How many days after breast augmentation do you need someone to take care of you?

Question

In general, how many days after a breast augmentation do you need someone taking care of you? I plan to have someone look after me the day of surgery and 3-4 days after.

Michael Chiaramonte, MD · Answer

Hi,
That’s a great question, as it’s important to have a plan set up for recovery prior to any cosmetic procedure. After breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressing and an elastic bandage for support as they heal. You will be allowed to go home after a few hours but it is recommended to have reduced-activity and to not perform any strenuous activities for at least a few days.
  
If you have someone to help you and support you for 1 to 2 days post surgery that is great. You will most likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks as well. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s best to consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in your area to understand all parts of the procedure before your surgery.
  
Best of luck!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You must have someone with you the first 24 hours, after this depends on how you feel. Having someone with you the first 3 to 4 days should be sufficient.Best of luck.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

You will want someone with you the first 24 hours to make sure you are getting around ok. After that, it typically depends on the patient and the technique used for your breast augmentation. At my practice, we offer a 24 hour recovery breast augmentation so our patients typically drive themselves to their follow up appointment the next day. Since every operating surgeon's technique may be different, best to ask your surgeon his or her recommendations. Good luck!

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I generally tell my patients 2-3 days, so I think that 3-4 days gives you plenty of time to recover. Best of luck to you!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hi there, Thank you for your question. Yes, 3-4 days should be sufficient. Speak with your surgeon to see what he/ she recommends. Best, realdrsix

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You absolutely have to have someone with you at all times for the first 24 hours after surgery.  It is best to have someone stay with you for about 3-5 days after surgery as well, especially if you are taking narcotics.  I think your plan sounds great. Best of luck to you in your upcoming surgery!If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and the recovery process you can download a free copy of my breast augmentation planner at aBetterBreast.com.

Jay Burns, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Just as choosing a plastic surgeon is important, preparing for after your surgery is also an important step to your recovery. While each board-certified plastic surgeon has their own post-op recovery recommendations, during my +30 years of experience, I tell my patients that on average they will recover 6 weeks after their breast augmentation. During this 6-week healing process, any strenuous impact on the chest muscles should be avoided. Patients can typically return to their daily routines based on the following average guidelines:
  
Above the muscle: 3-4 days
  Below the muscle: 4-10 days (average 7)
  During these initial days, it can be beneficial to having care to avoid any stress to yourself or your muscles. Please consult with your board-certified surgeon for a personalized recommendation.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. That is good enough time for some body to recover from BA . It varies depending on the patient but 4-5 days you should be by yourself.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I wish you a speedy recovery! It is best to discuss with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon his/her specific recommendations as far as return to activity. The recovery after BA surgery varies widely from patient to patient as well as their level of discomfort during this time. Generally with my patients, the first 4-7 days are reserved for rest and overall recovery, and after that patients can slowly work their way back with gradual low risk activities. I prefer to wait at least 6 weeks for repetitive upper body lifting/movements and arm use so that the muscles, skin incisions and breast tissues have had adequate time to heal and settle before being stressed. The recovery routine will best be determined by your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon so be sure to touch base with him/her on their specific recommendations.
  
Sincerely,
  Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon-Miami/Miami Beach, FL

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally, breast augmentation surgery is a very well-tolerated operation these days. Having said that, most patients benefit from lots of help from family/friends for the first 2 to 4 days. Attention to adequate help, rest, pain control, hydration, good nutrition, resumption of bowel movements will all be important.   Careful attention to postoperative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon and close communication with your plastic surgeon in the event of concerns/questions will also be important.
In my practice, I ask patients to keep the surgical bra on, keep their elbows by their sides, and have lots of help when it comes to  getting in and out of bed or recliner.  Early ambulation, breathing exercises, and attention to concerns such as avoidance of nausea and resumption of bowel movements are all encouraged.
On average, I ask patients to take off 5 days to 1 week after breast augmentation surgery (desk job). For some professions, I may suggest a going back to work with a lighter workload (or in your case, having someone else do the lifting etc.. that would involve the pectoralis muscle). Ideally, I ask patients not to lift anything heavy or do things ( like pulling/pushing) that contract the pectoralis musle for at least 3 weeks. Patients are able to return to running and heavier lifting 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.  I ask my patients to stay away from "pectorals major" activity such as push-ups and bench press for several months.
Ultimately, it will be important for you to “listen to your body”, apply common sense, and return to activities/exercises in a gradual fashion. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

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