I’ve received lots of positive feedback on our 2-part post entitled “Diary of a Breast Augmentation”, about a patient’s journey having breast implant surgery at Form and Face. Another aspect of the diary deals with the challenges of recovery from breast augmentation surgery, and that’s the subject of this post.
Dr Norris’ 4-Part Prescription for Better Breast Implant Surgery Recovery
My goal for each breast augmentation surgery patient is an uneventful recovery and no preventable complications. I provide every patient with a full list of post-operative instructions that deal with the physical side of recovery, but there is a mental component that will speed healing, too:
- Use “Future You” as an incentive to stick to your self-care regimen.
- Give yourself the time and space you need to take care of yourself properly.
- Remind yourself that any discomfort is temporary.
- Enjoy little milestones that remind you of your progress.
“I LOVE removing the bandage and sports bra every morning to shower, so that I can take a look at my new breasts!” – Patient Diary
Breast Augmentation Recovery Tip #1 – Go Shopping!
Implants that are pushed up instead of down during the initial healing period may require additional surgery to bring the pocket back down. Therefore, it is imperative that no underwire or regular bras are worn until after four weeks after surgery.
I recommend that my patients purchase a sports bra (or two) prior to their implant surgery.
“I’ve pre-purchased a sports bra that Dr Norris tells me he’ll put me in right after surgery. I’m to wear this 24/7 and only remove it for short showers. There will also be a band across the top part of my breasts that I need to wear 24/7 in order to keep swelling down and push the implants down as much as possible.” – Patient Diary
Sports bras don’t have to be dowdy. Here’s something one of my staffers found on Etsy:
Form and Face Breast Augmentation Recovery Tip #2 – Enjoy Pillow Talk
Your sleep position during the four weeks that it takes for implant pockets to “set” is an important factor in the success of augmentation surgery. Sleeping on your back is the best position to speed along recovery, and an abundance of pillows can help you make yourself comfortable.
If you are a side sleeper, a soft pillow under your mid-back and shoulders may offer more comfort and support than a single pillow under your head. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended, and I counsel my patients to wait 6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery before rolling over onto their tummies.
“I wake up the next day propped up by 4 pillows. Apparently I need to sleep elevated like this for the next few weeks.” – Patient Diary
Dr Norris’ Breast Augmentation Recovery Tip #3 – Don’t Be a Pill…Take One!
Managing your pain is part of your recovery process and a key aspect of the personalised treatment I provide to breast augmentation surgery patients at Form & Face.
Products that contain aspirin must be avoided initially because of their effect on circulation, so I can prescribe a helpful pain medication to ease discomfort.
“I’m a bit of a lightweight when it comes to taking painkillers, so I take 2 panadol every 4 hours. This seems to keep the pain at bay and allow me to walk around every few hours.” – Patient Diary
For patients with a high threshold for pain, paracetamol may be sufficient. For patients with back and neck pain, a prescription muscle relaxant can be helpful to ease cramping.
The important thing to keep in mind is that you should not mix medications without consulting your doctor. Drug interaction can lead to over-sedation and other problems.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
For more information about how Dr Norris uses breast augmentation to help women, visit our procedure page or contact the Form & Face practice on 02 9387 3800 to schedule a consultation.