Recovery From Breast Augmentation

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:35:51 +0000

Breast augmentation has become the most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. with over 300,000 breast enhancement procedures being done every year. Even so, many women are hesitant to have a breast augmentation done because they worry about the pain after the surgery and the recovery time. They are afraid that they will not be able to return to their normal activities until several weeks after the surgery. What these women should know is that these days breast augmentation is a standard procedure and patients are normally back to work the same week as their surgery.

Simply speaking, the pain and discomfort from a breast enhancement is similar to that from a pulled muscle. The reason for this is because breast augmentation is a pulled muscle. When the breast implants are inserted the cosmetic surgeon lifts the chest muscles to place the implant partially underneath them. It is not inserted fully under the muscle as this would cause the breast to be up too high and would cause the nipple to point down. Not too attractive like that.

The pocket created under the muscle controls the final shape of the breast so it is important that this pocket is located properly. And since the breast implant is stretching the muscle the recovery is similar to that from a pulled or strained muscle. So, for best recovery from breast augmentation you want to do the same thing you would do when having a pulled muscle. Use the muscles lightly and stretch them. This will increase blood flow to the area and aid in healing. There is no need to worry about the implant itself, it won’t shift or move because of this type of stretching and use. You can’t damage the new breast and will simply speed up the recovery process.

In Los Angeles the increased recovery from breast augmentation begins in the operating room during surgery. The patient is normally given a dose of steroids to decrease swelling and can be given medication as well to decrease the swelling and pain. Some cosmetic surgeons choose to use an Actipatch, which is a bioelectric device used to decrease pain and swelling. This device is usually worn for 48 hours after the surgery and reduces the need for pain medication.

It’s best to start with light range of motion exercises and stretching, preferably within 12 hours of the surgery. Combining this with Ibuprofen can often have the patient up and out of the house the day after the surgery. Of course everyone’s recovery from breast augmentation will be different, but an aggressive approach to recovery can substantially decrease recovery time after breast enhancement surgery.

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Recovery From Breast Augmentation