Hello everyone, I’m going to be blogging about my recovery from breast augmentation and lift. I just had my surgery three weeks ago, so this is a very early update.
I’ll try to keep the blog entries brief, because I know some of you are busy and don’t have time to read a novel every time I post something new.
My name is [name]. I am a 34-year-old woman who has always wanted larger breasts, but didn’t want to go through with breast augmentation until I was older and more financially stable.
I finally decided to go through with it after meeting with Dr. [name] at [clinic name]. He explained everything in detail and answered all of my questions and concerns during our consultation appointment. As someone who has done extensive research on plastic surgery procedures and doctors, it was nice to have everything laid out before me so clearly—and in person! It made me feel confident that this was the right decision for me.
After deciding on the size of implant that would be appropriate for my frame (around 400cc), we scheduled an appointment for three weeks later (today!). The day before surgery was nerve-wracking but exciting!
3 weeks post op breast augmentation and lift
Increasing your breast size with a breast augmentation is a major procedure that requires a lot of pre-surgery prep and post-surgery recovery. Like any surgery, taking care of your body and listening to your doctor’s medical advice is most important to have a successful outcome.
If you have ever wondered how long it takes to recover from breast augmentation, continue reading to get an idea of what to expect during postoperative breast augmentation care.
Breast augmentation recovery
Every woman is different and recovery time can vary. There are various factors such as implant size and type, placement and even the surgical skill of the doctor which can affect recovery time.
On average, a full recovery period usually takes about four to six weeks. It’s important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects and overworking yourself during this sensitive time.
What to expect after a breast augmentation
24 hours post-op
After the operation, you may experience soreness, fatigue, nausea, tightness in your chest and oversensitivity or a loss of sensitivity in the breasts. You may also notice swelling and bruising, which will fade over time.
After the surgery, you will be required to rest for a couple of hours in the surgical postoperative room until the anesthesia fully wears off. It is crucial you have a ride home from a trusted family member or friend who will continue to help and take care of you a few days post-op.
During the first 24 hours, you may feel extreme pain and discomfort. Taking over the counter pain relievers as directed, like acetaminophen is recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxers so help keep you comfortable.
5 to 7 days post-op
After the first week, you may continue to feel mild pain or discomfort. However, the intensity of pain should have decreased. At this stage, you may be able to return to normal activities, if directed by your surgeon.
However, you should refrain from strenuous activities such as lifting your arms above your head, which can result in irritation and bleeding. At this time, your breast implants will begin to settle in place. It is important to follow any post-operative advice, such as massaging the breast tissue to help relax the muscles and reduce swelling.
3 to 4 weeks post-op
At this stage, you should feel little to no pain or discomfort. Swelling and bruising in the breasts should have reduced and faded. However, it is normal to still have bruising depending on the type of surgery and if there were any complications.
Your doctor may start to encourage you to engage in light exercises but refrain from strenuous activities. Continuing to wear a post-surgical bra and front closure bras can still promote healing at this time.
4 to 6 weeks post-op
Usually, at this point, most patients have fully recovered and can resume regular activity. Your breasts should look and feel more natural. Patients are advised to make an appointment with their surgeon for a full evaluation of the breast implants.
Choosing a plastic surgeon
If you feel a breast augmentation is right for you now that you know more about the recovery, it’s important to seek the opinion and expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns to determine.
It can be stressful preparing for any surgery, and it’s incredibly important to understand these common problems after breast reduction surgery, and how you can avoid them.
Breast reduction surgery is an amazing procedure for those who have been tired of their excessively large breasts. Large breasts can lead to skin chafing, ill-fitting clothes, back pain, and lack of confidence. The decision to get breast reduction surgery is extremely personal and life-changing.
With that being said, breast reduction surgery is an invasive procedure and comes with a certain degree of side effects. If you choose the right surgeon and follow all the pre and post-surgical instructions religiously, you can greatly minimize the risks and common problems after breast reduction surgery.
It is important to be aware of the potential complications. Your surgeon will guide you in detail about the possible risks and concerns of the surgery. Make sure that you understand the procedure and take all the precautions to minimize the risks.
Possible Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery
Possible complications of breast reduction surgery include:
- Sometimes individuals can get allergic to tape, sutures, topical ointments, and injectables
- Anesthesia-related risks can impact certain people
- Excessive bleeding
- Formation of blood clots
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Contour and shape irregularities in breasts
- Numbness and changes in breast and nipple sensation
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Excessively firm breasts
- Fat necrosis
- Fluid accumulation and excessive swelling
- Infections
- Persistent pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Loss of skin tissue
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling and bruising
- Unfavorable scarring
By understanding these common problems after breast reduction surgery, you can properly plan, and follow pre- and post-operative care procedures.
Some Points to Remember
- Breast reduction surgery will interfere with the diagnostic procedures.
- In some cases, breast and nipple piercing can cause infection.
- Talk to your doctor if you are planning to breastfeed after the breast reduction surgery as in some cases, it can create problems.
- The procedures can be done at any age provided that your breasts are fully developed.
- Changes in breasts can lead to breast fluctuations.
- It is not always possible to achieve great results after breast reduction surgery. Hence, it is very important to choose the right surgeon and stick to all the pre and post-surgical instructions.
How to Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Avoiding complications post breast reduction surgery involves a certain level of care before and aftercare. If you can follow the instructions given by your surgeon, the risk of complications will be greatly minimized. Additionally, following proper breast reduction surgery recovery guidelines are essential. Here are some of the most important instructions to follow:
– Medications
Take all the medications given by your surgeon on time. Never skip the pain killers and antibiotics as they can lead to post-surgical pain and swelling.
– Blood Thinning Medications
Stay clear of all blood-thinning medications including ibuprofen, Advil, as well as any herbal supplements at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery. They can increase the risk of swelling and bruising. Avoid taking any medication without consulting your surgeon.
– Blood Clot Prevention
Make sure to walk lightly around the house for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day to prevent the formation of blood clots.
– Incision Care
Take care of your incisions as per the instructions given by your surgeon. Avoid getting them wet and use the topical medications as directed.
– Rest Matters
Aim at sleeping for at least 8 hours a day and take short naps throughout the day. Your body needs rest to recover. Hence, take two weeks off from work and take care of yourself.
– Sleep
Do not sleep on your side or stomach as it can put a strain on your breasts and incisions.
– Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle play a key role in healing. Make sure to eat a healthy diet that is rich in all the nutrients and minerals and drink loads of water. Do not opt for any strenuous activities, exercises and avoid lifting heavyweights.
– Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits are of utmost importance when it comes to healing. Make sure to go for all the follow-up appointments as it allows the surgeon to closely monitor the healing.
– Avoid Getting Your Incisions Wet
Aim at taking quick showers and try not to get the incisions wet. Avoid hot baths, swimming pools, saunas till you are fully healed.
– Compression Garment
Wear the compression bra for at least six weeks post-surgery. It will help minimize the swelling and give you much-needed support. Do not take it off unless your surgeon asks you to.
– Pay Attention
At any point during the healing phase, you notice any signs of infection, experience fever/chills, immediately get in touch with your surgeon.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Breast Reduction
As mentioned earlier, selecting a highly experienced surgeon is one of the best things you can do for yourself. A few steps to be mindful of are:
Credentials and Experience – Always look at the credentials and experience of the surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon is a member of ASPS and has extensive experience in performing breast reduction surgeries.
Reviews – You can find plenty of reviews online about different surgeons. Do not stick to the surgeon’s website for reviews. Visit other review sites, forums, and social media groups. You can also go ahead and ask around in your circle if someone has had a positive experience with a particular surgeon.
Before and After Photographs – Always look at the before and after photographs of the individual. You can either find them on the surgeon’s website or ask for them during the consultation.
Have a Look at the Facility – Where the surgeon will perform your surgery is of equal importance as the surgeon himself/herself. Make sure that the facility is well equipped to handle all kinds of emergencies.
Consultation Matters – I would recommend going to a consultation with at least three of the surgeons. See how they make you feel, answer your queries. At the end of the consultations, you will have a clear idea of which surgeon to opt for.
Final Takeaway
With any kind of surgery cosmetic or non-cosmetic, there is a certain degree of risks and complications associated with the surgery. With the help of the right surgeon, following all the pre and post-op instructions, the risks can be minimized greatly. If you’re in need of breast reduction surgery recovery, contact Pearl Recovery Retreat & Wellness today.