Millions of women undergo breast augmentation surgery each year. The number of breast procedures has not diminished even as trends have changed. The prevalence of information found online may make it seem as though any woman can easily traverse the breast augmentation process. What we have found is that information overload may lead to more questions than clarity. Here, we want to offer a few simple ways we know you can improve your initial recovery after breast augmentation.
The Breast Enlargement Procedure
Breast augmentation is a straightforward process that patients understand before their surgery date. We explain the location and type of incisions, placement of implants, type of implants, and all other important details of the procedure well in advance. The procedure is conducted using general anesthesia, so what you will likely remember is receiving anesthetic in the pre-op area, and then waking up in the recovery room. It feels as though no time has passed.
Managing the First 48
Because anesthesia lessens sensations in the body, and because local anesthetic may also be administered to the breast area, initial recovery tends to be quite comfortable. Patients may experience the sensation of pressure as well as tenderness, but that is all. As the hour’s pass, systemic anesthesia will diminish, and greater sensation is restored. At this time, pain can be managed with prescription medication or with a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). It is important to use one or the other, not both. If you have questions regarding pain management, contact our office.
RICE for Breast Augmentation Recovery?
When we say RICE, we don’t mean the kind you eat; we mean rest, ice, compression, and elevation, the tenets of wound-healing.
- Rest is vital after breast augmentation; both in the area of sleep and in the area of muscle use. Chest muscles should not be used for some time after surgery. The timing of activity performance is outlined in our post-operative instructions.
- Ice is one of the best ways to override sensations of pain. This is because the brain can feel only cold or pain at any given time. When applying ice, place a cloth between the ice pack and the skin.
- Compression garments are applied to the breasts at the end of the surgical procedure. As days pass, the type of garment may change slightly, but compression remains important to the management of swelling and comfort.
- The elevation is beneficial to swelling management. After breast augmentation, this pertains to the position of the head to the heart. Patients may be encouraged to sleep propped on two pillows for a few days.
The time when you decide to feel more confident in your body is the perfect time to plan breast augmentation surgery. We can help. Call our Austin office at 512-450-1077.
