Breast augmentation with fillers or fat transfer was one of the top cosmetic procedures in the United States last year and has been the most popular surgery around the world for years. Following breast augmentation, many women report satisfactory outcomes with much higher levels of happiness and self-confidence.
An optimal aftercare after surgery is crucial for good healing and recovery. Knowing how long it will heal and scar to disappear, and learning the basic aftercare tips help patients better prepare for their life-transforming experience. Read on to find out some useful information related to postoperative healing and recovery.
How Long Will Full Recovery Take?
Experiencing temporary bruising and swelling after the procedure is quite normal. It usually happens when the body reacts to the incision wound; however, it will likely reduce in the first week or two.
Pain of varying intensity and chest heaviness are also common signs of post-op body reactions. Make sure to take pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by the surgeon. Furthermore, you may also have other temporary signs for 2 to 3 weeks, such as tingling sensations, numbness, increased sensitivity in the breasts, and a crackling or sloshing sensation beneath your skin. Cracking sound is produced by the trapped air under the skin. These changes are normal after breast augmentation and usually subside in 3 to 6 weeks.
The surgeons give internal (tissue-dissolving) sutures that will be dissolved after a couple of weeks. If a suture pokes out, don’t pull on it and get in touch with your clinic and a practitioner.
What Are The Postoperative Recovery Stages?
Most patients feel sore and groggy after waking from anesthesia. These side effects are secondary to the use of anesthetic agents and their intensity will vary depending on the anesthetic drug. It may feel like a hangover and you will need someone to stay with you for the first few hours and drive you home. These effects should wear off in 3 to 4 hours.
The First Week
The first few days are likely to be the most uncomfortable after any surgical intervention. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatory pills or creams to ease discomfort for those first 72 hours. Most women can manage mild pain and discomfort with OTC (over the counter) pain killers.
The Next Few Weeks
After the first week, most surgeons advise their patients to start the light physical activity such as desk work and a normal daily routine. The pain and discomfort should be minimal after the first week, but surgeons advise women to avoid strenuous physical activity like going to gym, running, swimming,or horseback riding.
Full Recovery
Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to track your recovery and assess how far along your breast tissues have healed. Generally speaking, most patients are fully recovered after two months and are advised to resume all normal activities – including strenuous exercises and workout.
Following your surgeon’s care instructions closely is vital for speedy recovery and to ensure no adverse effects or complications.
What Are The Important Aftercare Essentials?
The hospital stay after breast augmentation singapore surgery is very short and you may return home the same day. However, if you request specialized aftercare in the hospital or clinic, the surgeon will recommend you to stay overnight at the operation place. The plastic/cosmetic surgeon who will perform the surgery will guide you through the aftercare essentials. Some of the most recommended tips for quick recovery after the procedure include;
Stay Hydrated
Water is an essential requirement for the body and it also helps in recovery. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to reduce swelling, and boost the healing and recovery process. Constipation is one of the common side effects of surgery, and drinking adequate amounts of water can help move things along. However, completely refrain from drinking alcohol and avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks during the recovery period.
Surgical Bra
Surgical bra is important as it plays a significant role in post-op recovery. It supports your breast tissue against gravity, helps reduce muscle pulling, and keep your boobs in place to ensure faster scar healing. You will be wearing this when you wake up from anesthesia. Most surgeons recommend this wearing for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on your healing progress, the duration may decrease or increase.
Clothing
As much as possible, wear button up shirts and zipped jackets for a few days after the surgery. Wearing tight clothes can cause complications or may delay healing due to overstretching yourself early on.
Showering
Surgeons recommend protecting your wound from immersing in the water for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Waterproof dressings may be used over the incision site. However, you are still encouraged to practice caution when showering. A quick shower and dabbing the dressing area dry would be recommended.
Taking Medication
The surgeon will prescribe antibiotics along with pain relieving medication to ease pain and discomfort. Make sure to take the prescribed medication to avoid unwanted side effects or complications.
Sleeping
After surgery, you are recommended to sleep on your back or in an elevated position for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you are not accustomed to sleeping on your back, you may find it difficult and unnatural at first. However, being upright and sleeping on your back is essential to make sure there is no excessive stretch that can worsen the swelling, delay wound healing, and increase the risk of implant shifting. Also, keeping your head above your heart levels helps with anti-swelling and keeping water retention away as you recover.
Resting Time
Plastic surgeons highly recommend a proper rest for at least first 5 to 7 days following the procedure. As discussed earlier, you can perform very light duties, such as desk work or walking – but any stretching work or heavy workout is not recommended.
Time-Off Work
Getting 7 or 10 days off from your work and doing proper rest at home gives your body and mind time to adjust after the surgery. Physical discomfort, swelling and other post-surgery changes can make you less ready to engage in social activities. Hence, setting aside time to heal would take off any unnecessary psychological stress and let your body focus on recovery.
Exercise
Most surgeons recommend starting a light physical activity within a week following the procedure. The typical advice for heavy exercise is a minimum gap of 3 to 4 weeks post surgery. You should put yourself on hold for 6 weeks or more to do strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
When Can I Drive
The best way is to get permission from your plastic surgeon in a followup after the surgery. Your surgeon will be in a better position to advise on the suitable time for you to resume driving. Not consulting your surgeon or driving in early days will put you at risk for implant rupture due to pulling of muscles or sudden, jerky movements in the chest area. Also, avoid driving while on your pain medication course, as these drugs can increase the risk for drowsiness.
Aftercare Is Key To Quicker Recovery From Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is considered to be a major surgery to many and proper planning and arrangements for recovery can help to relieve inconveniences one has to face after the procedure. In addition, proper after care also helps to reduce the likelihood of complications and speed up recovery. You are encouraged to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon closely and should there be anything you feel uncertain about, do check with him/her for clarification.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
