Will I manage to recover from my breast augmentation alone? Any tips?

Hello Ittybittytittyjozigirl,
I understand your concerns. Plastic surgeons have different pre and post-operative protocols to procure patients safety and achieve optimal results. I typically instruct my patients to arrange for a responsible adult to drive them to the surgical facility and take them home after breast augmentation surgery. This person (family member, friend, nurse practitioner or caregiver) should be available to stay with the patient for at least the first night following surgery. Under no circumstance will patients be permitted to go home alone or stay home without another adult present. This is important because of the danger of falling and patients may lose the concept of time for the day and overmedicate themselves, as a result. I would recommend you start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots. Walk as much as you can around the house with assistance from an adult. Some other recommendations that could make your breast augmentation healing period shorter and easier are the following: 1) Before surgery, stock your refrigerator with high-protein, low-sodium foods, including premade meals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of caffeine-free beverages and water. Drink plenty fluids (water is the best) and avoid food and drinks containing salt during your recovery, as sodium will keep you swollen. 2) As you heal, your arms will have a limited range of motion, so store all the supplies you’ll need during recovery where they are easily accessible (at counter level, not in overhead or very low cabinets). 3) Stockpile movies or prerecorded programs, or novels and magazines. If possible, have a speakerphone by your bed and a remote control for the TV. 4) Establish a no-fail support system for the full recovery period indicated by your plastic surgeon. You must not lift, drive, or do laundry and cleaning for the first two weeks. 5) Rest and sleep on your back continuously in an inclined position (over 45 degrees angle) for the initial post-operative days or while significant swelling remains. You can achieve elevation with wedge pillows with an incline design or by sleeping in a recliner chair. 6) Decide what you will wear for the first few days; pick items that open in the front. Wear slip-on shoes so you don’t have to bend. Since every case is different, consult with your plastic surgeon about your specific needs and concerns. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz. 

Hi Ittybittytittyjozigirl,

Downtime and recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies.
The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. When it comes to exercising, it may also vary depending on the type of exercises you are going to perform.

When it comes to traveling, you should discuss this with your surgeon, as he/she is the best person who can give you a go signal when it comes to traveling. I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..based on your question, for a good recovery the ideal is to have rest the first 21 days post, cures, do not make efforts, do not handle, do not load heavy objects, do not sleep on the side, use antibiotic cream to clean scar, use bra post operative for 3 months.

I appreciate your question.  
Typically, my guideline is, the first week is the hardest. By the second week you feel better, at four weeks you feel 100% and at six weeks you can go back to complete normal routines and exercising.  
Four days after surgery, I would be careful as you are still at risk for bleeding. If you are taking any pain medication, I would not drink alcohol.  With my 'Schwartz Rapid Recuperation' recovery, most of my patients are out to dinner the following evening.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery. 
  
Best of luck! 
    
Dr. Schwartz 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
#RealSelf100Surgeon 
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

After surgery it's recommended that you have someone with you for at least 24 hours. After that time you will need assistance with lifting items as restrictions are typically in place. Showering, dressing, opening medications, etc are still a bit challenging for the first few days since you'll be sore. Generally you are not cleared to drive for a week or two after surgery. You may be able to contact a home nurse to help for a few days until you are feeling stronger.

Hello, thank you for your question. I’m glad your mother is able to stay with you the day of your procedure - you need someone there to drive you, administer your medicines and make sure you have what you need for a successful recovery. 
After the first day, there will still be many things that might be difficult for you to do alone. It’d be quite unfortunate if you compromised your recovery because you overextended yourself. 
I’d highly encourage you to ask a friend to stay with you in the first few days, or at least check on you, perhaps during their lunch break each day. 
That said, there are a few things you can do to prepare for times when you will be alone: Stock up on snacks and pre-made or easy-to-prepare meals. Identify clothes that will be easy to wear and keep them in one place. Make sure you have all the prescriptions you need, as well as stool softeners in case of constipation. Take anything that you use regularly and put it in an easy-to-reach place (instead of on a high or low shelf). 
Wishing you a smooth recovery!

No matter how simple the operation or how healthy the patient is they cannot recover by themselves as they cannot administer their own medications while under the influence of narcotics or recovering from an anesthetic. It is not safe and not wise to do.