Whether Mother Nature was stingy when it came to your breast size or time or pregnancy has robbed you of full breasts, a breast augmentation is a great way to add a little shape to your upper half.
While our breast augmentation procedure here at McHugh Plastic Surgery is relatively simple, it’s still surgery, and there are some things you can do to help your recovery stay on track. Here are five tips we tell our patients in The Woodlands, Texas, to help them quickly debut their fantastic new shape when the time is right.
If you’ve decided that you want to augment your breasts, there are a few things you can do in advance to help the process go more smoothly. First, if you’re a smoker, this is a good time to quit. No matter what surgical procedure you undergo, smoking hampers your body’s ability to recover, because it slows down crucial healing resources.
From your circulation to the regeneration of your tissue, there’s little that smoking doesn’t negatively affect. Besides, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health — so if this is the impetus you need, grab it!
Outside of smoking, if you’re taking any medications or you have a pre-existing health condition, Dr. Thomas P. McHugh sits down with you to review your preoperative health to make sure that you’re in the best shape possible before your breast augmentation.
During your initial consultation with us, we determine which type of breast augmentation works best for you, and that helps govern your recovery process.
If you opt for silicone or gummy implants, we need to make an incision along your inframammary fold, so you need to count on some time for this area to heal.
We thoroughly review each procedure so you’re aware of any limitations you may have following your surgery, making it easier for you to plan ahead. In other words, if you’re in the midst of painting a room, it’s a good idea to get that project finished up ahead of time because you won’t be lifting your arms above your head after your surgery for a week or two.
On the day of your procedure, and for several days afterward, you should arrange to take it easy. Any surgery is invasive, and though we make every effort to use the most up-to-date minimally invasive surgical techniques, your body still needs time to respond and recover.
This means that you shouldn’t go straight back to running or the gym. Instead, take it easy and allow your body to do what it does best — rebuild and repair. As your body gets used to the new implants, it builds up tissue around them, keeping them securely in place, so you want to allow time for your body to accomplish this.
Your exact recovery time depends on what type of augmentation we perform, and we give you full recovery instructions for your unique situation.
After your breast augmentation procedure, we supply you with a post-surgical bra which you should wear according to our instructions. This garment prevents the implants from moving around and minimizes swelling. While it’s not the sexiest lingerie in the world, the post-surgical bra is a critical step in your recovery. There will be plenty of time for better garments to show off your new shape after you’ve healed.
The odds are you’ve been mulling the idea of a breast augmentation for quite some time, so be patient once it’s over. Every person is unique, but you may feel some soreness and experience swelling for several weeks after your breast augmentation. Patience during this time is key. Your body works at its own pace, but your patience pays off as your new breasts begin to settle in and take shape.
If you push it too hard during the early stages, ditching the post-surgical bra and hitting the gym, you may end up setting your recovery back. With a little TLC and care on the front end, you’ll be rewarded very quickly with your new profile.
If you’d like to learn more about our breast augmentation services, we invite you to give us a call or request an appointment using the online scheduling tool on this website.
