Last Updated on September 16, 2022
After having your breast augmentation, you may be wondering when the swelling will go down. Dr. Sean Kelishadi, a board-certified plastic surgeon, understands that some patients may worry about the swelling and may need extra care. SSK Plastic Surgery offers tips to help you minimize the swelling after breast augmentation, and is happy to answer any questions you may have. He has performed countless breast augmentation surgeries and has a track record of delivering excellent results. Whether you are wondering when the swelling will subside, or you are curious about the recovery process, he can answer all of your questions.
Bruising
Bruising after breast augmentation is a common complication after this procedure. Swelling and bruising are natural reactions to the trauma caused during the surgery. Damaged cells release chemicals that increase the absorbency of blood vessels. The blood in the vessels contains white blood cells and other chemicals that start the healing process. It may take up to 3 weeks for the swelling and bruises to resolve. Taking medications to reduce these effects is recommended by your surgeon.
Bruising after breast augmentation usually lasts for one to two weeks. It fades with time and is no longer a concern about a month after surgery. This is because the body produces fluid to heal the surgery site. Surgical drainage tubes may be used to remove excess fluid. Wearing a surgical bra may also help to control swelling. Bruising and swelling after breast augmentation will last about two weeks. However, minor swelling may persist for weeks or months.
Most patients experience very little or only minor bruising after breast augmentation. Some patients experience more pain, particularly if their surgery involved under the muscle or larger implants. However, bruising should gradually fade over time, and should be less noticeable at the end of two weeks. In the meantime, patients may experience nipple sensitivity and regaining nerve function. As long as the patient follows the surgeon’s instructions, there should be minimal bruising and swelling after breast augmentation.
Swelling
You may be wondering when the swelling will go down after breast augmentation surgery. The good news is that breast augmentation is considered a major surgery, so you should give yourself plenty of time to recover. You should only do activities that do not involve lifting heavy objects or pushing yourself up or down. Those first two days after surgery are also a time for you to be very sore and groggy. If you do not have someone to stay home with you during this period, you may wish to consider hiring a caregiver to take care of your children and help you with household chores.
After a breast augmentation, your breasts will appear firmer and slightly larger. Your skin may be numb and will gradually return to a more natural appearance. Initially, you may also experience a small amount of pain as your breasts settle into their permanent position. You can also expect to see the incisions fade to a normal pink tone. Once the swelling is gone, you can resume normal activities.
Pain
The amount of post-operative pain experienced after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. The location of the implant can also have a significant impact on the level of pain. Implants placed above or below the pectoralis muscle are less likely to cause pain than those placed below. Patients who experience subglandular pain describe the sensation as a fullness or tightness, similar to the sensation of breastfeeding.
While the recovery period will vary, most women should take time to relax. Limit activities and find a calming activity to do during this time. The surgeon will prescribe strong painkillers. Once you’ve finished your recovery, you should be able to stop taking these medications and resume your usual routine. You may want to schedule your appointments around these times. You should avoid engaging in strenuous activities, such as sports, for the first week following the procedure.
The most painful period after breast augmentation is the first two to three days. You may feel pain in the chest, nipples, incision, and/or breast area. The pain may last up to five days, but it will subside with time. Most surgeons prescribe pain medications to reduce the discomfort, which can range from a mild throbbing pain to a sharp shooting pain. Once you’ve adapted to the new position and shape of your breasts, you’ll experience minimal pain after your surgery.
Recovery time
Post-operative recovery is very different from patient to patient. However, most patients are back to work a week to 10 days after surgery. Patients are advised to take more days off work if they engage in jobs that require repetitive motions like lifting and reaching. They should also avoid strenuous exercise during recovery. The final result will become apparent at six weeks. Following surgery, most women are able to resume light activities such as swimming, biking, and walking.
Immediately following surgery, patients will be required to wear recovery bras and support bras to support the surgically implanted breasts. It is important to follow the instructions given by the physician. In the first 24 hours, patients should avoid activity, including lifting more than 10 pounds or exercising. The implants may appear higher than normal, but they will settle into their proper positions within a few weeks. It is best to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid strenuous activities.
While it is recommended that patients take time off work for a few weeks after their surgery, many women choose to return to work immediately after undergoing a breast augmentation. After a month, the pain and swelling should have gone away, although some women experience some bruising. Patients can return to light daily activities, such as housework and driving, but they should still avoid strenuous physical activity. The surgeon may also advise patients on how to care for their implants.
Cold compresses
After your breast augmentation, your physician will likely recommend that you apply cold compresses to the surgery site. These compresses can help to reduce swelling and bruising. You should apply them for at least 15 minutes at a time, alternating on and off for a few days. You can also apply ice using a frozen bag of peas or a cloth filled with ice cubes.
Applying cold compresses to the affected area may help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid placing the compress directly on the incision site or on the nipples, since this can damage the area. After breast augmentation, you should avoid heavy lifting for the first week or so. You should also avoid activities that require you to raise your arms above your head. For the first few days, you may have to stay in bed upright to avoid infection.
Aside from cold compresses, you should also keep moving. It is important not to sit for more than two hours at a time because this will increase the chances of blood clots in the legs. It is also important to limit your time spent outside. The sun’s UV rays can accelerate the healing process and increase the risk of skin cancer. Taking pain medication can help reduce your discomfort after breast augmentation surgery.
Ice packs
Following your breast augmentation, ice packs and cold compresses are effective ways to reduce the swelling. They also help with the pain associated with inflammation. However, you should never apply ice directly on your breasts, as this could inflame the incision site. Likewise, you should not lift your arms above your head after surgery. Also, you should limit activities for a few days. Lastly, you should stay hydrated for the first few days after your surgery.
Swelling and bruising are normal after a breast augmentation surgery. However, you may feel tightness in your chest for up to two days after your surgery. If you feel pain or discomfort, you can try sitting up with pillows. Applying ice packs on the breast area and surgical bra is another great way to reduce pain. However, icing works best within the first 48 hours after your surgery.
During the first few days after surgery, ice packs help reduce swelling and bruising. Ice packs should be placed over the affected area for at least 15 minutes. Be sure to change the compress every 20 minutes if needed. To reduce swelling, use ice packs or an ice pack that is wrapped in a towel. Applying the cool compresses for 20 minutes a day is recommended, but be sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor.
Rest
After undergoing breast augmentation, you will be told to rest for the first day. Rest is important for your body to heal. You can walk for short periods of time, but it is important to stay immobile for the first few days. Avoid sitting in a chair for too long. It can cause blood clots in your legs. Keep your blood flowing by walking, and you can use a surgical bra to reduce the swelling. Staying hydrated is important as well.
If you do have to work during this time, it is essential to take some time off from work. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities. You can gradually return to normal activities after the swelling has gone down. However, it is best to rest when the swelling goes down, so you do not risk damaging your new breast. In addition to resting, you should also avoid wearing undergarments with underwires. Tight or ill-fitting undergarments will interfere with your healing process.
When the swelling has gone down, you should try to avoid strenuous activities for at least the first few days. Avoid activities that use your pectoralis major muscle, such as lifting heavy objects. These activities can cause the implants to move out of position, so you should avoid them for the first two days. Besides being sore, you will be feeling groggy and tired. Make sure to ask someone to help you do chores while you are resting.
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