How to Recover From Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure that requires a significant recovery period. While most people begin feeling better within a week or two, the pain and swelling can persist for months in others. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is crucial to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor to prevent complications and encourage healing.
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Instructions
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Take medication for any lingering nausea resulting from the general anesthesia used during your surgery. Nausea generally disappears a few hours following surgery, but it may persist for a day or more in some patients. Vomiting, especially if forceful or prolonged, may damage your sutures and cause considerable pain. Call your doctor and ask for a prescription.
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Wear your compression garment or surgical bra for as long as directed by your plastic surgeon. These garments are designed to support your breasts while they heal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do not take them off until you are told to do so by your doctor, even if they are uncomfortable.
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Apply ice packs to your breasts for the first two to three days following your surgery. Icing your breasts will reduce swelling, help minimize bruising and ease discomfort. You can purchase ice packs at most pharmacies.
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Care for and empty any surgical drains as instructed by your surgeon. Surgical drains allow fluids to drain from your surgical site, preventing infection and pressure buildup, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Generally, cleaning a surgical drain involves removing the bulbs at the end of the drain, emptying the contents and then reattaching the bulbs to the drains.
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Keep a record of the amount of fluid emptied from your surgical drains for your doctor. You should also keep notes on any fevers you experience following surgery, and jot down any other questions or concerns you have for your plastic surgeon at your follow-up visit.
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Avoid getting your incision wet for at least 24 hours. If you received external sutures, you may need to keep your incision dry for several days or weeks. The Mayo Clinic recommends carefully reading the incision care instructions given to you following your breast augmentation surgery.
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Take any antibiotics or other medications prescribed by your doctor. Make certain you continue taking your antibiotics for the entire course of treatment, even if you show no signs of infection.
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Ask your doctor for prescription pain relievers if over-the-counter remedies are not strong enough to control your pain. The amount of pain you experience following your breast surgery depends on the placement of your implants, your overall health and your personal pain tolerance.
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Increase your fluid intake and avoid high-sodium foods to keep swelling to a minimum during your recovery period. Report any sudden swelling to your doctor, as it may indicate a potentially serious complication or an infection.
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Sleep on your back, in a chair or in a semi-upright position on your bed. Sleeping upright helps reduce pain and swelling. You can surround yourself with pillows to prevent rolling over onto your side or stomach during the night.
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Do not exercise strenuously for at least a month after your surgery, but do engage in regular activity. Walking for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times each day, will speed your recovery, prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce swelling. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons cautions against heavy lifting or bending.
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Call your doctor immediately if you notice any excessive bleeding from your incision or if you experience a cloudy discharge or odor from your nipples or suture line. Also, call your doctor right away if you develop blisters on or near your breasts, if you develop a fever greater than 101 degrees F, if your implants protrude or deflate, or if you experience uncontrollable pain, dizziness or numbness in your legs.
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Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience chest pain, blood in your urine or feces, vomiting of blood, sudden and severe swelling, fainting episodes, a fever of 105 degrees F or higher, or if you have a seizure.
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