Your recovery period plays an important role in the quality of your breast augmentation results. You should alway carefully follow your postoperative instructions to prevent infection, which can be harmful to your health and the look of your breasts. While breast augmentation recovery can be accompanied by some discomfort and pain, these tips will help you feel more comfortable and have you back on your feet in no time.
Plan Your Resting Place Ahead
Planning where you are going to settle in for the first several days is important. If you live in a two-story house, you might consider creating a comfortable space in your downstairs living room to avoid walking up the stairs. Have pillows and blankets available to keep yourself propped up and warm. While you will sleep a lot in the first few days because of the pain medication, having a catalog of movies or a full DVR will help keep you entertained.
Use Your Pain Medication
You should find out which pain medication you will be prescribed and your pill schedule ahead of time. It is important that you use your pain medication as directed. While you don’t want to overtake your pain medication, it is important to take it on a regular schedule before you begin to experience any pain; don’t try to tough it out. Pain management will keep you happier and leave you with a more enjoyable experience.
Eat Healthy
Your diet may be limited the first day or two because of the effects of anesthesia on your body. However, it is important to maintain a healthy diet during the recovery process. While the time in bed may make you more prone to indulging in easy comfort foods, a diet packed with vitamins and minerals is important. Your body will need these extra nutrients to facilitate the recovery process.
Don’t Smoke
You’ll be advised to quit smoking six weeks prior to your surgery, and you shouldn’t smoke for at least eight weeks following. Health.org reports that smoking increases your risk of complications during surgery. Smoking compromises lung and heart function, and carbon monoxide in the blood also makes it harder for your wounds to heal.
Massage Your Breasts
When pain around your breasts has begun to subside, which can be as soon as one week following your surgery, you should begin to gently massage the breast implants. Do not apply more pressure than is comfortable. Massaging your implants can help reduce your risk of capsular contracture as well as help release your implants into their proper position in the breast pocket. Dr. O’Toole can give you more specific instructions regarding massage technique and frequency.
If you are looking to improve your appearance through breast augmentation, schedule your consultation with Dr. O’Toole today. Contact our office at (626) 689-7800 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.