There are many considerations that go into the decision of getting breast implants. The recovery process after the procedure is certainly one of these. It may not be the deciding factor in whether or not to have the procedure, but the time that recovery takes may influence when you’re able to undergo the surgery.
The Variables in Breast Augmentation Recovery
Women will take different amounts of time to fully recover from this cosmetic surgery. There are variables that may make it take longer. For instance, if larger implants than usual were used than this can make it take longer as well as whether the implant is placed over or under the muscle. The type of implant used can also affect how long it takes before you’re comfortable and pain-free again, and every individual has their own pain tolerance and recovery response.
Common Benchmarks for Recovery Time
For most women, the time of greatest discomfort will be the few days immediately after the procedure. On average, you can stop taking pain medication about four to five days after it’s been done. Any swelling issues may take a few weeks to improve, and your breasts should appear how they’ll look for the long term after about six weeks. Most patients will have to take it easy as far as exercise or physical work for the first few weeks. After six weeks, you should be sufficiently recovered to be able to exercise without restraint.
You Should Plan Accordingly
When you see your plastic surgeon during your consultation for any cosmetic work, they should mention the recovery time to you and that you need to plan for it. They may recommend taking a week off work immediately after it’s been done, so you’re able to get plenty of rest and sleep afterward. You also need to reduce any physical movements that cause your breasts to bounce until you’re fully healed. Eating healthy is advisable at all times but especially after any surgical procedure in order to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal properly. All of these factors may influence when you’re able to get the procedure done since it’s best to do it when your life is in a somewhat less hectic lull for at least a week. If you have a week of vacation time coming at work anyway, you can use it to recover from this instead.
Picking the Right Cosmetic Surgeon
This was not mentioned above as one of the variables that affect recovery time, but it certainly is a critical one. A more experienced surgeon will have the expertise to have perfected their technique, which should have the effect of minimizing your recovery time as much as possible. A more experienced surgeon should also have a higher chance of doing the procedure with less visible scarring. This is especially critical since the scarring never fully goes away. A skilled surgeon will be able to get the job done with a smaller incision and make it in a less noticeable spot.
If you are in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you’ll want to know about the Kole Plastic Surgery Center. All of our cosmetic procedures are done by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Edward S. Kole. Dr. Kole believes in arming you with all the information you need to make an informed choice when you see him for a consultation. He has been practicing at the Kole Plastic Surgery Center since 2005, so he brings this experience to every cosmetic surgery he performs, whether that be rhinoplasty or breast surgery. When you want a breast augmentation, he talks with you and determines exactly what it is you’re looking to achieve from it, which enables him to bring you the best possible end result. Please contact us at your earliest opportunity, and we’ll schedule your consultation with Dr. Kole, so your appearance in the mirror will be closer to how you feel.