before upgrading your physical activity to more strenuous things like heavy lifting and upper body workouts.
6. Don’t Skip Post-Op Appointments
It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your plastic surgeon, including going to all scheduled follow-up visits to check your progress and address any questions or concerns you might have. Don’t think of these appointments as optional, even if you feel like you’re healing just fine. Use them as an opportunity to check in with your doctor and keep him or her up-to-date on your progress.
Dr. David Dellinger at Elysian Plastic Surgery in Austin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who maintains a practice focus on body contouring surgery, breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation.
