Dos and Don’ts After Breast Augmentation and Abdominoplasty
Getting breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, or a complete mommy makeover is a long-awaited dream come true for many patients. If you feel the same way and have booked your procedure, on the eve of your surgery, you may find yourself feeling excited at the thought of your new body contours and enhanced silhouette.
You have every reason to be ecstatic. However, keep in mind that you cannot enjoy your bigger breasts and slimmer waistline immediately after surgery. First and foremost, taking the recovery period seriously is critical to healing your incision sites, bruises, and swelling.
Consider these top dos and don’ts after breast augmentation and abdominoplasty to speed up healing and ensure the best possible results.
What to Do After Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck Surgery
Let’s begin with some of the proactive steps you can take for a smooth recovery after plastic surgery.
- Get as much bed rest as possible. Both breast augmentation and abdominoplasty are major surgeries. Following any big procedure, your body and mind will need a significant amount of time to regain strength. We recommend spending at least one long weekend in bed or on the sofa, getting up when necessary and avoiding vigorous exercise. Read Exercise After Breast Augmentation: Guide to 1–12 Weeks Post-Op for more information.
- Lie on your back. Following breast augmentation surgery, your implants have not settled into place, as they will only begin to drop and fluff after a few days. After a tummy tuck, your abdominal area will be sore and swollen. If you lie on your stomach, it could alter the final positioning of your implants and impede the healing process of your stomach, potentially compromising your results. Therefore, when sleeping or resting, make sure to lie on your back as much as possible.
- Eat right. As with any surgical procedure, good nutrition is key to healing and recovering. If you eat junk food throughout recovery, it will not help you bounce back as quickly as you could. Try to consume plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and water instead of greasy burgers, fries, and soda.
- Ask your plastic surgeon about remedies and medications. Before your surgery, your doctor will give you a prescription for pain relief. Take your painkillers as prescribed and do not hesitate to ask your surgeon about the kinds of supplements you can include in your plastic surgery recovery kit. For example, during recovery, many patients benefit from taking vitamins A and C, copper, zinc, and selenium. Each plays a vital role in wound healing and reducing the chance of infection.
- Be patient. Remember that, following a breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedure, you will be experiencing swelling for a few weeks. While this period may stir feelings of doubt and low self-esteem, hang in there and trust the process. You will see the beautiful results you desire in due time.
- Contact your plastic surgeon for any concerns. For any questions or reservations about the healing process, call your plastic surgeon for guidance.
What Not to Do After Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck Surgery
Avoid the following to promote healing and enjoy your new-and-improved self as soon as you can.
- Wearing bras with underwires. Following breast augmentation surgery, your doctor may give you a special support bra, which you need to wear around the clock during recovery and for as long as your surgeon recommends. Avoid underwired bras, which can irritate your incision site and alter the final positioning of your implants.
- Lifting your child and heavy objects. Aside from hitting the pause button on your regular workout routine during your recovery period, you should also avoid lifting your children or any heavy items. Carrying anything heavier than 10 pounds can cause significant pain and even compromise the outcome of your surgery.
- Swimming. Avoid swimming pools, bubble baths, jacuzzis, and especially the ocean to prevent bacteria from penetrating your incision sites and causing a post-op infection. To freshen up, take a quick shower at least 48 hours after your procedure. Consider getting help from your spouse or loved one, especially if you are struggling to move or lift your arms.
- Smoking. Tobacco products can slow down your body’s healing ability. It is best to stop smoking or using tobacco products for at least two months before plastic surgery and to remain tobacco-free for about a month thereafter.
- Updating your wardrobe right after surgery. One of the fun parts of breast augmentation and abdominoplasty is that they give you the opportunity to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe. For breast augmentation specifically, remember that it can take up to three months for the implants to settle into place. During this time, the size of your breasts may fluctuate. Limit the number of bras you buy to one or two a month or until the final results of your breast augmentation reveal themselves.
- Getting intimate. After surgery, you should wait around three to six weeks before having sex again. Postponing acts of intimacy reduces the risk of complications and pain. But overall, you should only resume sexual activity once you are mentally and physically ready. Listen to your body and be honest with yourself.
- Pushing yourself too hard. Finally, remember that everyone recovers differently. You may not get back on your feet as fast as you had hoped, but that’s okay. Be patient with yourself during this time of beautiful change.
By following this list of dos and don’ts after breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery, you are well on your way to achieving optimal results.
Make an Appointment With Guerra Plastic Surgery Center
If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, augmentation can provide you with a lasting solution. Whether you have lost breast volume because of pregnancy and breastfeeding, or you simply want to increase your cup size, we invite you to discuss the possibilities breast implants provide. Call us at 480–970–2580 to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ.