Breast surgery is one effective way to modify your breasts to boost your confidence and self-esteem. But one thing is certain with any surgical procedure; it is not over until you have fully recovered from the procedure. The East Windsor breast implants specialist gives patients specialized recovery instructions to ensure it goes smooth and easy. You might need some lifestyle adjustments and adopt new strategies to cope with the breast implants as long as your doctor shall recommend them. Here are some recovery tips after your breast surgery.
Keep Your Chest Above the Water
If you love swimming or using a bathtub, this one’s for you. You must avoid submerging your new incisions until the wounds completely close. Water from the pool or bath might introduce bacteria into your wounds, causing an infection or other complications that could hinder the healing process. But since you must clean yourself, you better opt for a warm shower as it can relax your sore chest muscles with fewer risks of infection.
Skip Underwire Bras
Your doctor will advise you to avoid underwire bras about six weeks after your breast surgery. This bra is uncomfortable against tender and swollen breasts and can cause your incisions to be inflamed. Also, they can cause friction in the breast, increasing your pain and interfering with the healing process. You can opt to wear sports bras or other lightly supportive bras that are comfortable against your skin without pressure points. No matter how you have been used to the underwire before your surgery, you might have to wait until your wounds are completely healed before you wear them.
No Drinking and Smoking
Your doctor must have encouraged you to stop drinking or smoking before your surgery to allow your optimal body health for the anesthesia. They might also advise you to continue avoiding alcohol and tobacco until you fully recover. Remember that smoking will interfere with the healing process by preventing the oxygen-rich blood from getting to the incisions. Alcohol, on the other side, will dehydrate your body and increase your chances of an infection, bleeding, and drug interactions.
Sleep on Your Back
It would help if you slept on your back after breast surgery. Sleeping on your side or back can make your implants shift position or droop, plus it can be very uncomfortable immediately after your procedure. Remember that your breast and nipples will be tender, and it is better not to exert any pressure on them. Sleeping on your back will take away pressure from your chest and allow your incisions to be free from irritation.
Keep Off Strenuous Activities
Many activities and exercises involve the upper extremity and can harm the healing process. Experts advise on not lifting anything beyond 20 pounds, including a child. Doing so could increase your chances of bleeding or cause the formation of hematomas. It could also increase your blood pressure above 100, complicating the recovery process. Therefore, stick to light activities and exercises and have someone assist you with strenuous activities as you recover.
If you are considering breast implants, Mathew J. Lynch, MD, and the expert team of breast implant specialists can give you specialized instructions before and after your surgery to give you the best experience. You can call their East Windsor office or book a consultation online.
