Many women in the Denver and Boulder, CO area that are considering breast augmentation have questions about the recovery process. Augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to enlarge and enhance breasts. It typically has a post-surgical recovery period ranging from 24 to 48 hours. For a short time following the surgery, patients also have to limit certain activities while they heal.
Before undergoing this procedure, there are a few areas to consider. Following the instructions provided by your surgeon is essential for a quick and effective recovery.
Questions to Ask Before Surgery
It is important to speak with your doctor about what to expect while you recover from breast augmentation. Questions to ask your surgeon include:
- What medication will I be prescribed post-surgery?
- Will I have bandages after surgery and for how long?
- Will I have stitches that will need to be removed?
- When will I be able to return to exercising and daily activities?
- How often should I return for follow-up care?
After the Procedure
To be as comfortable as possible upon returning home, it is a good idea to take pain medication with a small amount of food. Resting on the couch or in a cozy chair is also recommended. It is likely that you will feel drowsy during the evening of the surgery. Using a cold compress during the first 48 hours following the surgery should help with some of the discomfort and swelling.
It is a good idea to avoid any heavy foods the evening of the procedure. The next morning, it should be fine to return to a normal diet. If you are nauseous following the surgery, avoid food until the morning, but continue to drink small amounts of liquid.
Bandages can be removed the next morning, and since all stitches are underneath the skin, they will reabsorb. Daily tasks should be able to be resumed almost immediately after surgery, and non-strenuous work can be performed within 5 to 7 days. For three weeks, there should be no strong pulling, pushing, or repetitive upper body motions.
Schedule a Consultation at Boulder Plastic Surgery
If you are in the Denver or Boulder area and are interested in breast augmentation, set up a consultation at Boulder Plastic Surgery by calling (303) 578-4193. Our doctors will be glad to sit down with you and thoroughly discuss the procedure and recovery process.