As you start planning for your upcoming breast augmentation, it can be helpful to put in a little extra work now to help make your recovery process as smooth and successful as possible later. To ensure you achieve optimal breast enhancement results and minimize the risk of complications, it is essential to follow a few important guidelines. Here are five key do’s and don’ts to help you prepare for breast augmentation recovery.
1. Do Plan to Take Time off Work
One of the most important steps in planning your breast augmentation recovery is to schedule enough time off of work and other responsibilities so that your body has adequate time to rest and heal. Most of Dr. Kolder’s patients take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks off work to recover from breast enhancement surgery, though the amount of time you will need to take off can depend on how physically demanding your job is. Discuss your specific work situation with Dr. Kolder during your breast augmentation consultation to get a personalized recommendation.
2. Do Prep for Recovery Ahead of Time
Preparing your home and schedule before your procedure can make a world of difference for your recovery experience afterward. Take the time to grocery shop, meal prep and catch up on cleaning and laundry before getting breast implants so you don’t have to worry about these things during your recovery. Be sure to stock up on essentials like medications, comfortable clothing, extra pillows and entertainment options to keep you occupied for the first few days after breast augmentation.
3. Don’t Sleep on Your Stomach or Sides
Dr. Kolder recommends that his patients sleep on their backs with their upper bodies slightly elevated during the initial recovery period after breast augmentation. This not only helps to avoid irritating incisions and displacing the implants, but it also helps to reduce swelling and fluid build-up.
Some people find that sleeping in a recliner for the first week or so after getting breast implants is a comfortable solution. Alternatively, consider using extra pillows to keep you propped up in bed and to prevent you from rolling onto your side in your sleep.
4. Don’t Wear Underwire Bras
After breast augmentation, you will need to wear a special surgical compression bra as instructed by Dr. Kolder. This bra will help to reduce swelling and promote effective healing. Underwire bras can irritate incisions and do not provide the necessary support your new implants need. At your follow-up visits, Dr. Kolder will assess your progress and let you know when you can switch to a regular sports bra instead of the surgical bra.
5. Don’t Miss Follow-Up Appointments
Dr. Kolder takes special care to regularly meet with each of his patients following breast augmentation to answer questions, address any concerns and make sure everything is healing as it should. Your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled within 24 hours of your procedure. Dr. Kolder will then see you again 1 week and 6 weeks later.
At your 6-week visit, Dr. Kolder will make sure you are ready to resume regular activities, including strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. At the 3-month mark, you will come back to compare your new “after” pictures to your “before” pictures. Dr. Kolder then sees each of his patients once per year to ensure there are no questions or complications.
Ready to start planning your breast augmentation? Call our office at 805-484-2855 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kolder today.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.
