For women seeking breast augmentation, the recovery period involved is often one of the top areas of concern. But just like any procedure, allowing the body to heal is a crucial step in the journey. While we understand that you may be itching to get back to your lifestyle and daily routine, it’s essential you take the best possible steps to give your body the best chance at bouncing back.
Each woman’s breast augmentation recovery differs from one to another. Remember, everyone’s immune systems and ways of dealing with surgical treatment vary. How your body handles the healing period is unique to yourself as an individual. But as you put your feet up and let the magic happen, keep in mind that the wait is all well worth it in the end.
Understanding the Process Involved in Recovering from Implants
Depending on your age, existing cup size, physical condition, skin elasticity and hormone levels, your breast augmentation recovery period time will reflect your body’s ability to deal with the change.
During your initial consultation with Dr Leana Teston, the steps to a better healing journey will be outlined to you. It’s recommended that you follow these instructions carefully so that you give your body the best possible chance at healing effectively. Understanding the importance of this phase, Dr Teston will provide you with clear insights into what the recovery experience will look and feel like, and the types of activities you can and cannot do, depending on your healing progress.
Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Surgeon
A fully qualified female specialist plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon – like Dr Leana Teston – who understands the many stages of breast augmentation recovery can guide you on the right path to a speedy recovery. This means you can avoid a long waiting period and time off work when you could have otherwise been amongst the action again.
It takes good judgement and surgical techniques to position incisions strategically enough for the best outcome to the patient, so choosing a specialist plastic surgeon who can do this and apply sutures well, is critical to the healing phase.
Most of all, the right surgeon knows who to place implants according to your body tissue, eliminating the risk of complications from occurring. While there can be hiccups if not conducted properly, surgeons who understand the body type they’re working with, who you are as a patient, and your health status, all determines how long you will have to wait to see a full recovery.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide you can use as an outline to what your days after surgery will look like.
Day One after Surgery
While the procedure lasts around three hours, the length of the surgery will also depend on the complexity of each case. After the surgery is complete, you will head to a recovery room where you’ll be supervised by medical staff as you wake up from the anaesthesia. When you wake up from the operation, your breasts will be bandaged firmly.
Dr Teston usually keeps patients in the hospital for the first post-op night, to ensure you receive adequate pain relief and can receive intravenous antibiotics to decrease any risk of infection. You will also have a drain in each breast to reduce the risk of fluid or blood accumulating around your implants. These will usually be taken out before you are discharged. In the morning, Dr Teston will change your surgical dressing and get you into a lycra crop top. This provides sufficient compression to aid the healing process and will keep your new breasts in place.
It’s likely you’ll feel very fatigued and need lots of sleep – trust your body and let it relax if it’s asking for it. When sleeping, do so in an inclined position. Only sleep on your back at an angle of around 30 degrees. This is important while you still have a lot of swelling. Invest in a good wedge pillow to help prop yourself up, or use a recliner chair if it is more comfortable.
You will be able to take a shower the first day after the operation, after your bandages are removed
Day Two after Surgery
It’s recommended you have a family member or a friend be with you when to take you home, as you will not be able to drive. If possible, have someone you know stay with you at least for the first night after you return home. You’ll be a bit groggy and likely disorientated, so having the extra hand will be required. They’ll be able to bring you water, medication and prevent any falls.
During this period, you will need to continue wearing the lycra compression bra to help give your breast implants support. This is placed over the dressings that are covering the area and the incisions. Wearing this garment is crucial because it helps reduce swelling and will stop stress being placed on the wound by preventing breast movement.
Following your implants surgery, it’s critical you take prescribed pain medication as outlined, especially during the first week of recovery. During your follow-up visit, dressings will be changed.
The First Week after Surgery
While you’ll be given a personalised recovery plan, you can expect the process to look like this:
- You’ll be asked to wear a compression bra for 24 hours a day during your breast augmentation recovery.
- You will need to avoid impact on your chest.
- Your breasts may experience sensations that are painful and may also feel hard. This is likely to happen for a few weeks.
- You’ll be asked not to drive until after you have finished taking all prescribed medication. Additionally, it’s recommended you avoid driving in general (while you’re healing), as it puts a strain on your incisions for the first week after, this small trips are advisable. You must wear your seatbelt at all times.
- If you experience any excessive pain and swelling, contact Dr Teston or your surgeon immediately.
- You will be able to return to work about a week after your implants treatment. However, if your job is a physically demanding one, you may need extra time off.
From Weeks Two to Six
- During this period, you’re in the final stages of recovery, so the stitches will be removed (if not absorbable).
- You can begin to perform very light exercise after the three-week mark.
- It’s still recommended to avoid heavy exercise or lifting until after six weeks.
- Your first menstrual period may cause some pain or swelling in the breasts. This is normal.
Want to find out more about how breast augmentation and implants can help you reclaim your confidence? Get in touch with Dr Teston today on (02) 9708 3511.
