What Can a Husband Do to Help His Wife After Her Lift and Implant?

The simple answer is support her!  Patients experience a number of things after surgery which we address with medications, dressings, etc.  But one of the most important things they experience are emotions.  As her husband, you can be a huge help to her by supporting her not only physically but also emotionally. 

Simply be there for her!

Fantastic quesiton. I will try to be brief. In my personal as well as professional experience, there are numerous issues at play. First and foremost is listening and understanding the reasons your wife underwent the procedure without being judgmental or critical. Many women are made to feel guilty by society about having "unnecessary" cosmetic surgery when they are undergoing the surgery to restore their self esteem or even to appear more attractive to you. Secondly, is being available and supportive. Taking into account the responsiblities your wife normally tends to and seeing that arrangements have been made such as her occupation, children, etc.will take a great load off her mind. This is just the beginning but where I see the majority of husbands falling short or their role.  

The period after cosmetic surgery is physically difficult and emotionally trying. A husband plays an essential role both physically and emotionally. He must be supportive in both areas. He should also take time off to be around. Really after all is said and done - he should just be a great guy!

Assuming you are the husband, kudos for a great question. We see a lot of husbands who don't get that the wife wants the surgery for her own reasons, and your role is to provide support for her decision even though you love her the way she is. After surgery she will need both emotional and practical support. It is not uncommon for there to be a case of the blues a few days after surgery but this is temporary. On a practical level, keeping track of her medication schedule, output in the drain tubes if they are used, help getting up to the bathroom, meals, and any childcare responsibilities. Moms often have a hard time being on the receiving end rather than being the caregiver.

Supporting your wife after breast lift and implant surgery involves both physical assistance and emotional support. Here are some specific ways you can help:
1. Assistance with Daily Tasks: Help with household chores, cooking, cleaning, and any other tasks your wife may find difficult or uncomfortable while recovering.
2. Administer Medication: Keep track of her medication schedule and help administer any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed by her plastic surgeon.
3. Comfort and Care: Ensure she is comfortable by providing pillows, blankets, and helping her adjust positions when needed. Assist her with dressing changes and personal care tasks.
4. Provide Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and be patient and understanding as she goes through the recovery process. Encourage her and reassure her that you are there for her every step of the way.
5. Attend Medical Appointments: Accompany her to follow-up appointments with her plastic surgeon, take notes, and ask questions on her behalf to ensure she understands her progress and any instructions given.
6. Encourage Rest: Remind her to prioritize rest and relaxation, and help create a calm and comfortable environment for her to recover in.
7. Prepare Nutritious Meals: Cook healthy meals and snacks to support her recovery and keep her well-nourished. Ensure she stays hydrated by providing plenty of water and fluids.
8. Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that recovery can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Be patient, supportive, and reassuring throughout the process.
9. Offer Gentle Affection: Show your love and support through gentle affection, such as holding hands, hugs, or cuddling, but be mindful of her comfort and any physical limitations she may have.
10. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate her progress and milestones during her recovery journey, whether it's reaching a certain postoperative milestone or simply getting through a tough day.
Above all, communicate openly with your wife, listen to her needs, and be present to support her in whatever way she needs during her recovery from breast lift and implant surgery.

What a wonderful question.    A supportive spouse can significantly improve the quality of home aftercare.     A few recommendations:

1.  Fill her prescriptions before surgery

2. Arrange an area in the house for her to rest comfortably as she recovers that is easily accessible to a restroom

3.  Make sure to have plenty of dressing supplies at home.   

4.  Stay with your wife at all times for 24 hours after anesthesia and check on her frequently for the first 72 hours

5.  Assist her in arranging and taking her to  postoperative appointments until she is off pain medication (7-10 days)

6. Be emotionally supportive of her during the recovery process and offer reassurance.

Thank you for taking a proactive approach in the care of your spouse.   It helps both the patient and surgeon obtain the best possible outcome.

 

Paul S. Gill, M.D.

Gill Plastic Surgery

Houston Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The fact that you are concerned enough to pose this question is a good sign!  Your role is vital to your wife's recovery.  Being supportive and helping her with activities of daily living are crucial in minimizing post-operative complications. I encourage our patients to bring their "support person" to the pre op appointment so they can learn what to expect in the post-op period.

A relative can be an important part of the post-op care delivered to a patient.  I always recommend to patients to have someone stay with them the first night after surgery just in case the patient needs help.  The relative can also help with assisting the patient i around the home.

Excellent question either asked by a sensitive husband or a wife who is planning ahead. Essentially the husband can be most helpful as an emotional as well as physical support. There is no nursing training required, During the first few days he can organize the medications and make sure his wife is comfortable, remember it is easier to stay ahead of the pain than to catch up with it, so don't be stingy with the pain medication. Also help by taking care of children and household chores so his wife doesn't need to worry. Later during the recovery the emotional support becomes paramount as patients often go through an emotional roller coaster after surgery.

Be supportive with their decisions, and post-op recovery.  The post-op recovery is fairly simple:  make sure that no heavy lifting or activities are undertaken.