Breast augmentation is a major surgery and usually involves between six and eight weeks of recovery time.
If you have been through pregnancy and breastfeeding, or would simply like to enhance the size and symmetry of your breasts, you might consider breast augmentation surgery. The treatment is very popular thanks to its ability to achieve excellent results, but it is important to understand that it takes time to fully recover from the surgery. Read on to find out what to expect from the recovery process, and what you can do to aid the healing process…
What can you expect after surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, which means that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, however, you are likely to feel some pain. It is usually possible to leave the hospital within a few hours of surgery, but you will need someone to drive you home.
Your surgeon will provide you with a compression garment, which you should wear for the recommend time. This will help to minimise swelling, as well as build-of fluid. You will also be provided with medications to manage any discomfort that you feel.
Within a week or so, you should be able to resume some light day-to-day activities. You will, however, need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around six weeks.
It is completely normal to experience some soreness, bruising and swelling for a few weeks after surgery. You will also notice surgical scars at the site of incision, but these will gradually fade with time. Speak to your surgeon about ways in which you can reduce scarring.
After around two months following breast augmentation surgery, you are likely to enjoy a full recovery. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe for you to get back to your usual activities and exercise routine.
What can you do for a smooth recovery?
All patients are different, and your recovery will depend on a few factors, including your overall health and age. There are, however, a few things you can do to increase the chances of a good recovery process.
It is important that you wear any recovery garments that you have been provided with as these provide support and can help to manage painful side-effects. You should also take proper care of your surgical wounds and ensure that you keep them clean.
To manage painful side-effects, be sure to take any medications that your surgeon has prescribed. In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
It is very helpful to prepare your home before you go in for surgery — arrange help with housework if you can, prepare some meals in advance, and set up a comfortable space in which to rest. Try to stick to a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water as this will aid the healing process.
If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon. It is also important that you attend any follow-up appointments that have been scheduled so that your surgeon can check that you are healing as you should.
How can we help?
Dr Sophie Ricketts offers a number of procedures for the breasts, including breast augmentation. If you would like to enhance the size of your breasts, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that you can discuss your particular aesthetic goals and concerns with Dr Ricketts. Dr Ricketts will guide you through the process and address any questions that you have along the way.
To find out more about breast augmentation and what the surgery involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Sophie Ricketts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.
