Breast augmentation is a popular surgery that allows women to improve the appearance of their breasts by inserting implants. Although the procedure is safe, it is important to be cautious of the steps you take before and after the procedure to enhance your results and speed up recovery.
Learning what to expect before and after breast implants will help you prepare for the changes your body will go through and can simplify the process for you.
Before Breast Implants
Following precautions will enable you to better prepare for your breast augmentation surgery.
Don’t Choose Your Implants in a Rush
There is a range of implants available, and the type of implant you choose should depend on your preferences and expectations from the procedure. Don’t choose implants in a rush, as they will be a part of your body for a long time.
The most common types of implants are saline-filled and silicone-filled. Saline-filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water (saline) solution, and silicone-filled breast implants are filled with silicone gel, and both come in smooth and textured shells.
Don’t Take Certain Medications
Your surgeon may recommend you avoid certain medications a few weeks before your treatment. Medications that can cause complications during surgery or recovery are blood thinners, including aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin, warfarin and supplements, such as omega-3, fish oil, garlic, and vitamin E.
If you take any other medication, inform your doctor to confirm if it’s okay to continue them or if you need to stop taking them for a while.
Don’t Overthink the Process
Breast augmentation is a major surgery that can positively impact your body and self-esteem. However, overthinking the process can stress you and make you anxious during the procedure. Do your research and ask as many questions as you need to before heading into surgery to refrain from overthinking.
After Breast Implants
Your surgeon will provide post-operative guidelines to ensure that your breasts heal seamlessly. There are a few basic things that you can do in addition to those rules to boost your recovery.
Don’t Sleep on Your Stomach
The position you sleep in after getting breast implants can impact the appearance of your breasts. Sleeping on your stomach can change the position of your implants and cause discomfort or pain. Avoid sleeping on your back or side for a few weeks until your implants settle in.
Don’t Engage in Strenuous Physical Activity
Your body will need time to heal from surgery. Give yourself plenty of rest and avoid engaging in strenuous activities for a few weeks, such as lifting weights, running, or jumping. You can walk at a slow pace to keep your body active, butlisten to your body if it feels overexerted.
Don’t Take Off Your Surgical Bra
Your surgeon will advise you to wear a surgical bra or compression garment for a few weeks after surgery. Although it may feel uncomfortable initially, a surgical bra will help your implants settle. Avoid underwire bras for a few weeks as they irritate your incisions and prevent implants from properly settling.
Breast implants can help women gain confidence about their appearance, adherence to proper guidelines before and after getting implants and improve their overall experience.