Breast Augmentation Post Op 3 Weeks

The initial recovery time for breast augmentation surgery can take anywhere from 5 to 7 weeks before your body heals itself and you begin to feel normal again. After 2-3 weeks, your implants may still be high, but most likely they will start to drop and fluff. In breast enlargement surgery, the doctor makes the breasts larger by putting an implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. An implant is a soft silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution or a gel.

After the surgery you will probably feel weak. You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks, and you’ll likely have a lot of swelling. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two. You may get tired easily or have less energy than usual. This may last for several weeks after surgery. After 3 weeks, all swelling and bruising should have resolved. Your breasts will appear increasingly rounded, your nipples will begin to rise toward their natural position, and your implants will slowly begin to drop. You can safely stop wearing your surgical bra at this time.

Post Op 3 Weeks Recovery

• Most stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days.


• Your new breasts may feel firmer and look rounder.


• The skin on your breasts may be numb; this should improve over time.


• You may experience some permanent loss of feeling in the nipple area.

Self-Care at Home

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired.


• Avoid lifting anything that would cause strain for 2 to 3 weeks.


• Do not lift anything over your head for 2 to 3 weeks.


• Ask your doctor when you can resume driving and sexual activity.


• You can shower the day after surgery if there is no drain; otherwise, shower once the drain is removed.


• Avoid baths or hot tubs for about 4 weeks.


• You may return to work or your normal routine in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your work and treatment type.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.


• If you have an upset stomach, consume bland, low-fat foods like rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.


• Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


• Constipation is common; consider taking a fibre supplement and a mild laxative if needed.

Medicines

• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your medications.


• Ask about resuming blood thinners such as aspirin.


• Take pain medicines exactly as directed:




• If prescribed, follow the pain medicine regimen.


• Consult your doctor for over-the-counter pain options if needed.


• If your pain medicine causes nausea, take it after meals or consult your doctor for alternatives.




• Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.

Incision Care

• Follow any specific care instructions provided by your doctor.


• Wear the special bra as instructed, potentially both day and night for several weeks.


• Wash the incision area daily with warm, soapy water; avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.

Exercise

• Walk daily, gradually increasing your distance.


• Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.

Ice Application

• Apply ice or a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours for the first 3 days as needed.

Follow-Up Care

• Attend all follow-up appointments.


• Contact your doctor or nurse for any problems.


• Keep track of test results and medications.

When to Call for Help

• Call 911 for emergencies like loss of consciousness or sudden chest pain.


• Contact your doctor if you have:




• Persistent pain despite medication.


• Loose stitches or an opening incision.


• Bleeding from the incision.


• Signs of infection: increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, red streaks, pus, fever.


• Signs of a blood clot: leg pain, redness, or swelling.


Breast Augmentation Overview

• Discuss expectations and concerns during the consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Before breast augmentation surgery, it is essential to follow several steps to ensure a smooth recovery process.

1. Read all instructions provided by your surgeon, including postoperative care and general expectations. Allow time to ask follow-up questions and get clarification as needed.
2. Fill your prescriptions, including pain management and antibiotics, well in advance of surgery. Your surgeon may offer guidelines to abstain from certain medications, supplements, and herbs that can cause bleeding.
3. Stop smoking and vaping, as nicotine can impede healing, increase infection risk, and worsen scar appearance. Stop all nicotine products for at least 6 to 12 weeks before and after the procedure.
4. Arrange for a support person to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. A spouse, friend, or relative can help with meal prep, child care, and household maintenance, as you will have limited energy and mobility.
5. Go shopping for healthy foods, snacks, water, and Tylenol, as this is the safest option for over-the-counter pain management. Remember to have access to your written post-opop instructions from the surgeon.

Recovering from Breast Augmentation: Important Guidelines

In preparing for surgery and recovery, patients can be overwhelmed by all the information given to digest. In the following checklist, we have distilled some of the most important tips and guidelines for you to know in the immediate aftermath of your breast augmentation procedure.

• Following your surgery, you are going to feel very fatigued. You should not plan on doing anything but resting for your first week or so of recovery.
• For the first two or three days, it is crucial that you avoid any activities that could elevate your blood pressure. This can cause bleeding which may necessitate further surgery.
• It bears repeating: You need someone staying with you for at least the first 24 hours, and ideally the next day or two if you have young children, toddlers, or infants. Your support person can help around the house, but also keep an eye open for any unexpected complications.
• You may feel tightness, soreness, or pain in your chest for several days. This is why you will have medication options, both over-the-counter and prescription.
• You cannot shower for the first 24 hours. And, you will want to avoid any still water, such as bathtubs and swimming pools, for at least 2 to 6 weeks.
• Do not plan on traveling for the first week or two.
• Be alert to the common signs of infection: Warmth, redness, and fever. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, call your plastic surgeon’s office ASAP.
• For the first 6 weeks, you will need to wear either a post-surgical bra or other non-underwire bras at all times.
• Avoid bending over, reaching up or across your body, and do not lift anything that weighs more than 5 pounds.
• Due to the medication and anesthesia in your system, you may have constipation for your first few days of recovery. Be prepared for this with Colace or other over-the-counter constipation medications.
• Do not sleep on your stomach. Ideally, you should lie on your back with your head slightly elevated.

By sticking to these basic tips and guidelines, you will be well on your way to a smooth, fast, and safe recovery.

Breast Augmentation Recovery: Timeline

One of the most common questions that patients ask before breast augmentation is how long is it going to take for them to feel fully recovered.

There is no simple answer to this question as all patients are different. Your recovery time can vary depending on the type of implant and the type of incision, as well as your healing progress. Adherence to your surgeon’s post-op instructions will help you to recover more quickly.

For some patients, it takes just a few days to a week before they are able to resume most of their daily non-strenuous household activities. For others, it may take more time. Even if you have a perfect recovery, you should wait at least 3 to 6 weeks before returning to the gym or engaging in any strenuous exercise, and always check with your surgeon when in doubt.

With that said, here is what you can expect in terms of a general timeline.

The First 24 Hours

Breast implant surgery will usually take less than one hour to complete. After surgery you will be taken to a recovery room, where your condition will be monitored for another hour then you will be cleared to head home with a caregiver.

When you first wake up, you will likely feel some pain and soreness in your chest. Your movement will be limited, and you may also have some minor dizziness and fatigue.

Once you get home, you are just going to want to rest. Follow your doctor’s orders with regard to painkiller use.

The First 48 Hours

You will likely need pain medication for the first 2 or 3 days. Hang in there and remind yourself that this is temporary. You will soon begin to feel quite a bit more normal.

You may experience varying levels of pain, swelling, and bruising. Use your pain medication as directed by your surgeon, and make sure you stay consistent with your antibiotic use.

One thing to keep in mind: Some patients develop a very mild fever during the first couple of days. This is not necessarily a sign of infection. If the fever worsens or persists, let your surgeon’s office know.

Do not shower until cleared by your surgeon. Remember to avoid still water, including baths and swimming pools.

The First Week

For the first 4 to 7 days, you should stay home from work and continue resting as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity of any kind. By the end of the first week, you should notice your energy coming back to you and your pain and soreness lessening quite a bit.

Another important note about the first week is that your incision will still be covered with gauze bandages and/or surgical tape. Follow your surgeon’s instructions with regard to changing and checking your dressings.

Your implants may appear to be too high, especially if placed under the muscle. This is normal and will take weeks to months to settle into the correct position.

Weeks 3-6

Fast forward to week three: By this point, any pain, discomfort, or soreness should be significantly abated. At this juncture, you are free to resume most of your regular physical activities, except high impact activity or upper body exercises including yoga, pilates, and golf unless cleared by your surgeon.

Continue to wear your support bra, or a sports bra, to ensure that your breasts are supported, especially during high-impact activities.

First Two Months

Once you move out of the initial recovery phase, your plastic surgeon will let you know when it is okay to stop wearing a support bra. Additionally, after two months or so, most patients will be cleared by their surgeon to resume all of their normal activities, including vigorous workouts and other physically strenuous endeavors.

When Can You See Results from Your Breast Augmentation?

When you first start thinking seriously about getting breast implants, it is natural to feel excited about seeing your new figure. However, it is important to realize that you are not going to see the final results immediately from your breast augmentation. There will of course be some swelling and bruising. Swelling in the area of the sternum is common which may make your cleavage look less pronounced. This is normal.

It may be about two full months or more before you can truly, clearly see the outcome of your breast augmentation, and really assess the change to your body. Our advice: be patient and do not be discouraged. It can be frustrating to go through surgery and not see a perfect outcome immediately. Scars should begin to slowly fade until they are only faintly visible. Keep in mind that it takes 12 to 18 months for scars to fully mature so be patient during this transitional process.

Breast augmentation patients often experience physical discomfort, swelling, and bruising during their recovery period. These side effects can be temporary and can be managed with the help of a plastic surgeon. Painkillers and over-the-counter remedies can be prescribed by your plastic surgeon, but rest and time are essential.

Swelling and bruising are common side effects of breast augmentation, which can last for up to two months. Homeopathic medications like Sinecch or Arnica Montana can help minimize swelling and bruising, but cold packs or ice should not be used. Bleeding is another common side effect, and it may occur even a week or two after surgery but is most common immediately following surgery. If you notice any excessive swelling or bleeding, contact your plastic surgeon immediately as it may indicate a hematoma that may require reoperation.

Fatigue is another common side effect of breast augmentation, and it is important to be patient with yourself and prepare a comfortable place at home for the first five to seven days. A support person is crucial in ensuring you do not have to get up to handle chores around the home.

Limited movement during the first few weeks is advised to allow the pockets where your implants are placed to heal without disruption. It is essential to take it easy and avoid doing too much.

Infection is a rare but understandable concern for breast augmentation patients. IV antibiotics are typically administered during surgery and a short course of oral antibiotics post-operatively. If you experience persistent fever or discharge from your incision(s), contact your surgeon immediately. Early infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Following breast augmentation, scar tissue around each implant, known as capsular contracture, forms around the implant. In rare cases, the capsule may form more aggressively, causing it to feel firmer than it is supposed to and sometimes distorting the shape of the breast. If severe capsular contracture occurs, a capsulectomy or capsulotomy is performed to replace the implant and remove the scar tissue. This procedure usually corrects the problem and often does not recur.

In conclusion, breast augmentation patients should be aware of the potential risks associated with their implants, including rupture. They should consult their plastic surgeon about specific rupture risks with each implant type and manufacturer, and consider seeking replacement implants during the same operation.

What About Scarring?

One final consideration related to breast augmentation recovery is scarring. Here are a few considerations:

Prior to surgery, your surgeon should discuss your options for the incision site. Your scar may be located just underneath the curve of your breast, called the (inframammary approach), along the lower half of the nipple (called the periareolar approach), or in the armpit (called the transaxillary approach). Your plastic surgeon can tell you more.

Your scar will initially be fairly noticeable; it may be red or pink in color and slightly raised or bumpy in its texture. For the vast majority of patients, it will fade over time, blending with your natural skin tone. This process may take up to 18 months, but most patients will notice their scars fading sooner than that.

As for steps you can take to minimize the visibility of your breast implant scars, some quick recommendations include:

• Abstain from smoking, both before and for several weeks after your procedure.
• Minimize scar exposure to the sun.
• During your recovery, eat nutritiously and stay hydrated.
• Consider a medical-grade scar product if you are prone to poor scars.
• Follow post-op instructions from your surgeon.