What to Expect After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed and is a procedure which has helped many women become more confident in the way they look and feel. If you choose to have breast augmentation surgery, you should enjoy beautiful long-lasting results that last for many years to come. However, the initial period after breast augmentation may involve some discomfort and minor temporary lifestyle changes.
What to Expect
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually in our private PA licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center or infrequently at one of the local hospitals. You will be able to return home within a few short hours after the surgery. During the first few days after surgery will be the most uncomfortable. You will feel fatigued after the procedure and anesthesia, your physical activity will be limited, and Dr. Kole will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to be taken after the procedure. Your breasts will also wrapped for the first few days to keep the swelling down and to counteract some of the spasm.
Each subsequent day after surgery you should feel better and stronger. Your wraps and bandages will be removed around the third day and you will be placed in a soft supportive bra. After about 4 or 5 days, most women feel well enough to return to limited everyday activities like driving and working a desk job. It will be a few days longer until you are able to do things like lift your hands over your head and exercise.
The sutures will be taken out, and you’ll slowly be able to take on more and more activities on or around the end of the first week after surgery. You will then start breast exercises to counteract swelling and massages to soften the breasts and to reduce swelling. By 4 weeks post breast augmentation, Dr. Edward Kole will most likely give you the go-ahead to participate in strenuous activities like weightlifting.
Your breasts will look different just after surgery than they will several weeks after surgery. Immediately after surgery, they will be swollen, with still-visible incisions. Even after the incisions heal and the swelling goes down, it may be up to several months until the breasts take on a more natural shape and feel, as the breasts adapt to the presence of the implants and the swelling resolves.
Minimizing Recovery Time
There will be some recovery downtime associated with breast augmentation surgery; unfortunately, it is unavoidable. However, you can take steps before and after your surgery to minimize your surgical downtime and ensure that your recovery is as comfortable as possible. For example:
- Do not over-exert yourself after surgery. Avoid lifting over 10 lbs for 7 days
- Keep your arms down and your elbows near your sides
- Follow Dr. Kole’s written instructions regarding breast compression
- Arrange for child care before surgery
- Prepare or arrange for meals in advance
Most people do not experience excessive discomfort post breast augmentation, and the period of discomfort and decreased mobility is quite short. In a few short days when it’s over, you will be left with the breasts you’ve always wanted.
To schedule a consultation about whether breast augmentation is right for you, please call Dr. Edward S. Kole at (215) 354-1010 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.