Is it possible to recover from breast augmentation alone in the week I don't have my kids?

Question

I'm a single parent who has the kids week on week off. Could I recover alone during the week I don't have the kids? I don't have a partner to care for me

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

You will need a driver for the procedure and caretaker for 24 hours following surgery. Overall, the first 3 days following breast augmentation are the most difficult. After that, you will quickly feel better. Most people take about 1 week off of work, but you are on activity restrictions for 6 weeks following surgery. I do think that it is feasible to recover during the week that your children aren't home.

Timothy M. Rankin, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovery from breast augmentation can take four to six weeks. During your recovery, we recommend only doing low-stress activities for the first two weeks, such as short walks and regular household activities. At two-weeks post op, we recommend you begin some low impact cardio like exercising with an elliptical or stair master, or hiking if you prefer being outdoors.
After four weeks, you can begin to reintroduce resistance training with no chest exercise. For breast augmentation patients, we recommend no chest exercises until about eight to twelve weeks after surgery to ensure that the precise location of the implant does not shift in an unwanted direction.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
I would always suggest having a friend, family member, or a home care nurse with you for the first 24 hours following anesthesia. I use a Quick-Recovery Breast Augmentation method that makes the recovery very quick! 
All the best,
Dr. Joe

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The first three days after surgery, women who have had children commonly say they feel like they did when their breasts were fully engorged with milk after childbirth. The discomfort usually starts to ease up on the fourth day after surgery. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Of course, everyone has a different experience regarding healing after breast augmentation.  In most cases, I think it is best to return to your normal activity as soon as possible.  I do not consider any limitations to have an affect on your results.  Usually, taking Tylenol and ibuprofen postoperatively, if you are not sensitive to these drugs, will allow you to be driving a car in a day or 2 and returning to taking care of your kids or getting back to work within 5 days or so.  Good luck with your surgery!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You may need assistance as even simple things, such as changing your clothes, can be challenging depending on your surgery and recovery. In addition, you may need assistance after the first week depending on the age of your children.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
A week is perfect! You should be feeling pretty good within a few days of surgery. Enjoy ! Best wishes!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Lauren887, tyhanks for sharing your concerns, I do not suggest an alone recovery as after Breast procedures you must to be under relative rest you can not raise your arms, you can not cook, push, pull or lift more than 5 pounds, in order to take care of your incisions. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should have someone with you the first day. If you don’t have anyone there are people who you can hire through the surgeons office. After the first 24 hours you shouid be okay alone and be able to take care of your   Children after a week

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to ask your plastic surgeon this question. In my practice you are 70% recovered by the end of a week, but you should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for four weeks, and wear a bra 24/7 (except for showering) for four weeks after surgery.

Every plastic surgeon has his or her own protocol and your recovery is largely dependent on the type of augmentation (above versus below the muscle). Depending on the patient’s anatomy my preferred approach is always above the muscle for a speedier and less painful recovery.

Lots of questions to still review with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Is it possible to recover from breast augmentation alone in the week I don't have my kids?

Answers (15)

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