What to Do After Breast Aesthetic Surgery
After breast aesthetic surgery, following your doctor's recommendations helps the recovery period progress well. Breast aesthetic surgery is one of the frequently performed aesthetic operations. Breasts that are small, sagging or have changed shape can be reshaped with a method suited to the person's situation. Besides rapid weight gain and loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding, genetic factors can also affect the appearance of the breasts.
When planning breast aesthetic surgery, not only the size of the breast but also its proportions, the position of the nipple and its harmony with the person's body structure are assessed. Below we answer frequently asked questions about the period after breast aesthetic surgery.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Breast Surgery?
Breast augmentation and breast lift operations are performed under general anaesthesia; breast augmentation takes on average 2–4 hours. People can usually return to daily life within the first three weeks; the time to return to work depends on the type of work and is decided together with the doctor. It can take about six months for the breasts to reach their final appearance. Your doctor will explain in detail what you need to pay attention to after surgery.
Sexual Activity After Breast Surgery
When sexual activity can be resumed after surgery is also a frequently asked question. In the early period after surgery, care should be taken with any activity that puts strain on the chest area.
Pressure or strain on the chest area before the surgical area has healed sufficiently can cause the wound to open, the stitches to separate, healing to be delayed and, as a result, infection.
If recovery goes smoothly, sexual activity can usually be resumed after about three weeks. However, because recovery varies from person to person, you should get the most accurate information on this from your doctor during your check-ups.
Wearing a Compression Garment and Bra After Surgery
The bandage and the supportive compression garment or bra applied immediately after surgery help keep the breasts in place and support healing.
Because they limit the movement of the breasts, they can also help reduce pain. You should wear the compression garment or bra for as long as and in the way your doctor recommends.
The Recovery Process
Recovery varies from person to person. In the first weeks you should rest a lot and avoid heavy lifting and sport. The surgical area heals over time; however, it may take months for the breasts to reach their final shape.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Pain?
To reduce pain after surgery, you should take the medicines recommended by your doctor regularly. You should not take any other painkiller without consulting your doctor. In the first days, walking around or sitting may feel more comfortable than lying down all the time.
What to Pay Attention to After Surgery
The more carefully you go through the recovery period, the more you contribute to preserving the result. The points to pay attention to after breast aesthetic surgery can be listed as follows:
- If there are no additional problems, the hospital stay is usually one day.
- You can take the painkillers recommended by your doctor for pain in the chest area; the pain usually decreases gradually during the first week.
- Oedema is one of the most common conditions after breast aesthetic surgery. Oedema, which can cause tightness, swelling and discolouration, usually starts to decrease within the first week.
- Not lifting heavy objects is one of the most important rules. For the period set by your doctor, you should take care not to raise your arms too high, not to do sport and not to carry heavy objects.
- After surgery, a compression garment or sports bra is worn for the period recommended by the doctor. After consulting your doctor, you can usually shower after about three days.
- It is recommended that you rest at home as much as possible during the first week; a tiring pace can negatively affect recovery.
- Massage should only be done if your doctor recommends it and in the way they show you; applying excessive pressure can cause pain.
- Check-ups with the doctor are very important. Attending check-ups, especially in the first months, allows any possible problem to be detected early and addressed.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın