Overview
Taking the right steps during the breast augmentation recovery period is extremely important to ensure the proper healing of your incisions and to prevent unnecessary complications.
In this article, we will provide you with 10 breast augmentation recovery tips to accelerate the healing of incisions and get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
10 Breast augmentation recovery tips
1. Get some rest
Just after your breast augmentation surgery, you need at least 1-2 weeks before being able to get back to work. If you are working take the necessary steps to make sure time off is approved in advance.
If your job involves heavy lifting or other demanding physical activities, you may need to take a longer break in order for your incisions to heal. The last thing you need to do is rush back to work and create a nasty wound.
2. Avoid strenuous exercise
Doctors recommend avoiding strenuous exercises for at least 6 weeks after the surgery. As for activities that engage the pectoral muscles, you should avoid them for a minimum of 12 weeks.
The main goal is for your incision to heal correctly and avoid having an infection to the incision site. An severe infection to your incision site can be very costly and time consuming, so play it safe upfront.
3. Avoid repetitive movements
While it’s not advised to stay in bed for a long time after your surgery, repetitive movements of the upper body can remove your sutures, which eventually delays the time you need to heal.
4. Sleep on your back
Sleeping on your belly after a breast augmentation surgery is a big no.
While it’s true that even accidental modification of the position leads to pain, you may want to avoid belly sleeping altogether.
The reason behind this goes back to the high risk of implant displacement.
5. Make sure the wound is dry
When taking a bath, make sure to keep the incision sites dry by not dipping your entire body underwater.
Generally speaking, your surgeon will assess the state of the incisions after 1 week of the surgery. If everything looks fine, you’ll be allowed to get a full-body bath.
Remember a big goal is to prevent an infection to the incision site.
6. Avoid smoking
The nicotine found in cigarettes is a potent vasoconstrictor that reduces the diameter of blood vessels, which eventually impairs your wound’s ability to heal.
According to guidelines, you should cease smoking 5 weeks before the surgery and 5 weeks after.
7. Take your medications on time
Make sure you are taking the painkillers according to your doctor’s instructions to prevent unnecessary pain.
Moreover, contact your physician before taking a new medication, as it could potentially interfere with scar formation and healing.
If taking painkillers, such as Perccot and Vicodin these medications are very constipating. Talk to your plastic surgeon in advance about using stool softeners. Miralax powders or simply drinking prune juice,
8. Clean your wound
Before being discharged from the hospital, your surgeon and nurse will provide you with a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean your wound to prevent infections.
If you think you are doing it wrong, do not hesitate to contact your physician.
9. Use scar-fading creams
After your incision has started healing, you may consider using silicone scar gels, scar patches or a common over the counter product called Mederma to prevent scarring.
We recommend the scar removal creams with WoundVite to promote faster healing and accelerated recovery times. This product contains natural ingredients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and bromelain to help prevent scarring and improve post surgical healing times.
10. Report issues to your doctor
Consulting your physician after noticing any unusual features around the wound area is crucial to prevent complications.
If you notice swelling, pus formation, an unusual smell, or suture removal, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Takeaway message
Applying the tips listed above should help you recover fast after breast augmentation. Remember to rest, eat clean, stay hydrated, take your vitamins and keep your incision area clean. In no time, you will be enjoying the results.
