Hi, everyone!
I’m a little over 4 days post op from my breast augmentation. I’m feeling pretty good and still have the little purple bandages on, but I wanted to share a few things with you so far:
I had my surgery on Tuesday, December 18th. The surgeon was great, and made sure that I was comfortable throughout the whole process. He even called me the next day to check in on me! That was really nice of him (and maybe a little strange).
One thing I noticed is that even though I’d been given a prescription for pain meds prior to the surgery, I didn’t need them at all. My pain level was 1 out of 10 (with 10 being the worst). It wasn’t until about 72 hours after surgery that the pain really started kicking in—but even then, it wasn’t too bad.
I’ve been taking my prescription antibiotics as directed by my doctor and they seem to be helping with recovery as well!
Overall, it’s been an easy process so far—and I cant wait to see how everything looks when the bandages come off in 2 weeks!
4 day post op breast augmentation
Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world for years and was the top surgical procedure in the United States last year. Many women report much higher levels of self-confidence and happiness following breast enhancement procedures, and report being extremely satisfied with the results of their surgeries.
Before surgery however, learning what to expect post-surgery and how long it will take for a patient to feel completely recovered can help patients better prepare for what can be a life-transforming experience.
How long will full recovery take?
It’s important to note that, since every woman’s body is unique, there is no exact timeline for recovery. However, most surgeons agree that a full recovery can take on average six weeks or so, and women may notice that they feel perfectly fine after about a week.
Your surgeon will be able to assess your overall health and give you a more definitive timeline prior to the procedure.
Postoperative recovery stages
Post-operation
Immediately after waking from anesthesia, you will likely feel groggy and sore. It may feel a bit like a hangover, but these effects should wear off in a matter of hours. However, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
The first five to seven days
Typically, the first three to five days are the most uncomfortable. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication, and your surgeon may even recommend receiving a pain injection or pain pump to ease discomfort for those first 72 hours.
After the first few days, most women can manage postoperative discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers. In addition, a majority of women are able to return to desk jobs about a week following surgery.
The next few weeks
After the first week, patients are encouraged to slowly ease back into light exercise and a normal daily routine. The discomfort should be minimal by this point, but doctors advise women to refrain from strenuous or jarring activity like running, horseback riding or rigorous workouts. Heavy lifting is also discouraged until they are fully recovered.
Patients with labor-intensive jobs are recommended to remain out of work for at least three weeks.
Full recovery
During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will be able to assess how far along your healing has progressed.
Generally speaking, after two months, most patients are fully cleared to resume all normal activities.
It’s vital to follow your doctor’s care instructions closely so that your implants heal properly and there are no complications.
Tips for a smooth recovery
There are a few things you should expect in the days and weeks following your breast enhancement.
First, there will be a considerable amount of soreness and swelling. This is normal, and it will naturally dissipate over time. To help reduce this pain and speed up healing, it is strongly recommended that you invest in one or two recovery bras.
These garments are specially designed to maximize post-op comfort, but they also provide implant stability, increased circulation and mild compression to ensure proper lymph drainage. They can be purchased in many styles and fabrics, which means you can choose one that will suit your needs and body best.
Remember that you will be required to wear a bra at all times following surgery, so it’s important to look for features such as breathable fabric, seamless design, adjustable straps and a pressure-free fit. Some styles even have bands that help you comfortably accommodate any post-op swelling that occurs.
Another tip is to prepare your home and wardrobe before the procedure. The first week following surgery will be the most difficult, so it’s wise to have all of your housework, clothes shopping and meal prep done beforehand so that you can fully rest. Some doctors also recommend filling your pain prescriptions the day before your procedure so that you can have the medications on hand as soon as you need them.
If possible, ask a friend or partner to assist you following surgery, especially if you have children. You will not be able to pick up small children for a few weeks while recovering, so plan for assistance as much as you can in the weeks following your procedure.
Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest, and keep your kitchen stocked with healthy foods and hydrating drinks to help speed your healing. Remember that you will be sore and tired, so keeping light, easy foods on hand will help stimulate your appetite.
Enjoying your new figure
Armed with the proper knowledge about what to expect during your recovery, you can go into the procedure with the confidence that you’ll be able to manage your enhanced new profile and the recovery. That said, asking as many questions of or voicing any concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon can only help you have a better overall experience and achieve a better outcome.
7 days post op breast augmentation
5 Stages of Healing after Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women experience the life-changing benefits associated with an improved breast appearance.
Before moving forward with your procedure, it’s important to understand what to expect during every stage of the process. Breast augmentation is major surgery, and there is a significant recovery period. While the overwhelming majority of women find that it’s worth undergoing this lengthy healing process, you should be aware of the road to recovery that lies ahead of you.
Stage 1: The Day of Your Surgery
Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis, and you will return home the day of your procedure. Since you’ll still be under the lingering effects of anesthesia, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home. It’s also important to have someone around the house for the rest of the day in case you need assistance.
You’ll need to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated on this first day of recovery. We recommend that you set up a comfortable recovery area prior to your procedure. It should include:
- Extra pillows and blankets for optimal comfort
- A place to easily access water and snacks without bending over
- Plenty of entertainment (movies, books, music) to keep you occupied while you relax
We recommend that you prepare some healthy, nutritious meals in advance that you can easily reheat since you won’t feel up to cooking. You should also fill all prescriptions in advance so that they’ll be on-hand when you get home from surgery.
Stage 2: First 5-7 Days after Surgery
This is typically the most uncomfortable phase of your recovery. It’s common to experience:
- Bruising and swelling around the breasts which will gradually subside as you heal
- Discomfort which can be managed with pain medication
You should start feeling much better towards the end of this first week of recovery. Dr. Lee encourages light walking as soon as you feel up to it. This will facilitate proper blood flow and help prevent blood clots. Always listen to your body and rest if you feel you need to.
Stage 3: 1-3 Weeks after Surgery
During this phase of recovery, you will be able to gradually resume your regular routine. In general, most women are able to return to work within one to two weeks after breast augmentation. If your job requires heavy lifting or other strenuous physical activity, you may need to take additional time off to ensure your body is sufficiently healed.
Bruising, swelling and discomfort should have substantially subsided by this point. Dr. Lee will carefully monitor your recovery and let you know when it is safe to resume normal activities and light exercise. Light cardio activities can be incorporated into your routine at this point, but you will still need to refrain from strenuous activities. When resuming exercise, it’s important to start slow and gradually ramp up your efforts as your body gets stronger.
Stage 4: 4-6 Weeks after Surgery
By now, you will be sufficiently recovered to begin adding more strenuous activity back into your routine. Always wait until Dr. Lee tells you it is safe to resume specific activities to prevent complications.
Intense cardio and lower body exercises can be resumed after about four weeks. However, you’ll need to refrain from heavy lifting and chest exercises until you are roughly six weeks out of surgery.
Stage 5: Final Results
It can take as long as three to four months before you are able to see your final results. This is due to the fact that it takes time for your breast implants to settle into their proper position and for all residual swelling to subside. While you’ll want to experience your new appearance as soon as possible, it’s important to be patient during this process.
Dr. Lee recommends waiting to purchase new bras and bikinis until your final results are visible since your breast size and appearance may still undergo slight changes for several months.