Breast augmentation patients are often understandably anxious to see their final results after surgery.
While making the decision to get breast augmentation can feel monumental, women may overlook the recovery period as an equally important step in the process toward achieving the best augmentation results.
In order to enjoy the most comfortable recovery after breast augmentation, it's important to stay informed about what you should expect after surgery.
Here is a closer look at your first month after breast augmentation.
Immediately following surgery, arm exercises help to speed recovery by diminishing swelling and decreasing pain by reducing muscle spasm and stiffness.
At the first scheduled appointment, a second set of exercises known as implant displacement exercises or more commonly as breast massage will also be recommended.
These exercises maintain the surgical results and keep the breasts feeling soft as well as diminish the potential for capsular contracture.
Another YouTube video, Breast Massage is available to aid in understanding and performing the exercises.
Week 1 Immediately after surgery is the time when your breasts will be the most tender, and it's important to relax so that your body can focus on healing:
If your job requires a higher degree of activity, you may want to take another week off.
Your soreness should be greatly reduced by the end of the second week, and you may be ready to lay off the ice packs and pain medications.
However, keep in mind that your breasts will still be tender, and you'll want to continue keeping that in mind.
Keep a selection of shirts that button up in the front so that you don't have to pull your clothes over your head, and sleep on your back to avoid pressing your breasts overnight.
Week 3 By the third week after surgery, you may feel like you're well into the healing process, but don't be discouraged by a less-than-ideal breast appearance.
Many patients become anxious during this time because they think that their final results should be well on the way, but remember that your breast implants will continue to settle for the first several months after your augmentation.
During week 3, one breast may be more swollen than the other, or one implant may be higher than the other, creating an asymmetrical appearance.
Your scars will also still have a puckered look, which will subside as more time goes on.
Continue to be patient as your results develop, keeping mind that you are still relatively early in the healing process.
Week 4 By the end of week 4, your incisions should be fully healed, although they will most likely still have a red or pink tint.
By now, your swelling may be mostly gone, though it's not uncommon for residual swelling to last into the second month.
Your implants may still be sitting high on your chest, as the settling process is still underway.
Some women find that after the first month following their breast augmentation, their breasts are exactly as they'd hoped.
Others, however, won't develop their final results for a few more months to come, so it's important to remain patient.
Your final results should be visible six months after surgery, and you'll be able to enjoy an improved figure and increased self-confidence from breast augmentation.
While making the decision to get breast augmentation can feel monumental, women may overlook the recovery period as an equally important step in the process toward achieving the best augmentation results.
In order to enjoy the most comfortable recovery after breast augmentation, it's important to stay informed about what you should expect after surgery.
Here is a closer look at your first month after breast augmentation.
Immediately following surgery, arm exercises help to speed recovery by diminishing swelling and decreasing pain by reducing muscle spasm and stiffness.
At the first scheduled appointment, a second set of exercises known as implant displacement exercises or more commonly as breast massage will also be recommended.
These exercises maintain the surgical results and keep the breasts feeling soft as well as diminish the potential for capsular contracture.
Another YouTube video, Breast Massage is available to aid in understanding and performing the exercises.
Week 1 Immediately after surgery is the time when your breasts will be the most tender, and it's important to relax so that your body can focus on healing:
- Expect to experience soreness around your breasts.
- Plan to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medications, but you can ask your surgeon for a prescription if you feel you might need something stronger.
- Ice packs can be a great way to control swelling and soothe tenderness, so prepare bags of frozen veggies prior to surgery to be used during this sensitive time.
- It's a good idea to avoid activity when possible, so it may help to arrange for a friend or family member to prepare meals, run errands or pick up kids from school.
If your job requires a higher degree of activity, you may want to take another week off.
Your soreness should be greatly reduced by the end of the second week, and you may be ready to lay off the ice packs and pain medications.
However, keep in mind that your breasts will still be tender, and you'll want to continue keeping that in mind.
Keep a selection of shirts that button up in the front so that you don't have to pull your clothes over your head, and sleep on your back to avoid pressing your breasts overnight.
Week 3 By the third week after surgery, you may feel like you're well into the healing process, but don't be discouraged by a less-than-ideal breast appearance.
Many patients become anxious during this time because they think that their final results should be well on the way, but remember that your breast implants will continue to settle for the first several months after your augmentation.
During week 3, one breast may be more swollen than the other, or one implant may be higher than the other, creating an asymmetrical appearance.
Your scars will also still have a puckered look, which will subside as more time goes on.
Continue to be patient as your results develop, keeping mind that you are still relatively early in the healing process.
Week 4 By the end of week 4, your incisions should be fully healed, although they will most likely still have a red or pink tint.
By now, your swelling may be mostly gone, though it's not uncommon for residual swelling to last into the second month.
Your implants may still be sitting high on your chest, as the settling process is still underway.
Some women find that after the first month following their breast augmentation, their breasts are exactly as they'd hoped.
Others, however, won't develop their final results for a few more months to come, so it's important to remain patient.
Your final results should be visible six months after surgery, and you'll be able to enjoy an improved figure and increased self-confidence from breast augmentation.