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Breast Implant Recovery Essentials

The anticipation of enhancing your breast size and shape to balance your overall figure can be exciting. However, the surgery itself is only part of the story.

Recovery is a critical part of the breast augmentation process. During the earliest days of healing, intentionally caring for yourself is vital to your health and overall breast surgery outcome. It pays to have realistic expectations for the time it takes for your incisions to heal and your implants to settle into their final position.

Assembling recovery essentials before your return from the surgery center will allow you to rest, relax, and focus on healing without leaving the house to get what you need.

Here are some must-do checklist items to properly prepare for your breast implant recovery.

Enlist Help

On the day of your breast augmentation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours. However, most women need help around the house for at least the first week, as soreness, swelling, and the effects of pain medications can make daily tasks more challenging.

Ask trusted friends or family members to help you with children, pets, household chores, errands, and anything you may need that pops up unexpectedly. If possible, plan to have someone stay at your home for a few days. In most cases, you can resume most non-arduous activities after one week.

Arrange Time off From Work  ​​

Most women need at least one week of downtime away from work after breast surgery. After that week, you might feel healed enough to return to your job if it’s not physically demanding. However, you may want to discuss alternative arrangements with your supervisor and team members, since commuting with new incisions can be challenging.

Medical leave protocols vary from company to company. Because breast surgery is elective, this may disqualify you from paid sick leave. For example, you may have to spend vacation days or schedule your surgery over a long holiday break. But if your breast augmentation is a reconstruction after disease or trauma, you could be eligible for paid sick leave.

You may need up to six weeks off if you work at a physically demanding job. Review your company’s sick leave policy to ensure you qualify for extended medical leave. Set up a meeting with your HR department well before your surgery.

Keep Your Post-Surgery Instructions Handy

Dr. Sajjadian and his staff will give you written instructions to follow during your recovery, which you’ll want to review before surgery and follow to the letter throughout the healing process. These directions will minimize your risk of complications and ensure you love your results.

Set up a Recovery Station

Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian recommends preparing your home like a recovery clinic to make your healing process more comfortable.

Create a Serene Space to Relax

Set up a post-surgery recovery station to ensure many of your healing needs are conveniently nearby. This area could be your bedroom, living room, or anywhere else you lounge to relax. Gather necessary items like a refillable water bottle, tissues, snacks, your tablet or phone, and a TV remote. Having a trash can nearby will help you keep the area clean. Maintain a soothing environment to help your body relax to promote proper healing.

Have Plenty of Water on Hand

Hydration is essential for the recovery process. You need water to promote healing, and a straw will let you take refreshing sips without having to lean forward.

Get Nutritious Meals Ready

Many of our breast augmentation patients prepare balanced meals before surgery and freeze them in sensible portions to make their lives easier. Nutrition is a critical component of healing, so stock up on fresh fruit, nuts, soup and salad ingredients, and other healthy foods. You likely won’t feel like cooking, so ensure you eat well with little to no hassle.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Set aside several tops that are easy to put on and take off without lifting your arms over your head. For example, you will want loose-fitting shirts that button or zip and other clothing that focuses more on comfort than fashion. Also, consider buying a few sports bras that attach in the front to wear during your recovery.

Pick up Meds Ahead of Time

Dr. Sajjadian will prescribe oral medication to ensure you recover safely and comfortably. Pick them up from the pharmacy before surgery, so you won’t have to make a stop on the way home.

Get Plenty of Ice Packs

Applying ice to your incisions helps reduce swelling and manage discomfort. You may wish to purchase ice packs to store in your freezer.

Buy a Heating Pad

A heating pad can relieve pain from backaches or any other soreness you may experience after your breast implant surgery.

Gather Pillows

You will need to sleep with your breasts elevated for the first few weeks after surgery. You can stack pillows or purchase medical-grade inclines to help you stay comfortable in an appropriate position.

Why Choose Dr. Sajjadian for Breast Augmentation

Although many cosmetic surgeons offer breast enhancement surgery at rock-bottom prices, experience and compassionate care offer the best outcomes from these surgical corrections. By perfecting every detail of breast surgery, Newport Beach breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Sajjadian can help you look amazing in every outfit in your closet. His extensive training and experience allow him to deliver optimal outcomes.

He understands that a beautiful form is crucial to a woman’s self-confidence, and he is committed to delivering aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.

Dr. Sajjadian offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to help his patients achieve the best version of themselves. So, whether you need help with your breasts, facial appearance, or body outline, he can create a surgical plan that produces spectacular results.

Schedule a consultation to have all your breast implant questions answered. Contact our Newport Beach practice online or call (949) 515-0550.