If you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about what the recovery process is like.
Since it is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, incisions, and sutures, there is going to be some pain and discomfort during the days and weeks following, but don’t let that scare you. In most cases the recovery process isn’t as bad as you’re making it out to be in your head.
Dr. Adams performs his breast augmentation procedures in a way that minimizes recovery time and lets you get back to your everyday routine in the shortest amount of time possible. However, there are still some things you should know about the recovery and how to prepare yourself for it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Recovery
How Should I Prepare for Recovery, What Should I Buy?
A common concern from people leading up to breast augmentation surgery is what they should have accessible in order make the recovery process as smooth as possible.
After the procedure you’re going to want to relax and take it easy for a while, so the most important thing to have is comfortable clothing. Your body isn’t going to feel like going out and looking cute so take advantage of the down time, put on some comfy sweats and relax in bed or on the couch.
In regard to what type of bra to wear after the surgery, your doctor may provide a tight-fitting sports bra-like undergarment for you to wear as you recover. It’s important to wear it and not to switch it out for a traditional bra that you’re used to.
You want to keep your breasts as stationary as possible while everything heals and by wearing a tight-fitting sports bra, you’re able to keep everything snug and as immobile as possible. You should expect to be wearing this bra until about 2-4 weeks post-op and your doctor has given you approval to remove it.
What is the Average Recovery Time for Breast Augmentation?
Every patient is different, but in general the recovery process for breast augmentation surgery can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. This is from the day after the surgery until fully healed, however Dr. Adams offers his Fast Track 24-Hour Breast Augmentation Recovery which will allow you to be able to return to normal activities within 24 hours.
The pain and discomfort are going to be at their worst for the first week, but by week two or three you should be starting to feel much better. If you’ve had your procedure done by Dr. Adams, this recovery time can be shortened a bit due to the technique he uses to help speed up the recovery process.
The most important thing is to make sure to go to your follow-up appointments with your doctor and let them know if there is any pain or discomfort that you feel might be out of the ordinary. Your doctor has performed many of these procedures and knows what the typical recovery process looks like, so even if you’re slightly concerned about the way you’re feeling, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
While Dr. Adams’ fast track 24-hour breast augmentation recovery will allow you to get back to your normal daily activities, you’ll still need to let your body heal before working out.
How Long Should I Wait to Start Working Out Again?
Many people want to jump right back into their exercise routine after undergoing breast augmentation surgery but doing so can have a major negative impact on your body.
You’ll want to wait until you get the official OK from your doctor before returning to your normal workout schedule. This can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks after the surgery, but short walks are ok to start taking immediately after surgery.
After about two weeks you can start walking on the treadmill or inclined walking as long as your body feels up to it. At four weeks you can resume your normal exercise routine, but you’ll have to hold off on the heavy lifting until about six weeks.
After the six weeks mark your body should be fully healed and you should be able to resume all the exercises you were doing before the surgery. If you have any concerns about your workout regimen and your surgery, consult with your doctor.
With the 24-hour fast track recovery, you’ll be able to get back to aerobic exercise within 2 weeks, but will still have to wait for a full recovery before doing heavy lifting.
Can I Drink or Smoke After Breast Augmentation?
We recommend that you refrain from drinking or smoking immediately after your surgery as both of these things can cause complications with the healing process. Smoking or drinking before and after your procedure can lead to things like infection, blood clots, increased pain, slower healing and more.
In most cases your doctor will request that you quick smoking and drinking for a few weeks before the surgery and refrain from starting again until 3-6 weeks after the surgery. This will ensure that there are no external factors that could play a part in complications or issues with the surgery itself or the recovery process.
Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Painful?
While pain is subjective, any surgery where cuts are made into skin and muscle is going to come with some level of pain. Some people handle the pain better than others, but typically there will be some pain associated with breast augmentation surgery.
General anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you will not feel any discomfort or pain while the surgery is actually happening. Once you awake from sedation, you’re going to be drowsy and sore for a while. The incision areas on the skin will be tender and sore as they begin to heal and the muscle and tissue underneath the skin will be sore as well.
Pain medication and relaxing are the best things you can do for the pain. Your doctor will instruct you on what pain medications to take and can prescribe stronger medicine if you’re experiencing high levels of discomfort.
In the end, a few weeks of pain is typically worth it once you see the results of the surgery. It’s extremely important to follow your doctor’s recovery regimen to help prevent more pain, infection, or complications.
Even if you’ve undergone plastic or cosmetic surgery in the past, you should still listen to your doctor as not all procedures are the same.
If you have any questions regarding breast augmentation or the recovery process for breast augmentation surgery, please contact us to setup a consultation.