Having breast augmentation surgery is just the first stage in a process to achieving the breasts you’ve always desired. The road to larger and fuller breasts with enhanced cleavage also includes a journey through the recovery process. Like all surgeries, breast augmentation has side effects that should be understood. The breast augmentation recovery period can lasts up to two weeks.
General anesthesia is used during the breast augmentation procedure. Post-surgery, you will feel slightly dazed and fatigued for up to two days. I prescribe pain medication to decrease the amount of discomfort or tenderness felt in the chest area during this time. You can expect your breast area to be sore for one to two weeks following the surgery. Common side effects include inflammation, bruising, swelling, and soreness. This is the time when your skin and natural breast tissue is healing and adjusting to the new breast implants.
The incisions are usually one inch long, and may be positioned in the armpit, around the areola and nipples, or in the crease under the breasts. Many of my patients report that the incision sites itch as they heal. Even though I make the incision is an area that promotes minimal scarring, some scarring will form. Luckily, any scars will diminish steadily in appearance in less than a year. Initially, the scars are red, but return to the surrounding skin color as they heal.
How to Decrease Swelling after Breast Augmentation
For patients undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures like breast augmentation, swelling is one of the most common side effects. Swelling of the breast tissue may mask the results of the procedure after the first few days post- surgery. The good news is that patients will be able to see the outcome of the breast augmentation and resume daily activities as the swelling lessens.
I recommend to my patients that a breast augmentation recovery plan should be in place before the surgery. This helps ensure that they are able to rest their body and have adequate food and water on hand during the course of the healing process. Here are a few ways to reduce swelling and minimize your recovery time following breast surgery:
- Ensure you are always hydrated
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid sodium
- Get a sufficient amount of rest and ease back into your daily life slowly
- Lightly massage the breast area to improve circulation and decrease fluid retention
- Stay clear of medications that can lengthen swelling. Make sure that you inform me and my staff about all of your current medications before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.