Whatever type of plastic surgery you have, there will always be a period of recovery where your wounds need to heal, and your body needs to rest. For breast augmentation surgery, it is no different, so if you are considering having a breast reduction or enlargement, here is what you can expect.
- Immediately after surgery
After a breast augmentation surgery, you will wake up feeling groggy from the anaesthetic. Therefore, you will need to have someone who can drive you home and look after you for the first few nights at least.
You might feel tightness and soreness, and notice swelling and bruising in the area. Therefore, you will require pain relief to reduce the discomfort.
- First three to five days
The first three to five days are typically when you will feel most discomfort, according to Healthline.
However, pain medication will help manage the aches and swelling. Rest is important during this phase, and strenuous activity or heavy lifting is discouraged for one month.
- After one week
The pain should have subsided significantly after one week, and any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The swelling and bruising will also subside, and you can return to work, as long as you are not expected to do any demanding physical activities.
- Three to five weeks
After a few weeks, the pain should have dissipated, and the swelling and bruising would have decreased.
You can begin to return to lighter forms of exercise, such as yoga or Pilates, as long as your surgeon has given their approval. It is important to continue wearing post-surgical support to protect the breasts and promote healing.
- Five weeks to three months
At this point, most normal physical activities can be resumed, including running, chest exercises and even heavy lifting. Your breasts should not feel painful, and you’ll find the swelling improves quickly as you near full recovery.
Scars should also begin to fade after around six weeks, and your breasts will start to feel more natural.
- After three months
You should make full recovery after three months or so, which means you can stop wearing a sports bra, be able to sunbathe and can hop on a plane if you want.
Your new breasts will have settled into their final position by now, so you will be able to see what the end result really looks like, which should boost your confidence, and make you want to show them off.
After a few months, you should be able to resume all your usual activities, but if there is something you are particularly worried about, such as skiing, horse-riding or weightlifting, make sure you ask your surgeon.
In order to help your recovery along, it is essential to follow the surgeon’s advice, including how to take care of your wounds. When it comes to clothing, opt for recovery bras and loose-fitting, breathable outfits that will be comfortable and not restrictive.
It is also vital to follow a healthy diet, as this will help your body recover from surgery and take the medication the doctor prescribes.
For more advice on breast augmentation in London, get in touch with us today.
