First 3 days after breast implants: Q&A with a RealFriend

One of the most frequently asked questions I see on RealSelf is What are the first three days post-op like?

RealFriend Scrappy37 agreed to a Q&A where she recalls those hazy days after surgery.

RS: How did you feel when you first woke up from surgery?

I could barely keep my eyes open or stay awake. My mouth was dry.

RS: What was the most difficult thing for you immediately post op?
I couldn't eat much after the surgery or keep it down. I threw up twice after the surgery. Next day was better, but I was still tired.

RS: What was your first concern when you woke up from anesthesia?
Once I remembered where I was, I took a peek in my gown and didnt think i looked any bigger!

RS: How did you sleep the first night after surgery?
I slept fine as far as I can remember. Pillows that were propping me up would get displaced and I would find myself flat on my back which doesnt feel good on the boobs. I started icing immediately.

RS: How did you feel the next morning?
I had morning boob! Very tight in the chest. I was not wearing any kind of compression or post-surgical bra.

RS: By day 2, how did you feel?
I was flashing myself every time I walked by a mirror. Lol. I noticed some slight bruising between my breasts and my skin would gurgle when depressed, but otherwise I felt fine. I would tire easily. I was also able to shower on day 2.

RS: What were some foods you felt like eating?
toasted bagel and cream cheese with cottage cheese and fruit.

RS: What was your biggest issue on day 2?
I couldn't open my prescription bottles myself, had to walk the dog since my hubby had to leave town for work and found I was very exhausted to walk any distance. Still icing constantly and trying to take it easy.

RS: And day 3? What was that like?

Day 3 was good in general. I think I stayed on the couch for the most part icing. I had some bruising and my skin squished and gurgled some between my breasts. The bruising was on the side and in the center. Was very light bruising. I tried to walk my dog off leash and just the walk half way up the block was too much. I had to go back home and lay down. I tired very easily.

RS: When did you start feeling 100% again?

50%: at 3-4 weeks. At this point I went swimming but it didnt feel good when I used my kickboard and had my arms straight out. morning boob is better, skin sensitivity is better, still large numb patches present, some positions laying down are still uncomfortable

100%: Month 2 I feel well enough to bike and kayak but not long distances. But Month 3 is probably the 100% mark as I feel that I am able to function normally and not be so concerned about hurting myself or exerting myself.

Thanks for your candor, Scrappy37!