Breast Surgery Recovery
St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida
If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, you are probably already aware that there will be a period of time to recover. Your recovery will be closely monitored by Jacksonville, Florida area plastic surgeon Dr. Desai for anything out of the ordinary. A typical recovery will take several weeks.
Breast Surgery and Immediately After Surgery
The surgery itself will take approximately one to two hours. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will feel sore, and may continue to feel drowsiness and a little “blurry” for the next 48 hours.
After you leave the hospital, you will be wearing a compression garment or bandages, which will bind the breasts to the body. In the immediate hours in the early phase of recovery, homemade remedies can offer some relief from bruising and swelling, including:
- Cold compresses and ice packs from the drugstore
- One part rubbing alcohol to three parts water stored in the freezer will leave a compress that is slushy and easy to form around the incision area
- A frozen bag of peas placed near the area of swelling or the incision area
First Few Weeks
You will be tired and uncomfortable for a few days after breast surgery. If you can have someone care for you during this time, do so since you will not want to move around much. Once you are ready, you should walk around to keep the risk of blood clots forming and to help reduce swelling.
After about a week, you may return to work as long as you limit your activity and get rest. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activity until Dr. Desai gives you the go-ahead. Other things to consider the first week include:
- Keep your incision dry and apply topical cream or lotion as instructed by Dr. Desai
- If you are wearing a drainage tube, keep the area clean and dry. The tube will be removed after your first post-surgical visit with Dr. Desai
- Be sure to take antibiotics to avoid infection and take your temperature regularly. Contact Dr. Desai if your temperature reaches 101
Next Several Weeks
Your breasts will be very sensitive for several weeks. Swelling may last over a month, and you will want to avoid contact or strenuous activity at this time. Dr. Desai may allow you to resume exercise a month after your breast surgery. Incision scars will begin their slow fade two months after surgery and become less noticeable.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Pay close attention to your overall health during your recovery process. Be alert for anything that seems out of the ordinary. Contact Dr. Desai immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Discharge or pus from the incision or nipples
- Excessive bleeding or blisters around the incision
- Numbness in your legs
- Displacement, extrusion, deflation, or bottoming out of implants
- Uncontrollable dizziness, pain, or vomiting
- Blood in urine or feces, or spitting up blood
If you have any questions about breast surgery recovery in the Jacksonville, Florida area please contact experienced breast surgeon Dr. Desai at the Desai Center of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today.
Desai Center of Plastic & Recontructive Surgery
14540 Old St. Augustine Road Suite 2391 | Jacksonville, Florida 32258
(904)262-DESAI (3372)
(877) 907-3067
