What Should You Do to Recover Faster After Breast Surgery?

There are some points to pay attention to after breast surgery so that recovery progresses well. The recovery period is important after breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift surgery alike. We have listed below what you should pay attention to during this period; however, you should always follow your doctor's personal recommendations first.

Move as Your Doctor Recommends

Staying in bed all the time after surgery can slow recovery. In line with your doctor's recommendations, you should try to return to daily life gradually, without straining yourself. While doing so, you should not neglect the rules you need to follow or put your health at risk.

Light movement in the early period, such as short walks, supports blood circulation. During this period, it is enough to protect the surgical area from knocks and strain.

Apply Cold If Your Doctor Recommends It

Swelling (oedema) in the surgical area after surgery is normal; oedema is part of the body's healing process. Swelling can sometimes also cause pain.

Oedema is more noticeable in the first days and gradually decreases over the following weeks. If your doctor recommends it, applying cold in the first days can help reduce swelling and pain. You should not apply cold directly to the skin, but through a cloth and as your doctor recommends.

Wear a Supportive Bra

After surgery, a sports bra or special bra recommended by the doctor is worn to limit the movement of the breasts and support healing. You should wear the bra for as long as and in the way your doctor recommends.

Take Care of the Surgical Area

You should look after the wound as your doctor has explained and attend your check-ups regularly. Treatments such as massage or creams should only be used if your doctor recommends them and at the time they recommend. During recovery you should avoid very hot water; heat can increase swelling in the surgical area.

Follow Your Doctor's Recommendations

Advice from people who have had a similar operation may not be suitable for you; for this reason, you should act on your doctor's recommendations. Some swelling and pain after surgery are normal. Your doctor may recommend medication against the risk of infection; you should take your medicines only as your doctor recommends.

Let Your Body Rest

After surgery, you should take care not to lift heavy objects; heavy lifting can stretch the surgical area and widen the scar. Your doctor will decide how long you need to avoid movements that strain the chest area. Resting your body while doing your daily tasks without tiring yourself supports recovery.

Take a Break from Sport and Hot Environments

If you exercise regularly or use the sauna or solarium, you should take a break from these for a while after surgery. Exercises that work the arm and chest muscles in particular can strain the surgical area. The first weeks after surgery are important for recovery. Because the incisions can be longer in breast reduction surgery, more care is needed during this period.

Strenuous movements can cause surgical scars to widen. In the early period, only light activity such as walking is recommended. The time before returning to intensive sport depends on the operation: it is generally recommended to wait about two months after breast augmentation and at least one month after breast reduction; your doctor will decide when you can return to sport. Because hot environments such as the sauna and solarium can increase swelling, it is recommended to avoid them in the first months after surgery.

Have Your Bandages Removed Under Your Doctor's Supervision

After surgery, bandages may be applied not only to the wound area but also to other parts of the breast. The purpose of the bandage is to protect the surgical area and reduce the risk of infection. Your doctor will tell you when the bandage should be removed; you should not remove the bandages yourself, but at the time and in the way your doctor recommends.

Pay Attention to Your Body's Signals

During recovery you may feel mild pain when making certain movements, for example when showering or dressing. You should not force movements that cause pain or stretch the area. If you notice markedly increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever or discharge in the breast, you should contact your doctor without delay.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın