If you are considering breast implant surgery, it is vital to be aware of the necessary aftercare required to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. There are many things to remember in the weeks and months following your surgery, and we want to ensure that you are fully informed about what to expect. This blog post will outline the essential steps for proper aftercare.
A few days after your surgery, you will have a post-operative appointment with your surgeon. At this appointment, your surgeon will check your healing progress and give you specific instructions for aftercare. It is essential to follow these instructions closely, as they are designed to help you heal properly and avoid any complications. Some of the general things that you will be instructed to do are:
– Wear a surgical bra or compression garment as directed. This will help to support your breasts and minimize swelling.
– Sleep on your back with extra pillows under your head and shoulders. It is vital to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.
– Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks. When you do begin to resume regular activity, start slowly and increase your level of activity gradually.
– Avoid exposure to sun or UV rays for at least six weeks. Studies have shown that exposure to UV rays can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
– Take showers instead of baths and avoid soaking in water for at least two weeks. It is vital to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.
– Do not smoke, as this can interfere with healing. Nicotine slows down the production of collagen, which is necessary for wound healing.
In addition to these general instructions, you will be given specific instructions for caring for your incisions. Keeping the incisions clean and dry is crucial, and you may be instructed to use a gentle cleanser or ointment. You will also need to be careful of how you move, as excessive movement can cause the incisions to open.
Medications For Breast Augmentation Post-Op
After your breast augmentation surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe you different medications to deal with the following complications:
Pain
After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel pain around your incisions. Pain medication can help make you more comfortable as you heal. Your doctor will likely prescribe you pain medication after your breast implant surgery. However, it is recommended that you manage the pain without relying heavily on pain medication. Some recommended medications include Tylenol and Ibuprofen. If you have been prescribed opioids, it is essential that you take them as directed and do not drink alcohol while taking them.
Nausea
Breast implant surgery can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe you medication to help with this. If you are prone to nausea and vomiting, it is essential to let your doctor know before your surgery. That way, they can take steps to help prevent it.
Infection
It is vital to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to help prevent infection. It is essential to take them as directed and finish the entire course, even if you feel better. You can also help prevent infection by avoiding exposure to sun or UV rays, as they can delay healing. Many people also find that taking probiotics helps reduce their infection risk.
Constipation
After surgery, you may experience constipation due to your pain medication. Constipation can be very uncomfortable, so it is essential to try to prevent it. Some ways to help prevent constipation include eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting regular exercise. If you do experience constipation, your doctor may prescribe you a laxative.
Muscle Cramping
Muscle cramping is a common side effect of surgery. It is caused by the muscles being in a state of disuse. To help prevent muscle cramping, it is crucial to get regular exercise and stretch regularly. If you do experience muscle cramping, it is usually temporary and will go away on its own. However, if it is severe, your doctor may prescribe you medication to help relieve it.
Breast Implant Surgery Aftercare: Sleep, Activity, Personal Hygiene
Apart from medication care, there are several other things you need to do for proper breast implant surgery aftercare, which include:
Sleep
It is essential to get plenty of rest after your surgery. Your body needs time to heal, and getting enough sleep will help with that. Sleeping on your back with plenty of pillows to support your head and neck is best. You may also want to prop up your upper body with pillows to help reduce swelling.
Activity
After your surgery, you will need to take it easy for a few days. You should avoid any strenuous activity, as it can cause the incisions to open. After a few days, you can gradually increase your activity level as tolerated. It is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. To recover, patients are advised to take at least two weeks off from work or school.
Personal Hygiene
Another important aspect of breast implant surgery aftercare is personal hygiene. It is crucial to keep the incisions clean and dry. It would help if you also avoided exposure to sun or UV rays, as they can delay healing. Many people also find that taking probiotics helps reduce their infection risk. For those who have had smaller breast after pregnancy surgery, it is essential to wear a supportive bra day and night for at least six weeks following the surgery. Not wearing a supportive bra can cause the implants to sag.
Takeaway
Breast implant surgery is major surgery, and it is vital to take care of yourself afterward to ensure a speedy and successful recovery. Following these aftercare tips will help you recover quickly and without complications.
