Women who are considering breast augmentation surgery usually wonder what they should expect in terms of recovery. After breast augmentation, patients should know that the first 24 to 48 hours are the most uncomfortable. Patients often report that they are tired and feel pain in their chest area during this time.  Sometimes, patients can manage their pain by taking prescribed medication, but they may still feel sore and tired.  For this reason, they may want to consider having someone stay with them during the first two days.

A few days after breast augmentation surgery, the plastic surgeon will remove gauze from patients' breasts.  The surgeon will replace the gauze with a surgical bra and if stitches need to be taken out, they will usually be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.

The first few weeks after a breast augmentation procedure, the chest area will be sensitive and may even be swollen for up to five weeks.  This is why it is imperative that patients follow the recovery tips provided by their plastic surgeons, which will naturally expedite the recovery process.

Do you have questions about breast augmentation?  If so, contact us now to speak with a Westlake Village plastic surgeon!

If you are going to have breast augmentation, here are some post-surgery tips that will help you recover from your procedure.  Should you have additional questions about breast augmentation or cosmetic surgery, we encourage you to contact the contact the West Coast Plastic Surgery Center and speak with a knowledgeable Westlake Village plastic surgeon.

Meet with your plastic surgeon.  After your breast augmentation, it is important that you have consultations with your surgeon to make sure you are healing correctly.  During meetings, you can also ask questions that you may have about your recovery.

Have comfortable bras.  It is a good idea to purchase comfortable bras, like cotton bras, that do not have underwire.  You will want to wear these garments as you recover from your surgery.

Avoid lifting and reaching over your head.  You should not be lifting or lifting your arms over your head after you have had a breast augmentation procedure.  If you need help reaching things, ask a friend or family member. 

Do not exercise or lift weights.  For many people, it will take 2 to 3 weeks to recover and begin or restart an exercise regime.  For others, that time period may be extended.  Always speak with your plastic surgeon about when you can exercise after your procedure and which exercises you are allowed to perform.

If you are planning to get a facelift in the near future, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your surgery and recovery is smooth.  Below, we have provided 5 great pre facelift surgery tips that we hope will be of use as you get ready to undergo your procedure:

1.       Understand what will happen.  Every surgeon has different protocol and you will want to know what is to be expected pre and post operation.

2.       Arrange transportation.  It is extremely important that you have transportation to and from the surgical center where you facelift will be performed.  Also, having a friend or family member present may alleviate any pre-surgical jitters you may experience.

3.       Arrange for help.  The first few days after cosmetic surgery can be a little tough and you may need additional help from a friend or a family member during this time.

4.       Designate a recovery space.  When you go home, it is very important that you are able to rest, take it easy and recover.  For this reason, designating a private recovery area that is free of distractions is a great idea.

5.       Have ice packs.  If advised by your surgeon, you may be able to use ice packs on your face to reduce the swelling.  However, always consult with your surgeon about what you can and cannot do following your procedure.

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss possible facelift surgery, contact the West Coast Plastic Surgery center to speak with a Westlake Village plastic surgeon.