The first breast augmentation took place in the 1960s, and since then, millions of women have chosen to undergo the procedure to change the size and shape of their breasts. Aftercare is especially important to reduce the risk of infections and promote healing. Find out what you can do to ensure a healthy recovery from breast augmentation surgery.
Icing
Place cold compresses or ice packs on the breasts for the first 48 hours of recovery. Keep a barrier like a towel or pillowcase between your breasts and the ice. Let the cold compress sit for 10 to 15 minutes and take off for 45 minutes before you apply again. Apply a warm compress like a heating pad or warm water bottle on the breasts after two days to relieve swelling and bruising. Use the same application times as used for cold compresses. Because everyone's breast augmentation is different, ask you doctor if you should use warm compresses.
Breast Drains
Some breast augmentation procedures require drains to remove fluids. Generally, these drains are placed if the breasts were also lifted during surgery. The drains help reduce pressure buildup that can prolong healing time. These drains are attached to see-through bulbs. The liquid draining into the bulbs commonly has a brownish tint. The doctor will give you extra bulbs to replace those that are filled or ask you to drain bulbs when they get three-quarters full. To replace bulbs, detach the bulb and throw away. Squeeze the new bulb into the drain to create a suction. To drain bulbs, open the plug at the top of the bulb and drain fluid. Press the bulb before securing the plug back into its hole. The bulb care should be easy, but call your doctor's office if you have problems with the drains. The doctor generally removes the drains on the first followup appointment. Be sure to ask your doctor replace bulbs before leaving after your breast augmentation surgery.
Massaging Breasts
Breasts look very different from the final result immediately after the surgery. Some breasts are situated high for a brief time depending on the size of the implants. The muscle has to accommodate the size of the implant and stretch. Going from small breasts to medium or large breasts takes a longer time than going from medium to large. Smooth implants take a shorter amount of time to settle textured implants. If you have smooth implants, encourage them to drop sooner by massaging the breasts; however, do not massage the breasts if you have textured implants. Move the breast implant around the breast to break up scar tissue and give yourself a more natural looking breast. Squeeze the bottom of the breast to cause the implant to move to the top. This will increase the size of the pocket. Ask your doctor before massaging the breasts after surgery.
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