After breast augmentation, your body needs time to heal and adapt to the new implants.
To achieve the best results and reduce the risk of complications, you will have to be patient, take proper care, and closely follow your surgeon’s guidance during the recovery process. Are you considering breast augmentation or have you just undergone the surgery? This is what you can expect from the recovery period.
What is the recovery time for a breast augmentation?
Generally, patients can expect a recovery time following breast augmentation of 6 to 8 weeks for the initial healing phase, although it can vary widely.
Most patients are able to return to work and engage in light activities within a week, although heavy lifting, power walking and vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least a month. Full recovery, with implants fully settled into their final position, may take up to 3 to 6 months.
Speed up the recovery
With a proactive approach to care and lifestyle adjustments, you can accelerate the duration of your breast augmentation recovery. There is a series of recommended practices in order for your body to heal more efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing comfort during the recovery process.
Reach out to friends or family
During your recovery, having a support system is invaluable. By reaching out to friends who you know will be supportive or family before-hand, you can create a support-network that can provide practical help, such as picking you up at the clinic after your surgery, assisting with daily tasks, emotional support or companionship, so that you can focus on healing and getting back to your normal routines.
Get up on your feet
Shortly after the surgery, your surgeon will recommend gentle walks to help with circulation, reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots. Initially, these walks should be short and within your recovery area. As you start feeling better, you can slowly increase your walking distance and add other exercising activities but none of them should be strenuous.
Follow the incision after-care
To prevent infection and promote healing, proper care of your incision sites is needed. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, including how to keep the area clean, application of healing hydrating creams and avoiding certain activities that could strain the incisions. If you feel the slightest uncertainty, you can easily get in touch with your surgeon through Adoreal.
Keep your body upright
Maintaining an upright position, especially during sleep, will help reduce swelling and discomfort during the initial weeks following surgery. Use pillows to support your upper body and maintain a semi-upright position. This facilitates proper blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It also minimises the risk of complications related to the surgical site.
Get your vitamins
Make dietary choices that ensure you get enough of vitamins A, C, K and zinc.
- Vitamin A supports cell growth and immune function. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale are excellent sources.
- Vitamin C enhances collagen production, strengthening the skin and connective tissues, speeding up healing of the incision.
- Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and can be found in green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
- Zinc facilitates wound healing. Incorporate foods such as beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils and chickpeas into your diet to enhance recovery.
Hydrate inside and out
For optimal recovery, you need to hydrate inside and out. Drinking a significant amount of water will help flush toxins from the anaesthetic out of your body, boost your immune function and prevent constipation from medication. Although applying moisturiser will hydrate and nourish your skin, you should wait to use topical moisturisers until your incisions have healed sufficiently. Use the skincare products recommended to you by your doctor to avoid any irritation on your healing skin.
Get enough sleep
Make sure to prioritise rest and sleep to create optimal healing conditions. Ensure you get enough sleep each night by creating a comfortable, restful environment and avoiding stimulants before bedtime. Sleep supports the body's repair processes, promoting quicker recovery and better overall health. Learn more about how you should sleep after breast augmentation.
Wear compression garments
Compression garments manage breast swelling, support the healing tissues and shape the area around the implants, impacting the final outcome of the surgery. They should be worn consistently. According to the specific instructions provided, you should not decompress to ensure the best possible recovery experience. Your surgeon will give you recommendations on what type of bra to wear after breast augmentation.