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The recovery period after Breast Augmentation Recovery is important to ensure a smooth outcome. This is due to several reasons, including the possibility of blood clots and swelling. Those with physically demanding jobs should limit physical activity and avoid heavy lifting. It can take two months to recover completely, so it’s important to know what to expect from your recovery. Despite the benefits of the procedure, breast augmentation recovery poses a number of risks.
Symptoms
Post-operative pain and soreness should lessen after a week or two. You may resume most regular physical activity after this period, with the exception of strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. You should follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and finish your course of treatment if it has been longer than three days. If you experience any unusual bruising or swelling, contact your surgeon’s office for additional instructions.
Immediately after surgery, you may experience some swelling, especially in the upper breasts. The breast will also appear shiny and the skin on top will be swollen. Antihistamines may help with the itching. You should also consult with your surgeon if your chest is red and painful. The breasts may not look and feel the same in the days and weeks following surgery. This is not due to the implants; rather, it’s due to fluid accumulation and air trapped in the implant pocket. This will subside in about two to four weeks.
Stages
At three months after your surgery, most patients are feeling completely normal, and their implants are settling down. There are no restrictions on your activities and most have already begun to exercise. Your follow-up visit at this point will generally focus on the surgery’s progress, as well as any questions you have about your recovery and future care. Your doctor may also perform a brief examination of your breasts, as well. In addition to reviewing your procedure, your physician will also provide you with advice regarding breast care.
Post-operation recovery will vary from person to person, but on average, you can return to work seven days after surgery. At two to four weeks, you can resume light physical activity. By six weeks, the breast implants have settled and you can enjoy your new look. At this point, your doctor may recommend that you wear a recovery bra to help with this process. It is important to get plenty of rest and a well-balanced diet to ensure a smooth recovery.
Complications
There are several potential complications of breast augmentation. These include uneven size, shape, and level of the breasts. Some patients may experience bleeding or bruising after the procedure. Other complications may include capsular contracture. The doctor may decide to remove the implant permanently or perform additional surgical procedures to correct the problem. The FDA has issued new guidance on alternative breast implants. These guidelines supersede the previous guidance, which was issued on November 17, 2006.
Approximately one in five patients will experience numbness of the nipples. However, this will improve with time. While the surgery can be uncomfortable and may require a surgical bra for support, breast augmentation recovery can be greatly accelerated by changing your lifestyle. The recovery period can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. While you may experience some pain after the procedure, it should be minimal and manageable.
Physical activity
During the first few weeks after your surgery, it’s okay to engage in moderate physical activity. Walking, swimming and other forms of cardiovascular exercise will help warm up the muscles and improve your endurance. However, you should avoid intense activity, as it could result in post-surgical bleeding, which would require additional surgery. In addition, gentle activity is best for breast augmentation recovery, as the exercise will help your body burn calories and prevent blood clots.
Once your breast augmentation recovery is complete, you can return to light aerobic exercise and lower-body weight training. Although your body will respond differently to different exercises, most women can begin running, riding a horse, or swimming laps two to three weeks after the procedure. You may also want to start doing some abdominal exercises. However, do not push yourself too hard at first, as you still may experience swelling and sensitivity around your breasts.
Pain management
The most common postoperative side effect of breast augmentation is some amount of pain, which can be managed by taking the appropriate medications. The majority of pain medication is prescribed during the first two days following surgery, but some patients also require specific medications to ease their discomfort. Pain pumps may be used for pain relief and are small, balloon-like devices that slowly drip numbing medications into the breast area. The benefits of pain pumps are typically seen within the first two to three days after surgery.
After surgery, postoperative pain typically lasts anywhere from six to twelve weeks. After surgery, patients are encouraged to stay home and avoid strenuous physical activity for two to three weeks. Aspirin can thin the blood and inhibit healing. Pain medication is prescribed for the first week after surgery. Afterward, patients can gradually begin light exercise and their normal daily activities. Pain and soreness may last for two to three weeks, but should be managed carefully with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers.