After Breast Augmentation Surgery: Post-operative odd and ends
The following are some important facts that will help put your mind at ease. Of course, every patient heals differently, and some breast procedures are more extensive then others. Use the following as a helpful guideline.
Settling:
All implants, especially sub-muscular placement requires several weeks or months in order to fully settle in position. The muscle and skin have to stretch, and this will allow the implants to fall into their natural position. Some women (especially very thin women with tight skin and small breasts), require up to 3-6 months until the final result is evident. So, don't worry post-operatively when you look in the mirror. Give the implants time to settle. It is not uncommon for the breasts to be high, hard, and possibly uneven, this will resolve in time. Sub-mammary implants tend to settle faster than sub-pectoral, but this is not a reason to go for sub-mammary placement.
Swelling:
Arnica Montana (available in pill form), can be purchased over the counter at health food and vitamin stores. Some physicians believe that Arnica may help to decrease the amount of swelling. Check with you plastic surgeon before using.
Bruising/Black and Blue:
Arnica or Bromelein may help, but it is actually very uncommon to be substantially bruised (some bruising is common) after breast augmentation. Ask your plastic surgeon if their patients are bruised after surgery. If any bruising exists, this should resolve within 7-10 days after the surgery. Of note, if one breast is getting larger or more bruised rapidly after surgery, call your doctor. This may indicate a hematoma (bleeding) in or around the pocket.
Nipple sensation:
Nipple sensation after breast augmentation is variable; sometimes the nipple sensation is normal immediately after surgery, but at times the nipples may be very sensitive or numb. The increased sensitivity is annoying, but is usually temporary lasting for days or months. The numbness is common, but only a small percentage of patients have permanent nipple numbness.
Pain control:
Most women describe the pain after breast augmentation as mild to moderate. This is obviously a subjective thing, and all women are different. Take the pain medication as prescribed, and Tylenol or other mild analgesics if necessary. Don't try to hold out without pain medication, especially for the first day or two. The pain will diminish as the muscles stretch, and tends to improve rapidly over the first few days. You may have discomfort in your arms and back which will also be relieved with a heating pad and pain medication. Try to take it easy the first 2-3 days, without overexerting yourself.
Ask your doctor about your pain medications, and how much you can safely take.
Itching:
Sometimes itching occurs in any area where surgery was performed. This is usually secondary to the nerve ending regenerating. Itching will resolve in a short time period.
Scars:
Many plastic surgeons have different creams and ointments which they like their patients to use for diminishing the appearance of the scars. Vitamin E, Scar Guard, Mederma and others are the most common. Check with your plastic surgeon as to how he wants the scar managed. Often massaging the scar helps to flatten it over time. It takes up to one full year to see the final scar appearance, so be patient.
Infection:
Be sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon the signs of infection. Swelling, warmth, redness, increases in size, and drainage are some of these signs. Notify your surgeon with any concerns.
Constipation/Body Swelling:
It is not uncommon to have areas of your body swell that were not operated on. This usually occurs because of the fluid that was given to you during surgery. Check with your doctor for any excessive or unusual swelling.
Often patients will get constipated from the pain medications; it is a good idea to start stool softeners before, or immediately after the surgery.
Anxiety/Concerns:
Many women are very anxious after breast augmentation surgery. This usually focuses around wanting a great result immediately after surgery. Be patient, it takes a while to see the final result. Most importantly, find a caring and concerned plastic surgeon who will guide you through the entire process.
