What to Expect During Recovery

Many women spend a lot of time preparing for the procedure, but the recovery period is important as well.  For the most part, the description below applies to breast enlargement, reconstruction, and lift procedures.

How Can I Prepare for Recovery?

Ask your surgeon how much time he or she estimates that you will need for recovery based on your state of health, medical conditions, and medical history.  This will determine how much time you need to take off work and how long you need to ask family, friends, or others to help you with child care and other household tasks.  Also, discuss the types of bras and other supportive clothing you will need to wear following surgery with your physician, and purchase these items in advance to have on hand when needed.  Request post-surgery bathing instructions in advance to equip your bathroom appropriately. Especially if you will be alone for long periods during recovery, a well-stocked refrigerator, a pile of books or magazines, and a list of important numbers near the phone are all helpful details as well.

What Happens Immediately After Surgery?

Your doctor will probably want to watch your progress for anywhere from 24 to 48 hours post-op.  After you wake up from the anesthesia, you will be wearing a surgical bra or other garment.  Depending on the procedure, you may have a pain pump and a small tube remaining under your skin to aid with fluid drainage.

What Should I Expect After I Have Been Discharged?

Although the anesthesia will have worn off by the time you are discharged, you should not drive yourself home because you risk compromising your sutures and you will likely be sore.  At home, carefully follow the discharge instructions provided by your surgeon including information on medications, keeping the incision site clean to avoid infection and promote healing, and avoiding heavy lifting and other strenuous physical activity for a few days to a week.  If you did not do so before surgery, schedule a follow-up appointment with the physician.  Some degree of soreness and swelling is normal for as long as a month after surgery. To decrease swelling, you can reduce your sodium intake and softly massage the area to help with circulation.  Call your doctor if at any point you are concerned about specific symptoms. The long-term visibility of scarring depends on the procedure.  Remember that cosmetic surgery does not guarantee that you will always get the exact look you were hoping for with your first surgery so if you are unhappy with the results, bring that up during your follow up.

When Should I Call My Doctor if I Am Worried About Something?

Any type of surgical procedure comes with the risk of more serious complications.  If you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beats, or difficulty breathing, you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility.  If you continue to have substantial pain after a week of recovery, see your doctor; prolonged pain could be a sign of capsular contracture.