Breast Augmentation Information provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

How will my breasts look and feel after the breast implants have been placed?

A day or two after surgery, you should be up and about. Any dressings will be removed within several days, and you may be instructed to wear a support bra. Your plastic surgeon will probably permit you to shower between three and seven days following surgery. Stitches will be removed in about a week.

Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.

What should I expect during the recovery process?

Recovery
At the conclusion of your breast augmentation procedure, you may be placed in a surgical dressing that may include a support bra or garment. You should follow your plastic surgeon's directions as prescribed. Prior to your discharge, you and your caregiver will be given detailed instructions about your post-surgical care including drains if they have been placed, the normal symptoms you will experience, and any potential signs of complication.

Options for your recovery after undergoing breast augmentation include:

• Home: When discharged, you will be released to the care of a responsible adult with safe, licensed transportation home. The adult may be a family member, friend or hired caregiver and must be competent to understand your recovery instructions and to monitor your health. Your caregiver must commit to stay with you at all times for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery.
• Licensed Recovery Facility: You will be released to the care of a licensed post-surgical recovery facility where nurses or specially trained medical professionals will monitor your health and comfort until you are able to return home and capably care for yourself.
• Hotel or spa: You may wish to recover at a hotel or spa location, where licensed healthcare professionals will monitor your recovery around the clock as recommended by your plastic surgeon.
• Overnight Hospital Stay: An overnight hospital stay may be offered to you or may be recommended. In this case your surgery will be performed at the hospital where you will stay overnight. You will be released from the hospital to a capable caregiver to continue your recovery at home, or to a licensed recovery facility.

You should be walking under your own strength immediately after your breast augmentation surgery. It is very important that you walk a few minutes every few hours to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in your legs.

The first 2-5 days following your breast augmentation surgery you may feel stiff and sore in the chest region. Any dressings will be removed within several days, and you may be instructed to wear a support bra. Your breasts may feel tight and sensitive to the touch, and your skin may feel warm or itchy. You may experience difficulty raising your arms. You should not lift, push or pull anything, or engage in any strenuous activity or twisting of the upper body. Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.

It is important to follow all patient care instructions as directed.

<<< Back

Continue reading about breast augmentation.

For breast augmentation in San Diego County - contact Stuart Kincaid - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon serving San Diego and Riverside County including Temecula.