In life, timing is essential. This is particularly true when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. Most reputable plastic surgeons will insist that a patient be at least 18 years of age before having an augmentation. However, it then comes down to the right or wrong time in your life.
Breast augmentation surgery and recovery are much different today than in the past. Thanks to modern technology, patients who undergo breast augmentations go home the same day of surgery and can resume basic self-care activities almost immediately after surgery. Simple tasks like getting around the house, eating, and bathing can all be performed by the patient within 24-48 hours following surgery. However, lifting anything heavier than a milk jug is off-limits for at least the first two weeks after surgery.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that following breast surgery, you will not be able to swim or be submerged in water for six weeks, to prevent the risk of post-surgical infection through the surgical incision. Regardless of whether it’s in a bathtub, hot tub, pool, lake, or the Gulf of Mexico, bodies of water contain millions of bacteria and microorganisms that could cause an infection.
You’ll also need to avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks following your surgery. The reasons for this include the risk of opening the incision, causing bleeding at the surgical site (also known as a hematoma), and moving the implants out of position.
After your procedure, you will be wearing dressings and bandages, along with a surgical bra, for several days. Many patients experience swelling that can last for several weeks. If you want to be discreet about your procedure or the healing process, you may want to wear clothing that makes it easy to hide the surgical bra. Sun exposure is detrimental to surgical scar healing, so you’ll want to keep your scars covered up following breast augmentation.
Finally, you will want to schedule your surgery when you can take several days off work to recover from the surgery. This may be the most significant factor when deciding when to have surgery. Winter and spring might be the ideal time to take off work for many patients, but not if you are an accountant or school teacher. At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we strive to accommodate your schedule so that you can have your surgery and recover at a time that is best for you.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Dr. Peter Butler, Dr. Jocelyn Leveque, or Dr. Nathan Patterson.
