Just like after any surgical procedure, a breast augmentation recovery requires a variety of steps to support healing, minimise complications and allow you to see effective results.
During your consultation with Dr Perron in Brisbane, you will discuss how your breast augmentation surgery can be performed to achieve the results you want to achieve. The details of your procedure will then allow Dr Perron to provide you with recovery instructions that can best support your body’s healing.
Before your consultation, getting an idea of the steps you can follow during breast augmentation recovery can help prepare you for the process. Read on for our top recovery tips, and contact our team to arrange your consultation when you’re ready.
Always follow your personalised recovery instructions
The most important tip for breast augmentation recovery is to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative care instructions.
Your surgeon will provide guidelines tailored to your unique needs, considering the details of your personalised procedure. Your instructions will include how to care for your incisions, what medications to take, and when to schedule follow-up appointments-all based on your individual needs.
You should always stick to your prescribed medication, including pain relievers and antibiotics, and avoid activities that your surgeon has specifically warned against during your recovery. Since instructions are personalised, they can vary from patient to patient, so always listen to your surgeon’s advice instead of what others may recommend.
Manage pain and wear support garments
It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pain after breast augmentation surgery, especially in the first few days. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage this discomfort. Take the medication as directed, but be mindful of potential side effects. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended after a few days to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
While managing your pain, be cautious of any sudden or severe increases in discomfort, as this could indicate a complication. You should always contact your surgeon if you’re unsure or concerned about your pain levels.
After your surgery, your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear a special post-surgical bra or compression garment. These garments are designed to support your healing breasts, reduce swelling, and ensure that your implants settle into the right position. When you receive your compression garment, make sure the garment fits snugly but not too tightly, as excessive pressure can slow down recovery.
It’s important to wear these support garments as instructed, usually for several weeks after your surgery. You should avoid wearing underwire bras during this period, as they can interfere with the healing of your incisions and may cause discomfort.
Get enough rest and slowly resume physical activity
During breast augmentation recovery, your body will need time to heal. You’ll need to take time off work and other daily activities to allow your body the rest it needs. Most people will need at least two weeks of rest before they can return to light activities and even longer before they can resume more strenuous exercises.
While resting, elevate your upper body slightly, especially when sleeping. This position reduces swelling and supports healing. You should also avoid lying on your stomach or sides to prevent pressure on your breast implants.
While rest is important during the early stages of recovery, gentle movement can also help to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. Simple activities like short walks around the house can support healing without straining your body.
However, you’ll typically need to avoid strenuous activities and exercises that engage the chest muscles for at least four to six weeks after your surgery. Lifting heavy objects, intense cardio workouts, and upper-body strength training should be avoided until your surgeon advises. You’ll need to gradually ease back into your regular workout routine based on your body’s signals and your surgeon’s advice.
Follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated and avoid smoking
During your breast augmentation recovery, you should support your body with a good diet and make sure to stay hydrated.
Eating nutritious foods can accelerate your body’s healing process – we recommend including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables to get a variety of vitamins and nutrients daily. If you need personalised advice when it comes to nutrition, you may like to see a dietician before your procedure, but this is entirely up to you.
Water helps your body flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and keep your skin healthy. To stay hydrated, you should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Alcohol can dehydrate your body, as well as interfere with your medications and even cause other healing complications, so you should avoid consuming alcohol during your recovery.
Smoking can significantly delay your healing process, as it restricts blood flow and reduces the body’s ability to heal wounds. If you are a smoker, it’s recommended to quit at least a few weeks before surgery and continue avoiding smoking throughout your recovery period. Your surgeon will normally instruct you to quit during your consultation and let you know how soon to quit before your procedure.
Contact us if you have any concerns
One of the most important aspects of recovery is keeping an eye out for signs of infections and other possible signs that could indicate a complication has occurred.
During your recovery, you should check your incision sites regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your surgeon immediately, as early detection of infection can prevent more serious issues down the road. If you have significant pain or any other unusual symptoms, you should also contact your surgeon or seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
You can also contact your surgeon if you need further advice during recovery or clarification on any of your recovery instructions.
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Justin Perron
Based in Brisbane, Dr Justin Perron is a Canadian born qualified Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
He began his studies in Canada by studying Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Calgary before moving to Australia in 2000. He then completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia.
Dr Perron is a member of the Royal Australasian Society of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS Aust), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS USA) and the Queensland Hand Surgery Society.
He supports his patients from the preparation process to recovery, providing his patients with personalised advice and instructions that consider their individual needs.
To arrange your breast augmentation consultation, please contact our team. Please note that all patients must have a GP referral to see Dr Perron.
