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What You Need to Know About Your Breast Augmentation Recovery
So, you are considering breast augmentation. If you’re scheduled to have breast augmentation surgery, then you’re not alone. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most requested elective surgeries in the country and with good reason. Dr. Hetal Fichadia has been performing breast augmentation surgeries for years with many satisfied patients. This procedure has a very high patient satisfaction rate. Her experience with breast augmentation procedures means she is well qualified to assist anyone who wants to feel more confident about their appearance.
One of the most common questions asked by our breast augmentation patients is the recovery time. Most women opting for this surgery have busy schedules, both in and outside of the home. Naturally, recovery is a prime concern. Dr. Fichadia uses the principles of Rapid Recovery breast augmentation, or flash recovery breast augmentation, or 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation. Also known as One-day recovery breast augmentation, this is an approach to breast augmentation popularized by Dr. John Tebbetts. The process starts before the day of surgery with a selection of implants and education about the recovery process. During the surgery, Dr. Hetal Fichadia uses a minimally traumatic technique, with minimal blood loss. All of these details combine to ensure recovery with minimal discomfort. Emphasis is on making sure that patients move their arms, and get as close to their normal activities immediately afterward.
How Will I Feel Right After The Breast Augmentation Procedure?
It’s natural to feel nervous about the surgery, even if you know the outcome is going to look amazing. For most of our patients, narcotic pain medications are not necessary, even though you will be prescribed a small amount. Most patients do well with Tylenol and/or Advil. Immediately after the surgery, while still in the recovery room, our qualified and compassionate nurses will help you start the stretches that allow you to lift your arms overhead. Depending on the time of surgery, you can take a short nap after your discharge, and take a shower after you wake up. Dr Fichadia encourages you to go out to dinner, or visit friends the same day as 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation surgery. Sexual intercourse is permitted the evening of your surgery. Use common sense to avoid trauma to the breasts. This is in stark contrast to the traditional teaching where arm movements are restricted for several weeks.
How much pain can I expect after surgery
As mentioned earlier, pain is easily managed by non-narcotic pain medicine. Most women describe the discomfort as a sense of muscle soreness, or a feeling similar to “when your milk comes in”, rather than severe pain. As this resolves, you may have a little soreness on the sides of your breast/chest. Again, this is all normal. Ice packs also help with discomfort. Don’t use ice packs for over 20 minutes as this can cause a mild burn.
What about activities, exercising, and driving?
You are encouraged to do gentle exercises immediately after surgery and can use a treadmill (no incline) the same day. It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities (anything that can get your heart rate over 120) in the first three weeks after surgery. You may lift up to 25 pounds. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. If you have a sedentary job, you may return to work when you feel comfortable. Patients sometimes report difficulty with opening/closing heavy doors (i.e. car doors) and opening pill bottles. You are encouraged to do gentle exercises immediately after surgery and can use a treadmill (no incline) the same day. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Again, avoid aerobic exercises for 2 weeks. We like to say “Let pain be your guide”. The activities that are to be avoided (for 4 weeks) are bench presses, pec fly, weight lifting, push-ups, swimming as these activate your pectoralis muscle.
Following breast augmentation, the breasts will be fairly tight, and there will not be much movement of the breasts. As the breasts stretch and relax, you will see more motion, but this will take months.
You may drive when driving does not cause pain and you can drive defensively. This may occur as soon as the next day if you have a car with power steering. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT drive the same day as your surgery. This is a general recommendation for anyone who has undergone a general anesthetic.
The first week after your breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions for care. You will have a small dressing that you can remove after your procedure, except for the incision tape.
How Can I Speed Up My Recovery Process?
Before your surgery, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy food. Do your stretches as prescribed and increase your activity as your discomfort permits. Remember, the goal is to continue your pre-surgery activities as much as possible to have a speedy recovery with a 24-hour-recovery breast augmentation.
When Will I Be Fully Recovered?
Every person is different when it comes to healing time, but most patients are able to return to work after 2-3 days, as long as they are not lifting over 25 lbs, and are avoiding the activities described above. After two or three weeks, you should be able to perform light exercises, but you should be careful not to exert yourself. In a few weeks, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your gorgeous new figure without much discomfort. The final shape of the breasts can take 5-6 months to evolve. If you want to gain more information on this procedure, contact Dr. Fichadia’s office, located in Portland, OR.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
