One of the biggest parts of your breast augmentation procedure is actually your recovery. While choosing an experienced surgeon to place your implants is important, what you do during your recovery can make all the difference when it comes to your results. Here we take a look at some of the top do’s and don’ts of breast augmentation recovery in order to ensure you get the enhanced figure you wanted.
Breast Augmentation Do’s
After your breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will provide you with a list of things to do during your recovery. It is important to follow these instructions as well as following the to-do list below in order to achieve your optional breast implant results.
- Assistance – Before your breast augmentation procedure, it is important that you have arranged assistance for your recovery period. This includes someone to drive you home from the procedure as well as someone to help you around the house for the first few days.
- Rest, Rest, Rest – Rest is an important part of your recovery. While pain and swelling are normal after a breast augmentation, resting is necessary for the body to heal.
- Sleep Position – How you sleep after a breast augmentation can make all the difference in your results. For optimal healing, you want to sleep on your back or in an upright position, such as in a recliner.
- Clothing – You may be advised to wear a specific bra or other garment after your procedure. If advised, it is important to wear this garment, as well as loose and comfortable clothing.
- Medications – Take all medications as prescribed by your surgeon.
- Healthy Diet – The food you eat plays a crucial role in your recovery. Be sure to eat a balanced diet with a mixture of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein and whole grains.
- Hydration – Your body needs hydration for healing, so it is important to drink water throughout the day and during your recovery period.
- Concerns – If you experience abnormal swelling, severe pain, or a fever, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately.
Breast Augmentation Don’ts
While following the above to-do list is the best way to start, there are also some very important breast augmentation don’ts. This list offers things to avoid during your breast augmentation recovery as they can hinder your body’s ability to heal and well as affect your final results.
- Bras – While you may feel your breasts need additional support as they heal, you want to avoid bras with underwire as they can irritate your incision site as well as affect the position of your implants.
- Exercise and Lifting – During recovery, it is important to avoid any strenuous exercise and lifting. If you have small children, it is important to have help as you should not be lifting them up during recovery. Easy exercise, such as walking, is encouraged though it may be difficult at first. This includes lifting ANYTHING above your head.
- Submerging Incisions – While showering is allowed during recovery, you want to avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools until your incisions are completely healed. Submerging your incisions can increase the risk of infection.
- Smoking – Chances are your surgeon requested that you stop smoking before and after your breast augmentation procedure. This should continue during your recovery. Smoking can hinder the body’s ability to heal.
- Tanning – While you may consider working on your tan during recovery so that you are ready to show off your new bikini, it is important to protect your breasts from sun exposure, including tanning beds, for at least three months after your procedure.
- Sleeping on Your Belly – Do not sleep on your stomach or side as it can increase pain and impact the healing process.
Following these do’s and don’ts can help make your recovery a bit more pleasant and ensure that you achieve optional breast implant results.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
