Breast augmentation (Breast enlargement) surgery is a cosmetic surgery that many women undergo to have aesthetically better-looking breasts.
The care and attention shown in the post-operative period is as critical to the success of breast augmentation surgery as it is to achieving the desired results and having a healthy recovery process. In this guide, Dr. Celal Alioğlu will discuss step by step what you need to pay attention to after breast augmentation surgery.
This first phase is a process where your body's initial reactions to the operation are managed and rest is at the forefront.
It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, tightness and fullness in the breasts for the first few days after surgery. Painkillers prescribed by your doctor will help you get through this process more comfortably. Some patients may feel tension or pressure on their breasts. Applying ice packs in the first days can also be effective in reducing swelling and pain. Be careful not to apply ice packs directly to the skin and limit each session to 15-20 minutes.
Swelling and bruising after surgery may occur, although rare, and usually disappear within 15 days. Using a medical sports bra or compression garment that will be specifically recommended for you during this process will help reduce swelling and speed up healing. During the first week, especially while sleeping, keeping your head and back supported by a few pillows and elevated by about 30 degrees will also help reduce swelling.
Rest is very important during the first week. Give your body time to focus on healing. However, it is recommended that you take short, gentle walks to increase blood circulation and reduce the risk of clots. During this time, you should definitely avoid heavy lifting, sudden movements, and intense activities that will strain your chest muscles. Be careful not to raise your arms above shoulder height.
Keeping the surgical site clean and dry is vital to reduce the risk of infection. Care for the surgical site as instructed. Follow our shower recommendations. I encourage my patients to shower early after surgery.
During this period, you will slowly begin to return to your daily life.
Your first check-up is usually one week after surgery. I use dissolvable stitches in breast augmentation surgery, and since I place these stitches under the skin, you will not have any visible stitches. For this reason, there is no need to remove the stitches.
You can usually return to light daily activities and non-strenuous work (such as desk work) within 1 week. However, it is important that you are completely free of the effects of anesthetic drugs and feel completely comfortable in order to drive; this usually takes 5-7 days.
It is recommended that you continue to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first few weeks. This helps reduce swelling and helps the implants stay in the correct position.
A balanced and healthy diet and drinking plenty of water supports your healing process. Consuming fibrous foods can help prevent possible constipation. Alcohol and cigarettes should definitely be avoided during this period, as they can negatively affect healing.
The shape of your breasts begins to become more defined and your activity level increases.
Swelling decreases significantly during this period. The implants gradually begin to settle and the breasts gain a more natural softness. In the beginning, the breasts may appear 20% larger than normal and may feel firm; this will improve over time.
Light exercises (such as brisk walking) can usually be started after the 2nd week. However, you usually need to wait 4-6 weeks to start intense sports such as running, weightlifting and especially upper body exercises.
During this period, you should also use the sports bra or support bra that we recommend for the first four weeks after surgery. I usually recommend waiting for 3 months to switch to underwire bras.
Scar care becomes important during this period. The first two weeks are for your scar to heal completely.I keep it closed. After the wound healing is complete, you can use scar-reducing creams to help your scar heal better. Protecting scars from direct sunlight is the most important thing to reduce their visibility.
Full healing and final results are seen within 6 months to a year.
It can usually take 6 months, and in some cases even up to a year, to see the final results of breast augmentation surgery and for the breasts to take their full shape. It is important to be patient during this process.
You should not skip your regular doctor check-ups after the surgery. It is important to have regular self-examinations and professional check-ups (mammography, ultrasound, etc.) at regular intervals for your breast health and the condition of your implants. The average lifespan of implants is around 10-15 years, but intervention is generally not required unless a problem occurs.
Maintaining your ideal weight, eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water will help the results of the surgery to last longer. Be careful to protect your scars from the sun for the first year.
It is important to contact your doctor immediately in the following situations:
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery may vary from person to person. Your doctor will be your most important guide during this process. My team and I are always ready to support you during all the processes before and after the surgery. Following our post-operative instructions to the letter, being patient and taking good care of your body will allow you to safely achieve the aesthetic results you dream of.
For more information about breast augmentation surgery and the recovery process or for a personalized evaluation of your personal situation, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Celal Alioglu.
Dr. Celal Alioğlu, MD is a plastic and aesthetic surgery specialist. He works in his own private clinic. An active member of national and international professional associations, Dr. Alioğlu is in constant communication with his colleagues and closely follows the latest developments in his field. He also regularly attends national and international congress courses to increase his knowledge and experience.
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