The excitement surrounding your decision to get breast augmentation at our Austin, TX, plastic surgery practice may be slightly tempered when thinking about the recovery. Thanks to the advanced techniques used by our surgeons, breast augmentation patients often experience shorter recoveries with less discomfort than they expect.
Preparing for recovery after getting breast implants is one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. That includes gathering some tips to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. We’ve compiled a list of 9 tips in this blog post that help patients during their recuperation.
Tips for Breast Augmentation Recovery
In addition to the tips listed here, closely following the post-op instructions we provide is the best way to ensure a speedy recovery free of complications. These instructions involve how to take your medication and care for your incisions and the type of bra to wear (and the types to avoid). We also encourage patients to contact us with any questions or concerns they might have during the healing process.
Tip 1: Fill prescriptions before the day of surgery.
You’ll want prescription pain medication waiting for you at home after the breast augmentation procedure, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. If you take other medications that you’ve discussed with your surgeon, make sure they’ve been refilled if necessary.
Tip 2: Prepare a “recovery nest.”
Getting plenty of rest is an important part of the recovery process, so prepare a comfortable spot with essential items within arm’s reach. You’ll likely want access to electronic devices, your TV remote, books, and other items you’ll want handy, such as lip balm, bottled water, and tissues. You’ll also want pillows to keep your upper body propped up. A recliner is an excellent option if you have one.
Tip 3: Start sleeping on your back before the day of surgery.
If you’re not used to sleeping on your back, spend at least a week getting used to that sleep position. Sleeping on your back after breast augmentation surgery helps prevent breast implants from shifting and avoids irritating the incisions. The ideal sleep position is with the head and upper body slightly elevated to minimize swelling. Make sure you have enough pillows to keep you comfortable.
Tip 4: Don’t forget to move.
Even though we encourage patients to get plenty of rest, it’s equally important to keep blood circulating through the body. This helps reduce swelling and avoid potential complications. Take short walks around your home or even in your neighborhood. Gradually resuming your normal activity level helps the recovery process.
Tip 5: Fill the fridge.
Stocking up on healthy foods and preparing meals before your surgery makes life easier for everyone. Cook some favorite dishes and freeze them, have some packaged salads on hand. Even though ordering meals is easier than ever—hello, Uber Eats—you can save money and avoid unhealthy eating by prepping your own meals.
Tip 6: Properly support your new breasts.
Be diligent about wearing the post-op bra designed for breast augmentation recovery. We recommend wearing it during the first few weeks of recovery before moving on to a sports bra. These bras help the breasts remain in place and won’t irritate the incisions. Even though it’s exciting to think about buying sexier, more stylish bras than you previously wore, postpone the shopping spree until your breasts are fully healed and have “dropped and fluffed.” That typically occurs 3 to 6 months after the surgery. Then schedule time with a professional to measure your bra size before splurging.
Tip 7: Make every day “casual Friday.”
Your wardrobe during recovery should include plenty of comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Button-up or zip-up tops are a must because you’ll want to avoid raising your arms to put on pullover sweaters or hoodies.
Tip 8: Don’t forget the ice packs.
Stock up on a few soft, plastic, reusable ice packs to help reduce swelling and bruising during the first few days of recovery. You’ll need a few because we recommend a “20 minutes on, 20 minutes off” routine. Most swelling occurs during the first 3 to 5 days after surgery, although every patient is unique.
Tip 9: Stay hydrated.
Healing and hydration go hand in hand. Water helps our body’s systems run efficiently. This includes the lymphatic system, which aids in healing and recovery. Drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water each day after surgery is a good goal (so if you weigh 140 pounds, drink about nine 8-ounce glasses of water). Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables also boosts the healing process.
When women search for the best breast augmentation surgeons in the Austin area, they often choose one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Synergy Plastic Surgery. You can request a consultation using the online form to meet with one of our surgeons or call us at (512) 244-1439 to schedule an appointment.
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