You have finally decided to move forward with the procedure you have been considering for years, a breast augmentation. After completing your consultation visit and choosing the right implant sizes with your doctor, the big day has come. Although many women only look forward past the recovery process to the actual results, there are things to consider in surgery recovery to make sure your healing process is as quick and painless as possible. These breast augmentation recovery tips may give you an idea of what to expect following the procedure.
The Recovery Room
Once you wake up from anesthesia from surgery, you will be brought to the recovery room. In this room, nurses will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to verify your vital signs are stable. Once the anesthesia completely wears off you will probably feel sore and dazed. When nurses see you responding properly you will be released to go home, generally after two to three hours. Be sure to ask for pain reliever if you feel pain, and ask for blankets if you feel cold. Surgeons use ice packs on the implants typically during surgery, so you may find yourself shivering uncontrollably. Now is the time to tell your surgeon or anesthesiologist any complaints of discomfort. They will be able to give you proper medication for pain or nausea and determine if these symptoms are normal or are a sign of complications.
Breast Augmentation Recovery At Home
Once you are released from the doctor’s supervision, you will be given information about breast augmentation recovery after breast augmentation at home. More then likely your surgeon will advise you to apply ice packs on your chest for the first 48 hours following surgery.
In some cases, with larger enhancements, the surgeon will place drains in your implants. These are tubes placed in the incision and drain out excess fluid. Your outpatient paperwork will specifically instruct you how to drain your fluids and care for the drains. These will be removed at your first follow-up appointment.
It is important to keep the incision made from the procedure dry. Surgeons may place sterile strips on the incision lines or glue to bind the incision. Do not let any creams or liquid substances settle into the incision, this can cause irritation and inflammation.
An Elevated Temperature During Breast Augmentation Recovery Could Indicate Problems
Check your temperature frequently during breast augmentation recovery. An elevated temperature could be the sign of infection from any cosmetic surgery. Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics to fight off infection and speed healing, be sure to take the whole prescription and not to stop halfway through, the full cycle will assist you in the healing process.
During your recovery after breast augmentation, you will experience pain and soreness. If the implants were put below the muscle, the pain will be more severe. Let your doctor know and get pain reliever prescriptions such as Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine, and Percocet. Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin during breast augmentation recovery, as these are blood thinners and cause excessive bleeding.
You should expect your implants to swell for at least three to four months. Once the swelling subsides, your new breasts will be the expected size. Recovery from breast augmentation surgery can be unpleasant, but once you get through it, you will have a new found confidence. In many cases, the pain and scarring can be eased through the use of compression garments, as is sometimes used following an abdominoplasty.
