subject: What Questions To Ask About Breast Augmentation Recovery [print this page] Recovering from breast augmentation takes time. Done properly, your body will heal well and may even look fantastic. If you put off giving your body the time it needs to heal and you try to rush the process, you could end up with complications including infections and even exhaustion. Rather than do that, you should make it a point to discuss the process with your doctors from the start. You'll find that it is very possible to see significant improvement in your recovery speed by following your doctor's orders from the start.
In-Hospital Care
The first step is to know when you will leave the hospital or surgical center after breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, you will spend a night in the hospital. In other cases, you will be able to go home the same day. This depends on your health and any other conditions you have. It also depends on whether or not you have handled medications well during and after the procedure. Still, you should know what to expect most likely and where you will go after the procedure.
What Pain Relief Options Are Available?
Next, discuss with your surgeon the options for pain management. Most of the time, individuals will spend some time overcoming surgical anesthesia and then will need pain medications. This may be in the form of a prescription. If your doctor allows it, have the medication filled prior to discharge from the hospital setting. Otherwise, you will want to fill the prescription even if you think the pain is bearable. Many patients, though, begin using just over-the-counter pain relievers for a short period of time until the soreness subsides.
Managing Bandaging and Wound Care
You will have incisions that require attention after the procedure. Your nurse of the doctor will provide you with information about how to care for the wound. This is often done through dressing changes. However, most doctors do not want you to remove the bandages prior to their desired time. Most doctors want to remove the first applied bandages after a 24 to 36 hour period to ensure the wound is healing properly.
What's Next?
Finally, ask your doctor what other steps you need to take as you heal. This may include a follow-up appointment within a few days to a week after the procedure. You will still likely be bruised and in pain, but ultimately you will see significant improvement in the way you look.
Though it is a cosmetic procedure, breast augmentation is a serious procedure and one that requires healing time. Discuss your options with your doctor and have every one of your recovery-related questions answered before you go in to the procedure. You should be confident that you know exactly what to expect.
