A Timeline for Recovery after Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation may be an elective cosmetic procedure, but it is still a major surgery. If you have been considering breast augmentation surgery, you most likely have questions about what the recovery process will be like and how soon it will be until you can get back to your normal everyday activities. While no two surgical experiences are exactly alike, this timeline should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Immediately after Breast Augmentation Surgery
As breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure performed under general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room immediately after surgery until you wake up and are ready to go home. You will likely be groggy from the anesthesia for a few hours after waking up, so it’s a good idea for you to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home.
As you prepare to go home, your plastic surgeon will give you a checklist of instructions for proper follow-up care. This could include a schedule for taking your medication, instructions for cleaning, care methods to avoid infection, and a reminder to return soon for a follow-up visit.
As with any major surgery, you can expect to feel pain and soreness directly after the procedure. You may also experience bruising and redness around the surgery site, as well as a sensation of stretching or tightness while your body adjusts to the implants. If you experience a fever or excessive warmth around the wound, however, tell your surgeon as you may have an infection.
Your plastic surgeon will probably prescribe you medication for pain and/or nausea depending on your needs, and you may wear a surgical bra for a few weeks to encourage healing. Most patients find that they are able to resume non-strenuous activities within one to two days.
One Week after Breast Augmentation Surgery
At this point after your breast augmentation surgery any sharp pain has most likely subsided, though you may continue to experience aches, soreness, and tightness. You will probably visit your plastic surgeon sometime during this week so that he can assess the progress of your healing and give you a more concrete outlook for recovery. If there are stitches that need to be removed, your surgeon may take them out during this time.
One Month after Breast Augmentation Surgery
By this time swelling and soreness should be mostly gone, but may persist for a couple more weeks. With your doctor’s approval you may ease back into exercise routines and other activities, but start small and know your limits. By six to eight weeks, most patients have experienced a full recovery.
Contact Your Missoula Plastic Surgery Specialists Today
With the proper care, recovery after a breast augmentation procedure can be relatively fast and pain free. Dr. Stephen P. Hardy, MD, Michael V. Hromadka, MD, and the rest of the staff at Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates are committed to providing plastic surgery procedures in a tranquil setting with top quality aftercare so that their patients can quickly get back to living their lives. Contact our Missoula plastic surgery practice today to schedule a consultation and discuss your breast augmentation options.