Breast implant surgery is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the world. It can offer great results to those who are looking to enhance their curves or restore a youthful silhouette after having had children.
It is a relatively routine procedure for a skilled plastic surgeon. However, it’s still a major surgery. It’s important to take the right steps needed to ensure that you get the best in results from your breast implant surgery.
Considerations prior to surgery
One of the major considerations prior to any surgery is to ensure that you have adequate assistance once you are recovering at home. You will have some discomfort while you recover, and you’ll be unable to lift your arms much or lift up items until you are fully healed.
If you have children at home, it’s important that you have help with them, so that you don’t inadvertently overexert yourself during the healing process.
Your surgeon will ask that you stop smoking well before the date of your surgery. According to breast surgeon Dr. Perron, nicotine use can lead to the constriction of blood vessels, which can then lead to the risk of surgical complications.
If you take any supplements, your surgeon may ask that you stop taking them prior to surgery.
Maintain a healthy diet
To prepare your body for surgery and to help your body heal after surgery, it’s important to adopt a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Empty calories, whether sweet or savory, won’t do much to help your body heal after surgery.
Weight gain is a concern for postoperative patients, so be sure to maintain a healthy weight. Staying healthy and active will help you to maintain your healthy weight, which will leave you feeling all the better to show off your new curves.
Don’t forget the importance of hydration. Keeping your body hydrated will help to encourage healing.
Take it easy during recovery
Your surgeon will give you a recovery timeline so that you’ll be aware of what you should and shouldn’t be doing in the weeks that follow your surgery.
Any restrictions on your activities should be adhered to. If you push yourself and do too much too soon, you run the risk of injury. It may also alter the final results if your body isn’t allowed to heal at the right pace.
Take good care of your implants
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a list of restrictions and guidelines, and it’s important to follow them. Here are some great general augmentation recovery tips that can help you to take the best possible care of your implants.
- Don’t wear underwire bras during the recovery phase. Your surgeon will likely recommend a surgical bra to help provide the right support for your breasts.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach while you are still healing. You may need to use extra pillows to support you so that you don’t roll over onto your stomach during the night.
- Avoid activities that could put you at a higher risk of accidental damage to your implants.
Rest is a key part of recovery, so be sure that you are resting when you are able to.
Keep in mind that it can often take some time before you are able to see your final results. There may be some bruising and swelling, and your implants may look like they are in a strange and unnatural position. It can take several months before your implants soften up and settle into their natural permanent position.