Implants Breast Surgery Recovery Tips

Introduction

After undergoing implants breast surgery, many patients report feelings of numbness, pain or discomfort in the breasts. Patients usually have severe bruising and can expect to take six to eight weeks to fully recover after the surgery. While there is little that patients can do to rapidly recover from surgery, much can be done to ensure that a patient heals properly after implants breast surgery. There are some signs that patients should look out for: very high temperatures, vomiting, blackened skin, convulsions, fainting and blood in the urine can all be indicative of complications from surgery. Go to the emergency room immediately for treatment in the event that any of these conditions occur.

Step 1

Sleep on your back with your head and neck elevated each night to avoid disturbing your breast implants. In the two days following your implants breast surgery, you may need to use ice packs on your breasts to reduce inflammation and swelling. During the surgery, drains will also be placed into your breasts. Ask your surgeon about caring for the drains, which will typically be removed during your first follow-up session after implants breast surgery.

Step 2

Prevent any moisture from getting into your incisions or the bandages covering your incisions. If your doctor prescribes antibiotic medication to you after surgery, take the medication as directed and use up the entire prescription. Do not stop taking medication because you are feeling better. You must complete the entire prescription.

Step 3

Avoid bathing or washing your hair in the first few days after implants breast surgery. Ask your surgeon about specific guidelines for when you will be able to shower. You may find that you cannot wash your hair, because you will have to lift your arms. Enlist assistance from family members or friends for any help that you may need as you go about your daily life after surgery.

Step 4

Look out for any sign of complications and speak with your surgeon about any problems. Women may find bruising on their chests or may experience sensitivity around the nipples. Place a bandage over your nipples to protect them from abrasive clothing if necessary. Some women may be uncomfortable with the fact that their breasts sit high on their chests, although the breast implants will typically soften and fall lower on the chest after a few weeks. Ask your surgeon about any questions you may have or to schedule up follow-up sessions.

Step 5

Avoid wearing bras with an underwire in the first two weeks after implants breast surgery. Only compression bandages or compression bras should be worn in the first two weeks after surgery. After your surgery, expect to feel numbness in the breasts for about a month. It may take up to two to three months for a patient to completely recover from implants breast surgery. Speak to your surgeon if you have any concerns about the length of time it is taking you to recover from your surgery.

Tips

Consider ahead of time whether breast implant surgery is right for you. Can you afford the procedure and do you have realistic expectations of the procedure? You may instead choose to wear a bra that accents your chest size or focus on other body parts that you may accent instead.

Ask for a second opinion whenever seeking plastic surgery. Ask to see before-and-after photos of a surgeon's patients and ask how long he has been performing breast augmentation surgery. It is also important to know if your surgeon is board certified or not. If he is not, seek a new plastic surgeon.

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