Breast implant surgery, or breast augmentation, consistently ranks among the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. Every year, over 300,000 women follow the likes of Hayden Panettiere, Taylor Swift and Megan Fox by surgically modifying the shape and profile of their breasts.
As with any surgery, there is a recovery phase from breast implant surgery. Factors such as implant size and placement influence the healing process. While the incisions can be placed in one of several locations, there are best practices that can ensure incisions heal as quickly, painlessly, and discreetly as possible, regardless of their location.
Here, Dr. Eric Pugash offers the best ways to care for breast augmentation incisions after surgery.
The Day Of…
Breast augmentation is generally a daycare surgery, which allows the patient to spend a few hours in recovery at the facility and then return home on the same day.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Pugash will give you specific instructions on what can and cannot be done during your recovery from breast implant surgery. Once you leave the clinic, you must properly care for your body as it heals to ensure optimal results.
It is best to rest for the forty-eight hours immediately following breast augmentation, and then avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks. Remember that surgery takes its toll on the body, and it is normal to feel fatigued afterward.
Other than plenty of rest, patients recovering from breast augmentation should:
Keep Dry
Keeping incisions infection-free is the number one priority during recovery. Bacteria love moisture, and patients must keep incisions and surrounding skin dry. To minimize swelling, patients can apply ice packs to the tops of their breasts. However, care must be taken to ensure the incision sites are kept dry and clean during icing.
Dr. Pugash provides his patients with simple and complete bathing instructions. These will vary according to the specific type of dressing placed on the incisions. He also recommends that patients avoid swimming for four weeks after surgery.
Don’t Stretch to Excess
Dr. Pugash reassures his patients that their incisions are solidly sutured, and that they should feel free to carry out activities of daily living without fear of damaging their new breasts. These activities include reaching up for shelved items and caring for their hair. Most patients are naturally very careful at this stage, as there is some discomfort, and are very unlikely to overdo things.
Dr. Pugash advises not to engage in cardio activities for two weeks following surgery, and upper body fitness for six weeks.
Keep Clean
Keeping incisions and skin clean is a vital component of post-op care. It is imperative to remember, however, that medical disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and alcohol are hard on recovering skin and should not be used.
Dr. Pugash will advise on the best approach to washing your incision sites.
Avoid Sun
Although many new breast implant patients look forward to showing off their new physiques, their incisions must be protected from direct sunlight for at least two months after surgery.
Sunlight can cause fresh scars to take on a darker color and scarring can become more noticeable.
By waiting at least two months before exposing incisions to the sun, and being vigilant with sunscreen once they do, patients give their incisions the best opportunity to heal inconspicuously.
Breast implant surgery has helped thousands of women feel great about their bodies. But it is important to remember that it is a surgical procedure, and surgeries are taxing on the body.
By giving yourself plenty of post-operation rest and following the advice of your surgeon, you can ensure that your incisions from breast augmentation surgery will heal as quickly, uneventfully, and painlessly as possible. You are making a great investment in your body, so you will want to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure the best results.
To find out more about what to expect during breast augmentation recovery in Vancouver, or to book a consultation with Dr. Pugash, call 604 522 5199 or fill out his online form now