Recovery From a Breast Augmentation in Atlanta

A breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that changes the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Typically, the plastic surgeon uses implants filled with saline or silicone gel, but they can also use a fat transfer from another area of your body. The surgeon harvests the fat using liposuction, processes it in the operating room, and injects it into your breasts.

Patients may consider a breast augmentation for several reasons, including to improve their self-image and restore volume after weight loss or pregnancy. We encourage you to call our talented surgical staff today and learn more about how you can experience a smoother recovery from a breast augmentation in Atlanta.

What to Expect During Recovery from a Breast Augmentation

Every patient in Atlanta recovers differently from a breast augmentation surgery. Several factors affect how long healing takes and your experience, like the size and type of the implant, where it is placed, and your overall health. Full recovery takes approximately six weeks for the average individual, and most patients go through similar stages.

The Initial 24 Hours

When you wake up, you will be wearing a supportive garment or a post-surgical bra with a front closure that helps hold your breasts in place and supports healing. You may be prescribed pain medication or muscle relaxers to help keep you comfortable.

You will stay in recovery until the anesthesia wears off, and you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Because of this, you must have a trusted friend or relative who can take you home and stay with you for the first 48 hours.

Within the first 24 hours after surgery, you will experience some soreness, fatigue, and tightness over your chest. Similarly, you may have over-sensitivity or a lack of sensitivity in your breasts.

The First Several Weeks

In the first week, you will continue to feel some mild pain and discomfort, but it should decrease significantly. You must avoid any strenuous activities and cannot lift your arms above your head since this can irritate the incision, cause bleeding, and may impact how the breast implants settle into place.

Over the next six weeks, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for yourself and your incisions. You must follow these directions, as they can help reduce the risk of complications, including infection. You should have minimal pain or discomfort by the third and fourth weeks, and swelling and bruising should fade for the most part.

Depending on your recovery, your plastic surgeon may encourage you to engage in light exercise. In addition, you should continue to wear your post-surgical bra with a front closure to promote healing until your surgeon graduates you to a different supportive bra. Most patients recover between four and six weeks after surgery and can resume regular activities.

The First Few Months

In the coming weeks and months, you may notice some movement in your new implants as they settle into their final resting place. This gradual shift can take three months before you see the full natural shape and as long as six months before the implants are stabilized in place.

Tips for a Smoother Recovery

Preparing for your post-surgical recovery can make the time as stress-free as possible.

Practice Sleep Position

Getting adequate quality sleep is essential after surgery, as it helps support your immune system, increases the speed of your recovery, and can reduce pain. During breast augmentation recovery, Atlanta patients are recommended to sleep on their backs and slightly elevated to help reduce swelling, keep the breasts in a natural position and enhance circulation.

Learning how to sleep in this position does not happen immediately. It is important to practice before surgery and identify what you need to remain slightly elevated. A bed wedge is often the easiest way, as extra pillows can put added strain on your lower back or neck. Consider buying extra sheets and having a friend who can change them after the second or third night.

Reduce Sleep-Inhibiting Stimulants

Cut back on all known stimulants that inhibit a quality night’s sleep, such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Limit your screen time in the evening or turn on nighttime mode to reduce the blue light. Exposure to blue light on your phone or computer screen makes it more difficult to fall asleep.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating nutritious meals and drinking enough water is vital to your recovery. Consider straws that might make it easier when you are lying down. Stock up on foods that help your body heal and are easy to snack on, such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and protein.

Larger meals may be more challenging to digest in the first week after surgery, so consider eating smaller portions more often during the day. This gives your body the energy required to recover without stuffing your stomach.

Dress Comfortably

Be sure you have enough loose-fitting clothing that buttons down the front for the first two to three weeks. When the incisions are still tender, it is easier to slip in and out of loose clothing since you must not raise your hands above your head to get in and out of slip-on shirts.

Each of these tips can help ease your recovery as an Atlanta breast augmentation patient.

Learn More About Recovery from Atlanta Breast Augmentation

Preparation is critical to a smoother recovery. When you are considering a breast augmentation, we encourage you to get in touch with our staff and learn what is involved.

You can schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons to go over any additional questions you have. Call to find out more about recovery from a breast augmentation in Atlanta today.