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What is recovery from breast augmentation surgery like?

Day of Surgery your breast augmentation Surgery in Orange County

  • breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure so your stay in the Orange County surgery center is 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room. You should be accompanied home by a friend or relative until the anesthesia wears off.

Sleeping

  • Sleep on your back for at least the first week after breast augmentation surgery in Orange County to ensure the breast implants are in a perfect position during the initial healing.

Painkillers

  • Expect some soreness for a few days, though this can be controlled with prescribed painkillers. You should be up and around after 24 hours after your breast augmentation surgery.

Showering

  • On the third day after breast augmentation surgery, remove the dressing, sponges, and gauze pads to take a shower. After showering, pat the incisions dry and wear a clean surgical bra or sports bra. Do not wear an underwire bra until you have completely healed or this may prevent your breasts from assuming their natural shape.

Work

  • You should be able to return to work after a few days after breast augmentation surgery, depending on the level of activity required.

Activities

  • Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure during the first week after breast augmentation surgery. This could cause bleeding at the operative site, which could result in a hematoma.
  • Avoid exercises which directly stress the area of your breast augmentation surgery for 4 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, and jogging for up to 6 weeks. This will maximize healing and minimize scarring.
  • Walking is okay during the first week.
  • Cardiovascular activities, such as riding a stationary bicycle or brisk walking, is okay during the second week after breast augmentation surgery.

Driving

  • Avoid driving if it causes pain. Typically driving can be reintroduced 7 to 10 days after breast augmentation surgery. Follow the directions for any pain medication regarding driving.

What to Expect

  • The first post-operative visit occurs 5 days after breast augmentation surgery.
  • You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples that can last up to 3 weeks. This will subside as the bruising fades.
  • Swelling in your breasts can last up to 5 weeks. As a result of the swelling, your breasts may look shiny. As the swelling subsides, the skin will return to normal.
  • Your two breasts may heal differently. One may swell more or feel more uncomfortable than the other and they may differ in shape. Once you have healed completely, your breasts should look similar and natural.
  • You may hear or feel “sloshing” in your breast after surgery, though this does not happen often. It is caused by trapped air around the implant and the fluid that accumulates after an operation. This will subside in a few weeks.
  • Avoid irritation around the surgical site. This can make swelling and fluid accumulation worse and cause problems, such as fluid collection, opening of the suture line or widening of the scar.
  • Avoid excessive force, abrasion, or motion during recovery.

Massaging

  • After the first week of recovery after breast augmentation surgery, breast massages are recommended to reduce the potential for capsular contracture. The proper technique for massaging the implants are taught during post-operative visits.

Scarring

  • Scars will be firm and pink for about 6 weeks but healing is unique to each person. Scars should lighten and flatten out after about 9 months. It is important to protect scars from the sun, even through clothing.

Sensation

  • You may experience tingling, burning, or shooting pains as the nerves regenerate. The nipples may become hypersensitive as well but any discomfort will subside with time. If however, this is accompanied by swelling or redness, infection, or bleeding, seek help.

Mammogram

  • Continue routine mammograms as prescribed; the mammographic technician should use a special technique to ensure a reliable reading.

Emergencies

  • Seek help immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, unusual heartbeats, fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or a general ill feeling. Or if there is an increase in swelling, drainage, pain, redness or bleeding in the breast augmentation surgical area.
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