If you are considering breast augmentation, chances are you have received a fair share of recovery tips and advice from the well-meaning women in your life that already have breast implants. They are likely to advise you of what bras to buy, how to massage your healing breasts and when to go back to work.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by this information and possibly even confused about what to do and what not to do after surgery.
As well-meaning as these women are, tune out the other voices in your life and focus on following your plastic surgeon’s instructions and advice. Dr. Ary Krau gives his patients advice that is medically based and in their best interests for a safe and successful recovery.
Take It Easy for One to Two Weeks after Surgery
After surgery, your body needs to recover, and you must refrain from working, exercising, heavy lifting and other activities that will elevate your heart rate. Even if you feel energized and ready to resume your normal routine, you must allow yourself about one to two weeks of complete rest.
When you return to work depends on your specific case and the work you do. Women with desk jobs typically return to work within a week or so, whereas women with more physical jobs need more time to recover. Dr. Krau will give you specific recommendations during your pre- and post-operative consultations.
Don’t Sleep On Your Stomach or Side Until Advised to Do So
Dr. Krau discourages patients from sleeping on their stomachs or sides for about four to six weeks after surgery, to avoid putting pressure on the healing tissues. Not only does this prevent discomfort, it also enables the breast implant capsules to form normally without undue stresses.
Avoid Heavy Lifting
The general rule of thumb is to avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (including babies and small children) for about eight weeks after surgery. Ignoring this advice could cause bleeding in the space around the implant, called hematoma, which would require emergency surgery to remedy. Heavy lifting can also cause swelling and pain. If in doubt about whether something is too heavy to lift, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Note: Your plastic surgeon will give you additional instructions, some specific to all breast augmentation patients and others specific to just you.
For more information about breast augmentation surgery and the subsequent recovery, feel free to contact Dr. Ary Krau today.