You should familiarize yourself with the recovery process for breast augmentation surgery before you have the procedure done. This will help you plan for a speedy and healthy recovery, as well as anticipate any time off work that may be necessary. Save the date of your final findings and don’t buy any new swimwear or bras until then; you’ll be out of commission for a while.
Each and every one of a woman’s breasts is unique. Your surgeon’s technique, the aftercare you follow, your general health, and your lifestyle choices all play a role in how quickly you recover from breast augmentation. Although we have provided this information to assist you in being prepared, please do not be alarmed if your experience differs slightly from what you were expecting. Below this page, you will find a list of symptoms that should be taken into consideration, along with the appropriate times to contact a doctor or surgeon.
Pain 6 Weeks After Breast Augmentation
6 Week Instructions Following Breast Augmentation Surgery With Dr Eddie Cheng
Hi, I’m Chelsea. I’m one of the registered nurses here at AR plastic surgery. The purpose of this video is to deliver your six week breast augmentation and aftercare instructions.
Caring for your incision lines and scar
Now that you made it to six weeks, we advise you to peel off your tape and start using the Silicon scar gel. The silicon scar gel helps reduce the redness and pigmentation in the scar, and keeps the scarf left as it starts to heal. We advise you apply the scar gel sparingly, twice a day. It should try to film consistency within two to three minutes. If it’s still tacky after this time, you have used a bit too much so next time apply less. We recommend you use the Silicon scar gel for at least three to six months. Keeping in mind that your scar does take up to 18 months to completely heal and fade.
When can I wear an underwire bra?
Now that you’re at six weeks, you can stop wearing your post-op bra both night and day and instead return to a regular comfortable bra. We recommend that you do get fitted professionally to ensure that your bra fits correctly and is comfortable. A frequently asked question is if underwire bras are safe? The answer is yes, they are safe. However, they may be uncomfortable on your incisions during this early stage of healing.
When can I return to my normal exercise regime?
Now that you’re six weeks, you can resume regular exercise. There are no restrictions on your exercise. However you should be guided by your body. Keep in mind you’ve had six weeks rest, so ease back into exercise and and don’t be alarmed if there are certain things that still feel uncomfortable. For patients with smooth round implants, whether they be Mentor or Motiva or Motiva, we now encourage you do daily breast massage.
When should I start breast massage and how is it done?
If you are unsure of the type of implant you have, please contact the room so we can advise you. If you have the anatomical textured breast implants, we DON’T advise you do breast massage. As implants are a foreign substance, your body will naturally create a scar or capsule around the implant. Breast massage helps prevent this capsule from becoming too tight, causing the breast to become firm and distorted in shape. So during the breast massage first of all, place your open palm on the inside of your breast and gently press outwards until you feel resistance and hold there for one minute. Next, place your palm on the outside of your breasts and gently press inwards again until you feel resistance and hold for one minute, then place your open palm under your breasts and press upwards again and hold for one minute. You can gently massage the upper pole of the breast, however, be mindful not to press down too firmly. Gravity will take care of this is for you. We advise you do the breast massage once a day for 12 months.
When should I register for my breast implant warranty?
If you haven’t already done so, please ensure that you have registered for your breast implant warranty. Mentor, you have 60 days and Motiva 90 days. If you have any difficulty doing this, please contact the room so we can assist you. We will continue to follow up with you for the next four to six months and then at 12 months, should you have any concerns or your breasts becomes hard or uncomfortable or painful please contact the rooms immediately.
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.
What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast reduction surgery and potential complications are acceptable.
Your plastic surgeon and/or plastic surgery staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
Possible breast reduction surgery risks include:
- Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Excessive firmness of the breast
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Pain, which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
- Potential, partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
- Unfavorable scarring
You should know that:
- Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
- Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
- Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
- The breast reduction procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed
- Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single breast reduction procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
Breast reduction procedures may be performed in your plastic surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
When You Go Home
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these breast reduction complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Be Careful
Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself and minimize breast reduction surgery risks.
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.