At Gartner Plastic Surgery, we want our patients to be completely educated and at ease before undergoing any operation, including breast augmentations. You may have heard that a breast augmentation needs a lengthy recuperation time, and we’re here to dispel that lie! We’ll guide you through the phases of breast augmentation recovery in the sections below so you can have a better understanding of what to expect throughout your recovery.
Along with studying as much as you can online, you should always talk to your board-certified plastic surgeon about pre- and post-operative procedures, since each physician has their own recommendations based on their own medical training and experience. Read along to get started!
Contents
- 1 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS
- 2 THE INITIAL 48 HOURS FOLLOWING BREAST AUGMENTATION
- 3 FOLLOWING POST-SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
- 4 THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER SURGERY
- 5 When Will You Be Able To Return To Work
- 6 When To Return To The Gym
- 7 TIPS TO FOLLOW DURING YOUR RECOVERY
- 8 PLAN AHEAD OF TIME TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO UNWIND AFTERWARDS.
- 9 GET HELP FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
- 10 PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON’S ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS.
- 11 TAKE SOME VACATION TIME.
- 12 CREATE THE HEALTHIEST LIFESTYLE POSSIBLE.
- 13 HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
- 14 NEED MORE RECOVERY TIPS?
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS
Breast augmentation is an outpatient treatment, meaning you will be able to go home the same day. Breast augmentations are frequently done at our state-of-the-art outpatient surgery facilities in NYC and NJ, but they may also be performed in a hospital environment if medical circumstances require it. Your breast augmentation will take about 1 to 2 hours and will be performed under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist. However, you should plan on spending at least 3 hours with us on the day of your procedure to allow for pre-operative check-in, marking and prep, and post-operative recovery.
You will most likely feel sleepy and in some discomfort just after your breast augmentation. This grogginess is usual when you wake up from anesthesia, and it should go away within a few hours. You will need someone to drive you home since your surgery will be done under general anesthesia, and you must have a responsible adult remain with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. You will not be allowed to drive for the first 24 hours after surgery or while on any narcotic pain medication. Dr. Gartner and our nursing and anesthesia team will give you extensive post-operative instructions before you leave our facility, which you should carefully follow to ensure the best possible recovery.
THE INITIAL 48 HOURS FOLLOWING BREAST AUGMENTATION
Dr. Gartner’s breast augmentation recovery period is normally quite short for patients. Within 48-72 hours, the majority of patients are back to work and routine daily activities. Recovery varies from patient to patient and is dependent on the surgical strategy including implant location as well as the degree of activity one returns to following surgery. In most cases, you will be required to take about a week off of work in order to rest and recover properly.
FOLLOWING POST-SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
Patients should return to the clinic 24-48 hours following surgery for their initial follow-up visit. Patients will need to wear a lightweight compression sports bra for the first four weeks after surgery, and they will be advised to avoid activity and heavy lifting during this period.
Dissolvable sutures are used to seal your wounds, which are then covered with a specific surgical dressing for the first two weeks. Patients may shower 48 hours following surgery, however we recommend that you do not submerge your incisions in any still water. Baths, hot tubs, the ocean, and/or pools should all be avoided until your wounds are completely healed, which is normally roughly 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Don’t worry, you may still relax by the pool or on the beach with your family and friends as soon as you feel ready!
THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER SURGERY
What Your Results will Look Like While You’re Recovering
Your breasts may seem bigger than you would like just after surgery and may have a strange appearance. They may seem flattened, your nipples may be pointing downward, and the lowest region will be devoid of fullness. There are two explanations for this: edema and unsettled implants. The trauma of surgery causes swelling and bruising, which will fade over time. With the force of gravity and natural tissue expansion that occurs to accommodate the greater volume of your implants, your implants will gradually drop into place over the course of a few months.
Depending on how quickly your implants settle, you’ll be encouraged to start wearing a bra two to four weeks following surgery. If you don’t like how your nipples show through your clothes at this period, silicone disc pasties may be used to disguise them.
When Will You Be Able To Return To Work
Individual recovery times vary; most patients return to a sedentary office job after a week, with a gradual return to regular activity, while some return sooner. If your profession is physically demanding, especially if it requires moving large objects, you will most likely have to wait a month or two. If you have local anesthetic rather than general anesthesia, you should recover quicker.
When To Return To The Gym
Beginning intense activities usually takes four weeks. Please start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. These are some general guidelines. As soon as your surgery is over, Dr. Gartner will offer you with specific recommendations targeted to your recovery. This will be the most effective approach for him to supply you with personalized healing recommendations targeted to your specific case.
TIPS TO FOLLOW DURING YOUR RECOVERY
Breast augmentation is popular among women of all ages and backgrounds in New Jersey and in New York City. Breast implants are a fantastic body-shaper that may help you regain your figure, self-esteem, and body proportion. Because of advancements in surgical procedures, recuperation from this elective operation has gotten simpler. Although planning for recuperation and following instructions are critical, the process may be made considerably simpler with a few pointers. Here are a few tips to follow during your recovery to ensure that you can achieve the most optimal results from your surgery:
PLAN AHEAD OF TIME TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO UNWIND AFTERWARDS.
The days and weeks leading up to your breast augmentation surgery in NYC is the ideal time to arrange for a smooth recovery.
Fill your medicines ahead of time if possible, and gather supplies such as additional gauze, cold packs, wet wipes, light foods, straws, and entertainment. You’ll get an opportunity to catch up on reading, watching your favorite TV series, and other passive pastimes when you’re stuck indoors for a week or two while you’re recovering.
To avoid running out of food and supplies, we suggest that you conduct errands and go shopping before your surgery date. It’s also a good idea to clean and wash all of your clothes ahead of time. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your fresh, comfy clothing and linens without having to worry about cleaning during your recovery stage.
GET HELP FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Breast augmentation doctors in NYC would usually advise you to go home with another adult and have someone remain with you for at least 24 hours. You can feel queasy, disoriented, and weak just after surgery, particularly if you had a general anesthesia. It’s helpful to have someone who can help you walk about, provide food, and make sure you take your prescription. Having someone close may keep you safe and offer you peace of mind in the rare instance that a patient encounters anything medically worrying.
Do you have any children or pets? For the time being, you’ll need help with things like dog walking. Picking up children should be done by a family member or friend only for many weeks, since this might impact the healing process. To avoid straining yourself and maybe harming yourself, plan ahead to get assistance with these parts of your life.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON’S ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS.
Dr. Gartner recommends his patients to avoid sports, frequent exercises, hard lifting, and other activities that might put their recuperation in jeopardy. They are also advised not to swim or use hot tubs owing to the danger of infection.
We provide antibiotics for a short period of time and advise patients to avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and vitamins that may cause bleeding. Similar instructions will be given to you by your surgeon, and it’s critical that you follow them since they’re in place to safeguard you. Though limits might be inconvenient, the short-term difficulty is well worth the long-term benefits and your dream results!
TAKE SOME VACATION TIME.
Some individuals may return to light work after a breast augmentation in as little as a week. People are encouraged to take one to two weeks off, although this is dependent on their lifestyle and employment needs. “I wish I had taken less time off,” is something we rarely hear from our patients. After your surgery, you may underestimate how exhausting basic healing and modifications may be. While most individuals do not experience substantial pain after one week, they appreciate the pressure-free opportunity to move gently and acclimate to the bodily changes in the days ahead. Why don’t you take a breather? You’ve earned it.
CREATE THE HEALTHIEST LIFESTYLE POSSIBLE.
Smoking and excessive drinking may be harmful to your health, but so can not eating a well-balanced, whole-food diet or receiving regular exercise. If you’re healthy before surgery, you’ll recuperate quicker and feel more energetic. Maintaining a steady body weight can help you retain your breast augmentation outcomes and boost your general fitness and confidence in the long term.
HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
Following all of those basic guidelines will not only help the recuperation process go more smoothly, but it will also guarantee that your outcomes are exactly what you desire. However, many people find it difficult to obtain a decent night’s sleep following breast augmentation surgery.
When you’re upset, exhausted, or sad, it’s difficult to fall asleep and remain asleep. Following your procedure, you’ll likely feel a range of emotions, many of which might alter your sleeping patterns. Knowing what to anticipate emotionally may aid in the development of techniques for dealing with such emotions when they arise. And coping with your emotions prepares you for a better night’s sleep. Here are some of the best sleeping positions after a breast augmentation surgery that may help you during your recovery process:
Back-sleeping
Following breast augmentation surgery, you must sleep only on your back for a period of time. Back-sleeping is recommended to ensure that incisions heal correctly and that implants, if necessary, are firmly implanted. Patients who are used to sleeping on their stomachs or sides may find it difficult to fall asleep on their backs—and to remain asleep.
Learning to sleep on your back before your breast augmentation is an excellent way to ensure a seamless transition. Spend a few nights in the position to determine which one feels most natural to you.
Sleep In A Chair Or With Extra Pillows
After breast augmentation surgery, the optimum posture for sleeping is on your back with your upper body slightly raised. That being said, breast swelling and pain may be reduced by sleeping on your back, which can be commonly done by sleeping in a chair or with a stack of pillows. It also increases mobility by lowering the amount of upper-body strength required to get out of bed. Additionally, keeping your upper body elevated may help scar tissue grow and heal properly. If you can’t seem to get acclimated to this posture, sleeping on your back is also a great option.
Sleeping On Your Side
After surgery, the second best posture for sleeping is on your side. If you adopt this posture, you must, however, take additional measures. To prevent putting extra pressure on your breasts, lay a cushion beneath them and wear an authorized surgical bra to keep your implants and incisions in place.
Because you can’t sleep if you’re not comfortable, we make sure you’re not in any pain or discomfort following your procedure. If you’re considering breast augmentation and are concerned about sleeping comfortably, please contact us—we can help!
NEED MORE RECOVERY TIPS?
Breast augmentation is a terrific way to boost your self-esteem, so don’t let misconceptions regarding the recovery time keep you from having this treatment! Dr. Gartner and his team at Gartner Plastic Surgery will do everything possible to put you at ease throughout your breast augmentation treatment and will provide you with precise instructions for a quick recovery. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding breast augmentations and the recovery process or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gartner himself.