5 Tips for a Quick Breast Augmentation Recovery

We are constantly exposed to media that features large, perfectly shaped breasts. If you are already self-conscious about small or asymmetrical breasts, this can make you even more aware of them. Breast augmentation gives you fuller, more shapely breasts that increase your confidence. Recovery from this procedure may not take as long as you think, but planning can make it go faster. 

*Individual Results May Vary

What is Breast Augmentation?

When most people think of breast augmentation, they think of breast implants. While most augmentation procedures use implants, a natural breast augmentation uses your own fat. With this method, fat is transferred from another area of your body, such as your abdomen, hips, or thighs. Using your own fat is a natural way to enhance your breasts without implants. Whether you choose breast implants or fat transfer, both of these procedures can improve your breasts’ shape, appearance, and volume. Your plastic surgeon can recommend what’s best for you based on your needs and goals. A breast augmentation can be performed alone or with other procedures such as a breast lift. 

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast augmentation can be performed in many ways. Two common forms are periareolar and inframammary procedures. A periareolar procedure uses an incision along the edge of the areola to place an implant. The inframammary procedure uses an incision in the crease under the breast. Your surgeon can also place the implant through incisions in your underarm (transaxillary) or belly button (transumbilical). We offer all of these options at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA.

The California Breast Lift® is a form of natural breast augmentation that uses your fat to enhance your breasts. Fat is collected using liposuction, then purified and strategically injected into the breasts to increase shape, lift, and symmetry. This body contouring option offers more than one benefit as it removes fat from an unwanted area, and places it where you would rather have it!

5 Tips for a Quick Breast Augmentation Recovery

Recovering from breast augmentation requires you to rest and take care of yourself. One of the best ways to avoid complications is to avoid overdoing it after surgery. Additionally, it’s important to closely follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. With that in mind, these helpful tips can make your breast augmentation recovery as comfortable and easy as possible: 

Healthy Food Prep

Your body needs nutrition to heal after your procedure, but you may not feel much like cooking a healthy meal. Preparing and freezing nutritious meals to last you for several days ahead of your surgery can help ensure your body gets the fuel it needs without you having to cook. 

Choose Your Clothes Wisely

After surgery, you may be unable to raise your arms high enough to pull tops over your head. Tops that button or zip in the front will be easier to put on and take off. Choose clothing that fits comfortably but not tightly. After all, you’ll want to be comfortable while you rest. 

Arrange For Help At Home

It can be easy to assume you will be able to handle your regular responsibilities after your breast augmentation. However, pushing yourself too hard can stress your incisions, keep your body from healing properly, and cause complications. Arrange for help, especially with physical tasks like heavy lifting and household chores like laundry until you have recovered. 

Rest Through Recovery

If you feel exhausted during your recovery, you may be pushing yourself too hard. You should expect to spend a lot of your time resting during the first few days after your surgery. Choose a few movies, TV shows, or books that you can enjoy during recovery. And don’t worry, the time goes by quickly for most patients! You can typically expect to get your energy back and feel like yourself again within a week. 

Keep Moving

Your plastic surgeon will likely instruct you to start getting up and walking around soon after your procedure. Moving around will promote good circulation and keep your muscles from getting stiff. Make sure to walk around several times each day if instructed by your surgeon.  

Which Type of Breast Augmentation Should I Get?

Only a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine which type of breast augmentation is right for you. Choosing between a procedure with saline or silicone breast implants, and a California Breast Lift® depends on several factors, including:

• The amount of volume you want to add
• The location of the incision
• Your preference for or against implants
• Your goals and expectations

A California Breast Lift® is an excellent option for those seeking results that look and feel natural. You never have to worry about a rupture or other implant problem with no implants. However, a breast augmentation with implants may be better if you would like a more significant volume increase. There are pros and cons to every option and discussing those during a consultation can help you feel confident about the right decision for you. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you are a healthy adult with realistic goals. Good candidates want to achieve shapely, symmetrical breasts. Candidates for a California Breast Lift® must have enough body fat for their surgeon to use liposuction. You should not have breast augmentation if you have certain health problems or are pregnant. Your surgeon will review your health history and let you know if you are a good candidate and which procedure is best for you.