Recovery is often one of the biggest things we think about when we are considering plastic surgery. What exactly is it going to feel like, how long will it take to recover, how long will you need to take off work? There can often seem like there is an endless list of questions to consider before undergoing any surgical procedure. Knowing exactly what to expect from a recovery period can help to ensure you have a quick, smooth recovery and may help to alleviate any nerves.
Returning home
After having your breast augmentation procedure, you will be able to return home on the same day once the effects of the ClearSleep™ anaesthetic have worn off. You will not be able to drive yourself home and will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult or organise a chaperone. You will be given a compression garment to wear during the recovery period. This will help to keep your breasts in the best shape, as well as to decrease any swelling.
Pain and discomfort
It is normal to experience some bruising, swelling and mild pain and discomfort. This should last for a few days. The amount of pain felt will vary depending on the surgical method and the placement of the implants. However, most people will only experience mild pain. During the first few days, you may wish to take pain medication to help alleviate any symptoms.
You will find you may need assistance during the first initial days after surgery, as you will be unable to drive, and may need assistance with preparing meals and getting dressed. You should generally be able to drive after the first 48 hours, or when you stop taking pain medication that may impact your driving skills and reflexes.
Follow up appointments
Within the initial recovery period, you will have to attend the clinic in order for the surgeon to assess you. This allows the surgeon to see if you are recovering well and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions.
It is important to remember to recognise if the pain and discomfort you are feeling is normal. If you have any pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, redness or heat that is concerning, make sure to contact the surgeon. Centre for Surgery includes 12 months aftercare in our procedures, so you will be able to contact the surgeon if you ever have concerns.
Exercise
You will need to ensure you avoid strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting, for at least 10 days. After this time you should be able to begin to resume light activities. You may still have to avoid upper body exercises until one month after surgery.
You will be informed of a massage technique which you can do at home to help speed up recovery and help you achieve natural looking results. This will be particularly important for those who had submuscular implants.
Work
You may need to take up to two weeks off work in order to fully recover and gain more mobility. The amount of time off work will greatly vary depending on your own recovery and what type of job you have. Some people may be able to return to work fairly quickly, while others may feel the need to take a longer period of time off work.
Sleep
It is important to ensure you get enough rest and sleep throughout the recovery period. To help alleviate any swelling, you will need to ensure you do not sleep on your side or front – make sure to sleep on your back. It is recommended that you sleep with a few pillows to stay propped upright.
Smoking
You will need to ensure that you stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your breast augmentation, and continue to avoid smoking throughout the recovery period. Smoking can have numerous negative effects on the surgery and the recovery period. During recovery, smoking can extend the recovery period and increase swelling and bruising.
It is important to remember that the recovery period will be different for every person. There are numerous factors that will alter the recovery period – your pain threshold, the method of surgery, the placement of the implants, what type of employment you do, to name a few. However, following your surgeons’ advice will ensure that your recovery period will be sped up and you will be back to your usual day-to-day life in no time.
Are you interested in breast augmentation? Centre for Surgery are breast specialists. Contact us today to find out more information about breast augmentation, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.