What to Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is breast augmentation surgery. Most women who undergo this procedure report higher levels of happiness and self-confidence following the enhancement procedure. Many also report feeling satisfied with the results. Before you undergo this type of cosmetic surgery, however, you need to have a clear and realistic idea of what to expect.

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The aim of this surgical procedure, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is to alter the size of a person’s breasts. In most cases, the cosmetic surgeon will use implants to enhance the size of the patient’s breasts. The surgeon may use fat from other parts of the patient’s body to increase the size of his/her breasts, but this method is significantly less common. 

Why People Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery

Some of the reasons why many people have their breasts enhanced include:
 

• To increase the size of their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• To adjust uneven breasts due to certain conditions.
• To reconstruct the breast after certain surgical procedures, such as a mastectomy.

With all the planning and research leading to people’s decision to enhance or augment their breasts, many do not take the time to consider what comes after the procedure. 

However, every type of surgical procedure no matter how simple or safe requires recovery. Therefore, it is important to think about what to expect in the days, weeks, or months following surgery. 

The First Day After Breast Augmentation

Did you know that this is an outpatient surgical procedure often performed under anesthesia? The procedure can last anywhere between one and three hours. Following surgery, you will probably need to spend another couple of hours in recovery. 

The purpose of this recovery time is to ensure that any nausea is under control, you are adequately comfortable, and you are adequately alert and awake before going home. Your cosmetic surgeon will not allow you to drive; therefore, you need to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home. 

Some gauze will cover your incisions, and your doctor will put a post-operative bra on you after surgery. You may also get a prescription for pain medication from your cosmetic surgeon to help get you through the first few days of your recovery. 

The First Week and Month After Surgery

Your body will be hard at work healing; therefore, you should use the first week to eat well and rest your body. This is why it is important to take several days off work before the procedure. Also, you should avoid engaging in any strenuous activity using this week.

After the first week, you should begin to feel more like yourself again. If your job requires much lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take more time off before resuming your full workload. It is always better to be cautious to help your body heal beautifully and avoid complications. 

By the end of the first month, you should notice significantly less swelling, along with healing of the incisions. Throughout the next year or so, all scars should continue to change. Before they look better, they may look worse for a while, but this is normal. 

To know what to expect after breast augmentation surgery, visit Gupta Plastic Surgery at our offices in San Diego or Encinitas, California. You can also call (858) 408-6100 to schedule an appointment.