Breast Augmentation Recovery

Recovering from breast augmentation or enlargement surgery is very similar to any other surgery. The time period for recovery from breast enlargement or augmentation surgery depends on the type and method of surgery done. It also depends on the patient. It may take from 2 weeks to 2 months. Actually your recovery is complete only when you become absolutely comfortable with your new breasts. In case of transumblical breast augmentation, the recovery is quite fast when compared to breast reconstruction or other methods of breast enlargement where incisions are more and larger in size.

Just after the surgery, you feel groggy. Once you come out of the effects of anesthesia you feel bruised and the incision sites are very uncomfortable. You may need pain medication. Again this depends on the procedure performed and your pain threshold. During the period of recovery after any breast implant surgery, minor drainage, swelling, tenderness and bruising are common.

Swelling could be reduced or controlled by elevating your torso when you sleep. Using cold packs also serves to be very useful. There are several medication prescribed by the doctor to reduce pain. Bruising could be reduced by limited activity and it has to be strictly followed for early recovery. There may be certain places of numbness on the breast due to the bruised nerves. The indication of the returning of nerve activity is estimated by the electrical shocks or shooting pain experienced by some women. This might remain to be the same for nearly a month or more. Your breasts look and feel different and you may feel odd after the surgery so much so that you might regret your decision. Do not fear as this phase too will pass.

Carefully follow all the instructions for postoperative care. You may need looking after for a few days and if you do not have someone to take care of your needs you can opt to stay in the hospital. You may have to wear a strap, bandages or a surgical bra to support your breasts and to prevent bruising.

During recovery time you should avoid bending, lifting, reaching up or any strenuous activity. You cannot have a shower till your dressings are removed and your surgeon gives you a green light. All incisions should be kept covered and never exposed to the sun for at least a year after the surgery. Full activity should not usually be resumed until at least six weeks into the recovery period. Activities like swimming, skiing, water sports etc should be engaged only after you are fully healed and with the approval of your doctor as they interfere with the recovery.

What sets cosmetic surgery apart from other surgery is that at first the results are not at all what you expected, rather unpredictable in fact.