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How to Prepare for a Smooth Recovery After Breast Surgery
Breast surgery can be a simple procedure, but it’s still major surgery, with a recovery period that can take several weeks. Your body’s ability to heal depends on your habits after the surgery. Here are a few recovery tips to increase your chances of a smooth recovery – and a few key things to avoid.
Do: Eat well
Whole foods, including lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can give your body the vital nutrients it needs for recovery. You may feel nauseous in a day or two immediately following your breast augmentation, so be sure to have plenty of light, easy to prepare food at home.
A low-sodium diet in the weeks before and after your breast surgery can help reduce inflammation. Sodium in excess can dehydrate you, making the healing process slower and reducing the proper blood flow to your chest.
Don’t: Try to do everything yourself
Plan for assistance, especially the first few days after surgery. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for activity levels, and avoid heavy lifting and vigorous cardio until you receive approval from the doctor. While some women are able to return to work and low levels of physical activity within a week of their breast surgery, others may find the healing process slower.
Do: Get plenty of rest
Plenty of good quality sleep is essential to a smooth recovery after your breast surgery. Make sure you have a quiet, peaceful room to rest and have plenty of pillows to help you sleep and sit up at a comfortable angle without straining your chest.
Don’t: Neglect your pain management
You’ll be given painkillers and possibly anti-inflammatory medication following your surgery. Many women feel a tightness across their chest after breast surgery, as well as soreness, swelling, and bruising. Be sure to fill your prescriptions prior to your surgery, so they’re close at hand afterward and follow the dosage instructions closely.
Consult with your physician before taking over-the-counter pain medication, also. Certain medications like aspirin can increase your risk or bruise and bleeding during recovery.
Do: Take a multi-vitamin
You may not feel like eating much in the first few days after your procedure, so take a multi-vitamin to ensure that all your nutritional needs are being met. Your doctor may also recommend specific supplements to help with the healing process and reduce inflammation. Be sure to consult with your surgeon before taking any kind of supplements, however.
Don’t: Smoke
Smoking before surgery increases the chances of trouble with anesthesia and can increase the length of time it takes your body to heal. Smoking also decreases blood flow to the skin, which can delay wound healing and increase your risk of post-surgical scarring.
Do: Walk after your surgery
Once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll be asked to walk after your breast augmentation. Walking reduces the chances of blood clots and pneumonia, as well as decreases the severity of gas and constipation after anesthesia.
Need More Information? Contact Us!
Breast surgery recovery may be painful, but following the advice of Dr. Boutrous and his team can help you have a smoother, faster healing period. Deciding to get the procedure is an important first step, and a free consultation with My Houston Surgeons can help you decide on the right procedure for you. Visit us online to learn more!
