Breast augmentation surgery is a major decision that many women choose to make. It’s an investment of your time, money, and energy to achieve the feminine curves you desire. Breast augmentation can also boost your self-esteem, enhance your self-image and give you confidence. If you’re planning a breast augmentation or have recently had this life-changing surgery performed, make sure you know how to take care of your breast implants properly. Caring for them now can extend the life of your implants and help that careful investment last a long time.
Successful Recovery Is Important
The first few days and weeks after your breast augmentation are critical, since they will set the tone for your full recovery and optimum results. Take this time to get plenty of rest so your body can do what it needs to heal. Clear your calendar of social obligations and spend some quiet time at home instead. If you allow your body to recuperate, your breasts will be healthy and look their best in the end. Follow these tips to have your best recovery:
- Allow yourself a full week without anything on your to-do list but resting. Leave the work at the office, pass up the visits from friends, and let someone else take care of the chores and errands. This time is for resting only.
- Pay close attention to your plastic surgeon’s instructions to manage your pain and discomfort. Don’t skip doses of your prescription pain medication to “tough it out.” This will only cause you physical and mental stress that can delay your recovery.
- Keep your surgical support tape in place as long as needed, then wear your support garment or surgical bra as requested. A lack of support in these early days can lead to more pronounced sagging later.
- Don’t engage in any strenuous activities or exercises for four to six weeks after your breast augmentation, as instructed by your surgeon. When you are cleared for exercise, work your way up with light aerobics or beginner’s strength training.
- Attend all of your follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon and talk about your healing process together. Don’t be embarrassed to bring up any questions or concerns you may have. It’s always better to ask and have peace of mind than to stress yourself out with worrying.
Early Support Is Crucial
Naturally, the changes made during a breast augmentation will increase the weight of your breasts. Extra weight means more stress and strain, especially to unsupported breasts. If you’re prepared to manage this change, there’s nothing to worry about at all. After you’re no long required to wear your surgical support bra, you’ll need to trade it in for a bra in the right style and size for your enhanced breasts. Throw out all your old bras and start fresh with something new. You should not purchase bras you haven’t tried on or wear anything bought previous to your surgery, even if it’s the same cup size. Save your bra shopping for after your surgery and don’t rush it; get advice from a sales associate, get measured, and take the time to try them all on.
While shopping, you should look for some key features to make sure your bra offers enough support. Choose a style with wider straps and a strong structure to keep your breasts in place and looking great every day. For heavier breasts, choose a three-clasp back instead of a two-clasp option. Finally, don’t forget to select a high quality sports bra that suits the activities you enjoy, such as a running bra or lighter support bra for yoga or pilates. Carefully choose a bra that will provide you with the athletic support you need and don’t skimp on quality to save money. Your breast implants are too big of an investment to start shopping in the bargain bin now.
Massages Can Help to Heal
While it may seem strange to massage your breasts at first, this helpful technique can encourage the healing process and diminish scar tissue. Set aside a few minutes daily to massage the breast tissue around your implants and the incisions gently, using just your fingertips in a circular motion. You can easily do this in the shower or before you go to bed at night. Make sure that your breast tissue feels natural and soft and that your implants are able to move naturally around in a circle. Just a few minutes every day can make a big difference. If you’re not sure how to get started, ask your plastic surgeon for quick tips and advice.
Healthy Living Goes a Long Way
No matter what measures you take to maintain your breast health after an augmentation surgery, you won’t see your best results if you’re not living a healthy lifestyle. Throughout your recovery and after-care process, eating well and staying active should remain a priority for you. Follow your surgeon’s instructions about how active you can be in those early weeks, but don’t be afraid to take a simple walk around your neighborhood to stretch your legs. Movement is the best way to keep your body in top form.
In addition to the healthy, well-rounded diet you should be eating, you may want to add a daily multivitamin and specifically targeted supplements as needed. Talk to your general practitioner or a nutritional specialist about balancing out your daily intake of vitamins and nutrients. Don’t forget to keep track of how much water you drink each day, too. A healthy daily amount of water can keep your skin elastic and supple, a keep element to prevent sagging breasts in the future.
Plan Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
During a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, you’ll get a chance to see what your breast augmentation results will look like. Using the VECTRA 3D Imaging system, he will create a visual representation of your expected results, starting with a 3D photograph of you. He will then make the changes necessary to the image and display an approximate result for you to see for yourself. Not only will you be excited for the results of your breast augmentation, but you’ll be able to rest assured that there won’t be any miscommunications between you and your surgeon.
To contact Dr. Rubinstein, please call 845-863-1772. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is located at 200 Stony Brook Court #2 in Newburgh, New York.
