Post-operative care after a breast augmentation or breast augmentation with a lift.
The experience for both these procedures can be somewhat similar, particularly if the implants are placed underneath the muscle and a dual plane. The discomfort associated with that can be a little more significant. So talking about pain, it will not be pain-free. You will hurt, and you will hurt as soon as you wake up. Be prepared for that.
Take all medication as prescribed.
Ask your nurse after your procedure when you were given pain medication to stay on track. You will be prescribed a pain reliever and anti-nausea medication. Constipation is common, and it is wise to use a stool softener or laxative to ease discomfort. You will experience the most pain and discomfort within the first few days.
Resuming Activities
Your chest will be in significant pain. It will help to have your arms elevated. So have extra pillows around when you’re lying in bed. Then minimize the push-pull action of your arms. So you can imagine, again, opening a refrigerator may hurt. Lifting that milk jug may hurt. Reduce those activities that could contribute to the pain but still do those things. As far as picking up your children, I would advise that you pick them up from a seated position instead of leaning over and pulling them up. Of course, pick up your child out of their crib when necessary, but try to minimize that activity in the first couple of days. That will help with the overall discomfort and hopefully prevent any late complications.
Upon Awaking
Your incision will be in the breast crease, and it will be covered initially with tape on the incision, then reinforced with foam tape. You may see that through the dressing, and then a transparent plastic dressing over the top of that, to give you an idea of what you might see underneath. Next, when in the recovery room, you will be fitted with a compression-type bra that snaps in the front. This will be on the tightest level, but as you recover, if you feel it needs to be looser, feel free to use the looser settings on that bra.
Only take the bra off to shower, but then make sure it is clean before putting it back on after your shower. You will find that having some compression helps significantly with the discomfort. After that, you can shower as you usually do, complete your everyday makeup routine, style your hair, and do anything you feel up to doing. There is no reason you can’t raise your arms over your head; feel free to move as much as is comfortable. Listen to your body.
You also need to know:
With breast augmentation or the augmentation with the lift, there is a chance of a delayed hematoma. So, what might happen, is one breast may suddenly become larger than the other. This could happen over a couple of hours or even more acutely than that. You might even see bruising along the chest wall.
So, if this happens, call your surgeon so they can address that. If a bleeding complication occurs, that’s something that is handled back in the operating room. So, don’t worry; it is common and can be taken care of.
Some people notice a crackling feeling underneath the skin or even fluid movement in the breast. These are all normal, and it’s just the process of a surgical procedure. There’s been some air left behind that your body absorbs or some fluid left behind that your body absorbs. So those are all ordinary things that you may feel after this procedure.
Bruising and swelling will be evident and the worst during the first few days.
Quick Recap
Typically after the first few days of recovery, you’ll start feeling better. As you begin to do more, you may become sore all over again, but this is part of your recovery. Don’t be afraid of being sore; listen to your body and move mindfully. Take your pain medication as you need it and as prescribed. Take your constipation medication to prevent those issues and keep you more comfortable. Keep your compression bra on and follow up with your surgeon to ensure the incisions heal properly.
