After you’re breast augmentation, you’re probably going to be eager to flaunt your new curves and fully enjoy your new look. However, before that can happen, you need to be able to give yourself a little “you” time to focus on a comfortable and healthy recovery. Take a look at these five breast augmentation recovery tips to help you plan your post-procedure routine for a speedy recovery and optimal results.
1. Avoid Heavy Lifting
For the first several weeks after your breast augmentation, you’re going to have to take it easy. That means put your strenuous workout schedule on pause and give yourself a break from heavy lifting around the house, including doing laundry, carrying grocery bags and picking up your kids.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can get up and walk around the house or take a very light walk around the block. The key is to avoid pushing your body to do too much too soon. Don’t feel guilty about kicking up your feet for a while and simply resting.
2. Wear the Right Bra
Your cosmetic surgeon will probably send you home with a special surgical bra to wear for the first stage of recovery after getting implants. Try to wear this bra for as long as he or she has recommended. When you do switch to a different bra, though, make sure they do not have underwire. Your best bet is going to be a comfortable sports bra.
Don’t buy too many new bras all at once. As your results continue to develop over the next several weeks, the way your bras fit can change.
3. Don’t Smoke
Tobacco use can disrupt your body’s healing process, so your cosmetic surgeon will likely ask that you stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before your breast enhancement procedure and another 4 weeks afterwards. The plus side is that lots of women find that this provides a great opportunity to finally kick the habit for good.
Alcohol can also interfere with your breast augmentation recovery, so try to avoid drinking in excess until you’ve fully healed.
4. Sleep on Your Back
If you’re used to sleeping on your stomach or your side, you may have to adjust your sleeping habits during your healing process. Sleeping in either one of these positions may cause your implants to become displaced or misshapen before they have fully settled into place.
Instead, the best sleeping position while recovering from breast enhancement surgery is on your back with your head propped up on an extra pillow or two.
5. Check in With Your Cosmetic Surgeon
Throughout your breast augmentation recovery, it’s a good idea to check in with your cosmetic surgeon and make sure you maintain your follow-up appointments. That way, he or she will be able to gauge how well you’re healing and catch any possible implant complications before they become a more serious issue. This is also a good time to ask any questions about your breast augmentation results that you might have.
You should also double-check with your cosmetic surgeon before introducing new levels of physical activity back into your regular routine. The idea is to gradually increase the physical demands that you place you on your body in the weeks and months after getting breast implants. Your cosmetic surgeon can help you to determine when you might be ready to get back to the gym and start lifting heavier objects.
At Hamilton Surgical Arts, our cosmetic surgeons have over 40 years of combined experience to help you find the treatment option that’s right for you. Both Dr. Lowery and Dr. Jackson are recognized leaders in the cosmetic surgery field, providing the highest quality care in the Indianapolis area.
