At our practice in Ottawa, ON, highly experienced cosmetic plastic surgeons Dr. Lacey will provide detailed and specific post-operative instructions to ensure a successful breast augmentation recovery. During a consultation prior to your surgery, Dr. Lacey will outline the procedure and prepare you for recovery to ensure that you achieve optimal healing with as much comfort as possible. Before you leave our facility, Dr Lacey will provide written instructions for recovery as well as schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your healing is progressing as it should.
Recovery Times Vary
Following breast augmentation, you will require several days of recovery while swelling and bruising subside. Because each patient is unique, the length of your recovery will depend on several factors, including:
- The technique used for your augmentation
- The type of procedure
- The location of your incisions
- The type and size of the implant
Immediately After Your Procedure
Before leaving the surgical facility, you will be provided with written post-operative instructions as well as a prescription for any necessary medications. This could include an antibiotic to prevent infection and medications to help you manage pain. You may also be advised on any additional over-the-counter medications and supplements that can help enhance your comfort and healing. Finally, Dr Lacey may also fit you with a support garment, such as a bra or bandeau. This garment should be worn as directed to provide support during the healing period.
The First Five Days
During the first few days, you should relax and limit your physical activity in order to prevent bleeding. It is best to arrange for help from a friend or family member during the first two days. If you have small children, you will want to ensure their care for approximately four to five days. Pain typically diminishes between one and five days. After five days, you may resume gentle exercise as recommended by Dr Lacey.
Before you leave our facility, Dr Lacey will provide written instructions for recovery as well as schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your healing is progressing as it should.
The Following Weeks
If your job is not physically demanding, you may return to work in approximately five to seven days. Low impact, cardio exercise may be resumed after two weeks. For the first six weeks, you may be advised to avoid any high impact activity—such as jogging or running—as well as any repetitive motions or lifting more than 15 to 20 pounds.
Our staff will schedule follow-up visits with Dr Lacey to ensure that your recovery is progressing as planned. The doctor will advise you when you can resume normal activity. You should enjoy the final results of your breast augmentation within six to nine months.
Possible Complications of Breast Augmentation
As with any plastic or breast surgery, complications are possible following an augmentation procedure. These could include:
- Breast pain
- Changes in sensation
- Hardening of scar tissue around the implant
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
Over time, some implants may lose their shape, resulting in an altered appearance or breast asymmetry. It is also possible that implants may rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate, but will not compromise a patient’s health. Some silicone implants may "silently" rupture—that is, rupture without causing obvious symptoms. Dr Lacey can advise you on any tests that will be required to ensure that damage to your implants has not taken place. Implants may make mammograms or breastfeeding more difficult, but special x-rays and directions can be administered to assist in making this determination.
Find Out More About Breast Augmentation Recovery
If you have any questions concerning your recovery from breast augmentation, please do not hesitate to contact us online or by phone at (613) 722-7912. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the breast augmentation surgery as well as how to achieve a successful recovery.
