Find out what to expect during your breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) recovery.
If you are considering a breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) procedure, it is likely that you have a lot of questions about what the process involves. Dr Yang will discuss the details of the surgery with you at length during your personal consultation, but in the meantime, we’ve put together some information about what you can expect during the post-operative recovery period. Read on to find out how long recovery takes, and the surgical side-effects you might experience.
What happens after surgery?
When your breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) procedure is complete, your breasts will be dressed in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra for support. After the surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area of the hospital where you will be monitored closely for some time. Once Dr Yang and his team agree that you are in a stable condition (usually after an hour or so), you will be allowed to go home. It’s important that you have someone with you to drive you home.
Before you leave the hospital, Dr Yang will give you some instructions and advice for taking care of your surgical wounds. He may prescribe some medication to help manage any pain and discomfort, as well as an antibiotic medicine to prevent an infection.
What side effects can be expected?
It is completely normal to feel some pain and discomfort in your breasts after the surgery, and you will experience some bruising and swelling. We recommend that you continue to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to help minimise the swelling and provide support to your breasts while they heal.
It is also very common to feel tired for the first few days following your breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) procedure. Try and rest as much as you can during this time, and be sure to stay hydrated. As your skin adjusts to your new implants, you may feel some tightness in the chest area. This is completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. You might also notice that you have less sensation in your breasts and nipples than usual for the first few days after your surgery.
How long does recovery take?
There is a risk of bleeding in the area surrounding your new breast implants for the first few days following surgery, so we recommend that you rest during this time as much as possible. Try and avoid too much movement, especially in the days immediately after your procedure. After around five days, you should notice the worst of your pain subsiding, although you will probably experience swelling and tenderness for several weeks to a month.
Each patient is different, but we generally recommend that you avoid strenuous activity and vigorous exercise for around six weeks following surgery. When you come in and see Dr Yang for a follow-up appointment, he will check on your progress and advise you as to when you can begin exercising again.
Dr Yang will also let you know what type of bra you should wear while you are still recovering from your breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, a soft surgical bra is best, although some patients are comfortable wearing a supportive sports bra during their recovery. Don’t wear an underwire bra, as the wire can have an impact on the position of your breast implants.
If you notice any complications or experience any intense pain after your surgery, get in touch with Dr Yang immediately for a follow-up consultation.
To arrange a consultation with Dr Samuel Yang, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
