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Recovering from Breast Surgery
Recovering from Breast Surgery PreparationAdequate preparation before surgery will make your recovery far easier. Once you have undergone your procedure, there will be many things you will not be able to do for some time. You will require significant assistance with some normal everyday tasks, such as washing your hair and lifting common household items. Make sure you have enough help to support you during this time of limited activity. You will require medications and surgical supplies which may or may not be provided by your doctor. Make sure you have everything you will require before the day of your surgery. Plan to take enough time off work and be able to free yourself from any personal responsibilities during your healing process. Do not rush your recovery or underestimate the time you will need to feel better. If anything, plan on using more time to recover and if you feel better faster, then you can resume your activities ahead of schedule. Above all, make sure you are in good health. Patients who feel good physically, mentally and spiritually heal exponentially faster than patients with problematic health concerns or negative emotional issues. Do everything you can to be strong in your mind, body and spirit prior to surgery.Recovering from Breast Surgery / The ProcedureImmediately after surgery, you are likely to feel quite horrible. The effects of the operation and the anesthetic make many patients experience nausea, headaches and a generally terrible feeling. The best course of action is to put your mind in a good place, realizing that your procedure is done and concentrate on healing. Actively thinking about healing your body has been proven to increase the efficiency of the recovery process. Usually, most patients spend the reminder of their surgical day sleeping. Make sure you have plenty of pillows available, since these should be used to prop up your upper body to prevent fluids from lingering in the surgical region. You should also surround yourself with lots of pillows while sleeping to prevent yourself from rolling over on your fresh surgical incisions. You are unlikely to be very coherent after your operation, so make sure whoever is taking care of you understands exactly what care you will require, including medicinal needs.Recovering from Breast Surgery / The JourneyThe healing process starts in earnest the day after your surgical procedure. You must concentrate on healing as your number one priority during the next few days or weeks, depending on the invasiveness of your operation. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and instructions in every aspect of the recovery process. If you are instructed to do breast massage, make sure you perform the techniques as directed. Wear your compression garment as advised by your doctor and do not underestimate its importance by removing it for comfort. Follow the directions for any prescription medications carefully and try to wean yourself off any pain meds ASAP. These pills are poisonous to your body and have inherent risks for developing dependency issues rather quickly. Switch to non-prescription meds when possible and discontinue those at the earliest opportunity. Do not lie around sleeping. This will slow your metabolism and retard the healing process. In addition, reclining will perpetuate swelling in the breasts which might cause additional discomfort and possible complications. Walk around and stay active, but be careful. Do not exert yourself or do anything that is strenuous. Make sure to be very cautious around pets and small children, since their unpredictable actions might inadvertently injure your surgical wounds. Remember to watch your incisions regularly for any signs of post-operative complications.Recovering from Breast Surgery RecommendationThe actual surgery is the aspect many patients are most concerned with before undergoing their procedure. However, once fully healed, the majority of women realize the surgery itself was the easiest part and the recovery process is what was difficult to endure. Recovering from any breast surgery takes patience, constitution and good humor. Remember that any complication can affect your surgical result, so doing everything right is of utmost importance. Talk to your doctor about what else you can do to speed your recovery and improve your final aesthetic results. Don’t forget to ask about scar reduction methods, should you experience any noticeable and troublesome scarring on your new breasts. Above all, congratulate yourself on making it through a frightening, but exciting time in your life. The surgery is over…now it is time to heal. Once fully recovered, you will have the rest of your life to enjoy the benefits of your new breasts.Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum The Breast Plastic Surgery Newsletter. Recovering from Breast Surgery to Breast Enlargement & Reduction Home 11/17/07 Revised 2/16/08
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