1. Create a relaxing environment
Stay ahead of your recovery journey by preparing a relaxing recovery area even before you go in for the surgery. This could be your bedroom or any other room within your home. Since you’ll spend most of your time here as you recover from breast enlargement surgery, it is important to make this area as conducive as possible. Make sure to bring in extra pillows to make your bed more comfortable, or a recliner to support your body in the proper resting position. You should have ample access to bottled water and healthy snacks. Your favorite TV shows, books, or magazines should also be included
2. Plan ahead for supplies
The best time to stock up with breast augmentation recovery supplies is before you even undergo surgery. In addition to supplies that you’ll need in your resting area (magazines, books, TV shows, etc), you’ll also need to get comfortable clothing such as button-up shirts. Make sure to fill your prescriptions before the procedure so you have what you need to alleviate discomfort during recovery. Other breast augmentation supplies that you should get ahead of time include a digital thermometer (to monitor your temperature), ice packs to help with swelling, post-surgery bras, drinking straws, and cleansing wipes.
3. Ask for help
Breast enlargement is an outpatient procedure that is completed within 1-3 hours. Immediately after surgery, the patient will be put in a recovery room for monitoring then discharged to go home. You need to secure a ride after surgery and find someone to stay with you for at least 48 hours. Planning for a caregiver is even more important if you have kids or pets. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to stay with you over the first couple of days. You will be more comfortable and will have the time you need to rebuild your strength when you know there’s someone around to assist with everyday chores such as preparing meals. Your caregiver can also help you get in and out of bed, as well as put in loose, comfortable clothing.
4. Take time off work
Breast augmentation has less recovery time compared to many other cosmetic procedures. Some patients may even feel well enough to return to work within a week. Still, Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you take at least 2 weeks off work in order to give yourself adequate time for a full recovery. Going to the office may increase the likelihood of physical exertion and get in the way of your healing. Patients who engage in more strenuous work may need to stay off work for at least 4-6 weeks. Make sure you have as much time (to recover) as your body asks for, and only return to work after you’ve got the go-ahead from your plastic surgeon.
5. Get as much rest
Taking enough rest is one of the best breast implant recovery tips ever. Pushing yourself too hard after a surgical procedure can lead to immediate or long term complications. Many patients tend to feel emotionally and mentally vulnerable as a result of surgery. How you take care of yourself is important in order to keep these feelings at bay. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you take adequate rest, with brief periods of light walking in order to improve blood flow. You should sleep on your back or on your sides throughout the breast implant recovery timeline. Stomach sleeping can lead to a lot of pain and displacement of your implants, among other serious complications. Make sure you have a comfortable bed or recliner in your resting area where you can relax and allow your body to regain its strength.
6. Eat the right foods
A healthy diet is a must-have in your post-op breast augmentation checklist. You need to get your body the right nutrients it needs for proper healing and recovery. That means eating healthy post-surgery foods such as berries, vegetables, plant-based oils, dark leafy greens, lean meat, and poultry. Keep away from junk food and unhealthy options until after you recover from your breast enlargement. It is also important to stay hydrated after surgery in order to facilitate proper recovery. Dr. LaBarbera advises his patients to hydrate with water and healthy beverage options. Avoid carbonated beverages, smoothies, energy drinks, fruit juice, caffeine, and alcohol. You should also avoid smoking before and after surgery because the chemicals released by cigarettes can negatively impact blood flow and thus impair healing.
7. Prevent constipation
Some pain mediations prescribed after surgery can lead to constipation. While your surgeon may prescribe a good stool softener, it is up to you to consume the right foods in order to put constipation at bay. Examples of foods that cause constipation include alcohol, processed grains, red meat, gluten-containing foods such as wheat and barley, fried or fast foods, and dairy products. On the other hand, healthy options that prevent constipation include prunes, apples, kiwifruit, pears, citrus, spinach and leafy greens, sweet potatoes, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils), chia seeds, oat bran, and whole-grain foods.
8. Avoid strenuous activities
‘Taking it easy’ is among the best tips for breast augmentation recovery. While most patients are able to return to routine activities and duties within a week, you’ll need to avoid any form of heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Keep in mind that pre-maturely straining your body during breast enlargement recovery can lead to complications such as wound injury. Your Phoenix plastic surgeon will ask you to take light walks and engage in other non-intensive activities in order to improve your physical and emotional health during recovery. You should be able to engage in intensive exercises such as jogging at least after 6 weeks.
9. Maintain a positive attitude
Healing is as much a mental feat as itis physical. It is not uncommon to experience a range of negative emotions during breast implant surgery recovery. Some women may feel sad, depressed, and unhappy with themselves. The fact that you have to spend a lot of time doing almost nothing does not help the situation. Do not let the negativity consume you. Reach out to your spouse, family, or people who support you and may offer a word of encouragement. If you have any stress or anxiety regarding the kind of result to expect at this juncture, reach out to Dr. LaBarbera and be very frank with him. The surgeon’s office is available to provide the guidance and support you need throughout the breast augmentation recovery.
10. Follow instructions
Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed instructions that should be followed while you’re recovering from breast implant surgery. These may cover how to take medication, how to use compression garments (these help with healing), and how to massage your breasts. Your surgeon knows what works best in order to deliver the kind of result you are looking for. Make sure to strictly follow the recovery instructions and attend all post-op appointments in order to ensure proper healing.
11. Know what to watch out for
Side effects such as pain and soreness are common following breast enlargement surgery. You may also experience some nausea immediately after the procedure depending on the kind of anesthetic used. These side effects are typically normal. Your doctor will provide appropriate medication such as painkillers (to increase your comfort), stool softeners (to prevent constipation), and antibiotics. Still, you need to watch out for signs that something could be going wrong. Get in touch with your plastic surgeon immediately if you have significant bleeding or swelling, fever, or severe pain. Although rare, these symptoms could indicate that something is wrong and require speedy intervention. Dr. LaBarbera’s office is always available should you have any questions or concerns during your breast enlargement recovery.