The need for breast surgery is a personal decision that you need to consider carefully. Depending on why you need the surgery, you will enjoy some benefits and potential risks, making it necessary to consult with your doctor before making the final decision. But why would you need breast augmentation surgery?
You might consider breast surgery when you want to restore your breast’s fullness after weight loss, breastfeeding, or aging. Other people consider the surgery for cosmetic purposes when they feel their breasts are too small or feel their breasts are asymmetrical. Whatever the reason, understanding your surgery and recovery is vital. Here are great tips to help you recover from your breast surgery;
- Pre-surgery preparation.
- Pain management
- What to eat after surgery?
- What to wear after the surgery?
- Get enough rest.
Pre-surgery preparation.
Any surgery can be scary. The same is true with breast augmentation. However, getting prepared yields a speedy recovery and eases the anxiety. So what do you need to do days or weeks before the surgery?
- Ask any questions that you may have during and after the consultation. This will help you understand the procedure and what you need to do during recovery.
- Maintain a good physical shape. The healthier you are, the faster you will recover from the surgery. Maintaining your physical shape will improve how the implants settle in.
- Prepare yourself emotionally for the visible changes after the augmentation.
- Stop smoking! Smoking will inhibit your recovery and might put you at greater risk for heart attack or stroke during the procedure.
Pain management post-surgery.
It is almost inevitable that you will feel some sort of discomfort after the surgery. However, this pain can range from mild to severe pain, depending on the type of procedure. Even more, you might feel some tightness or pressure across your chest, requiring your surgeon to administer some pain relievers. However, if the case is too extreme, a breast surgeon in Boston, MA will recommend the following options;
Skin creams.
Whether you want a cream that will help scar-out the incision, there are also skincare creams that help alleviate pain after breast surgery. A good example of these creams is Capsaicin.
Physical therapy.
Even though not compulsory, your doctor might recommend post-surgery therapy. It will help with strengthening the muscles around the chest and also improve your mobility. The same is also true that physical therapy helps reduce pain after surgery.
Medication and injections.
These are the most common ways to manage pain after breast surgery. It might include over-the-counter pain relievers or drugs that prevent seizures. Also, the doctor might recommend an injection to reduce and control nerve pain.
What to eat after surgery?
Even though you might feel nauseous to eat after surgery because of the anesthesia, you will need to have pre-op healthy foods. Some of the best post-surgery foods include;
- Seafood
- Citrus fruits
- Proteins
- Oatmeal and veggies
- Almonds
- Yogurt and healthy beverages.
There is no better combination over another. However, the goal is to ensure you maintain a healthy diet that gives your body the strength and energy it needs to recover. Usually, you might feel quite dehydrated, do not limit yourself on the amount of water to take.
What to wear after the surgery?
After the surgery, it is essential to wear clothes that prevent movement of the implants and minimizes swelling at the incision. Your doctor will advise you to avoid tight garments and brace yourself with a post-surgical bra. Even though it might not look good, it plays a critical role in the recovery process. Below are some pointers to consider when choosing the right post-surgical bra;
- Choose a bra with the right pocket size, especially if you are going for breast enlargement or intend to use a prosthesis.
- Choose a bra with soft fabrics. The softer the fabric, the more comfortable you will be after the augmentation.
- Consider an adjustable bra. You will notice most surgical bras have straps and closures that you can easily adjust. Even more, most are adjustable to the front, so you do not have to stretch or twist.
- Choose a bra with a longer band as opposed to one with a short one that can tighten.
Even though not all surgeons recommend a post-surgical bra, it is essential to ask your surgeon if they suggest or provide one after the surgery.
Relaxing and getting enough rest.
Immediately after the surgery and days after, it is a no brainer that you will need to take it easy. Any surgery is invasive, and even though there is up-to-date technology to make it minimally invasive, the body needs enough time to recover. Prepare a quiet room before going to the hospital and have a comfortable bed propped with enough pillows to ensure your comfort.
The recovery period may take up to 6 weeks or more. Therefore, days after the surgery is not the time to hit the gym. Give your body enough time to respond and get used to the implants as it repairs and rebuilds itself back to normalcy. Depending on how much rest, and relaxation, you will notice your body gaining strength as it heals.
