Everything You Need to Know about Breast Implants: Recovery
Patients new to cosmetic surgery often question the amount of recovery time needed for their procedure. Some people worry that their recovery will require too much time off of work. Others fear that bruising and swelling following the procedure will make public the procedures that they would prefer to keep private. In order to help incoming patients understand what is required for breast implant recovery in particular, here is a breakdown of the general recovery process.
Breast Augmentation Is Normally an Outpatient Procedure
After a few hours in surgery, patients generally will be taken to an observation area where doctors will monitor them to ensure that there were no complications during the procedure. During this observation, the patient will have their torso dressed in gauze, and a bandage and/or support bra will be placed over their chest. After they have been dressed, and they appear aware of their surroundings, patients typically will go home a few hours later.
At-Home Breast Implant Recovery
While at home, patients will need to wear a support bra and take oral medications. Doctors prescribe medication in order to prevent infections. To further help in reducing the possibility of infection, patients will also need to clean the incision site and apply some ointment. The patient should rest for the first 24 to 48 hours and reduce their activity for the next couple of days. Please note: if the patient becomes feverish or notices redness around the site of the implants, it is best to contact the surgeon immediately to ensure that there are no infections.
After this initial phase of breast implant recovery, the patient typically will see swelling and experience soreness for a few weeks. Once this period has passed, the plastic surgeon will inform the patient as to when they can return to normal levels of exercise and activity.
Breast augmentation will require around a week of reduced activity in order to ensure that the incision site has healed correctly. With some post-procedure care and appropriate planning for time off after the surgery, most patients will be able to return to normal activity after this relatively simple period of breast implant recovery.