Post Op Breast Augmentation

Many people have the mistaken impression that cosmetic surgery is not real surgery at all. Since the procedures are often not medically necessary in most cases, they are perceived to be lower risk. However, that is not the case; procedures like facelifts, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, and even liposuction are invasive procedures that require anesthesia. Unlike other types of surgery that may be performed on an emergency basis, cosmetic surgery allows you to plan well ahead of time for planning for post-op care.

Each surgery is different, will take longer for the procedure, and will have differing recovery times. Your doctor will be able to give you an approximate time you'll need to plan on for recovery. Make sure that you take enough time off work for the procedure that you are undergoing. After a full facelift procedure, you can be back to work in a few weeks, however, it may be several months before you fully appreciate the desired results.

By ensuring that you take enough time off work, find someone to manage the kids, and prepare a recovery space ahead of time, you can lower postoperative stress. Make things easy on yourself by creating a recovery space for when you get home. An outpatient procedure will usually require arranging for someone to drive you home. Arrange your room to have all the necessities nearby. Make sure medications, dressings, water, and the phone are near at hand and readily available. If you live by yourself, you should make arrangements to have somebody stop by and check in on you just in case of emergency.

Regardless of the type of procedure you have, your recovery plan should include plenty of exercise. The days are long gone where a surgery means plenty of rest and recuperation; you are usually dragged out of bed as soon as you wake up from anesthesia. Walking helps improve circulation and speed recovery times. You want to ensure that the effected area gets plenty of oxygen to it. Walking to and from the bathroom doesn't count, you need to walk some distance to get the benefits you need.

After surgery, it is especially important to eat a proper and well balanced diet. Make sure you include plenty of proteins for rebuilding tissue and carbohydrates for energy consumption. Drinking a lot of water is also highly recommended during recovery. Avoid junk food and sodas. Food with no nutritional value can actually make you feel worse as the body pushes resources to the recovering body part and neglects other areas.

Finally, don't smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows healing. It also reduces the amount of time you can effectively exercise by reducing your lung capacity. Refrain from smoking for several weeks to ensure adequate recovery. You should note that the desirable effects of surgery can be drastically reduced if not completely wasted by continuing to smoke.

Since you can plan cosmetic procedures well in advance, you should have plenty of time to prepare yourself for postoperative care. A good diet, plenty of exercise, and following the cosmetic surgeon's instructions will ensure the best possible results for your new, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Post op Breast Augmentation (boo job) questions?
I just had my surgery a few hours ago. I quickly took off my compression bra and ace bandage so I could get a quick look. I put them back on. Is this bad? Will it do anything wrong bc i took it off for a second?

Also what are siome good tipe for post op care to ensure the best possible reults??

Please dont tell me to call my doc. lol
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
I am almost 4 weeks post op breast augmentation......?
They had to put different cc amounts to even them out, but on the side that was pre op larger (the one they put less cc in) should it be lower and smaller than the one they filled with more cc's....I know its still early but I am stilll worried???
- ANSWER:
  you need to give it time to settle they will still be swollen so its hard to asses be patient and don't worry good luck and god bless.
QUESTION:
1 week post op breast augmentation. Had an accident that added pressure and pain. Should I worry?
This morning I was getting out of my recliner when the whole thing started to tip over. I leaned over the arm to place my left hand on the floor to "save" me from the fall. My left breast (which is the one that is high, hard and tense) it got smashed against the arm of the chair. Immediately it felt really hot or like intense burning. I took a pain killer and muscle relaxer right away but ever since I have had a sharp shooting pain in my breast and it is sore like it was about a week ago. I scheduled an appointment but I can't stop worrying that I just caused major damage.
I just got back from my ps and all is fine.

He said not to worry - life is not accident free. It would take more than a little pressure to cause a problem.

On the plus side he was VERY impressed with how great and fast the healing is for my right breast! Said it looks like most do closer to the 3 month mark.

The left one is fine and healing at a normal rate. Gave me some advice on messages to ease the pain and help it drop.

I am just happy everything is ok and i didn't ruin it
- ANSWER:
  GO TO THE ER!
QUESTION:
breast augmentation post op help!!!?
I just had breast implants exactly two week ago. I went from a small small A cup to a now full C. I have minimal swelling, but iam concern about my tract marks from my TUBA (belly button). Has anyone has this problem? it feels like hard tissue left from the incisions, and slighty hurts a little. Any help or comments will be greatly appreciated.
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Would a plastic surgeon (not my surgeon) examine my breast augmentation 10 days post op if I'm concerned?
The plastic surgeon I went to is 3 hours away from where I'm at and I won't be able to make it down there for a few weeks. However, I'm concerned with my right breast because I'm experiencing a lot of discomfort. I know I'm still in recovery but I would rather be safe than sorry! Also, I'm not sure if I'm massaging properly and I would like to speak to a plastic surgeon about that as well.
If so - any idea about the cost?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
I just had breast augmentation. does anyone have pictures post op 2-7 days?
- ANSWER:
  I had a Breast Reduction 2 months ago and I used to look at the website
  www.locateadoc.com
  I used it for the before and after photos of reductions but there are literally hundreds of Breast Augmentations.
  
  Congratualtions on your surgery
QUESTION:
i had a breast augmentation 3 weeks ago. I went for the post op appointment tonight and got the waterproof....?
tape removed. However, it was pulled off fairly quickly and when i got home i noticed a spot of blood on my support bra. I checked out the incision and it just on the very edge of the incision it looked a little bloody, it looked healed up however like the scab had been pulled off before it was ready. I was just wondering if this happened to anyone else when having the tapes removed? and will it be ok.

thanks
Ok thank you
well its not painful, and it was literally like a tiny drop, to be honest it looks like a scratch. i think i might wait untill tomorrow morning and see how it looks and ring up the doctor if its not scabbed. It should scab over quickly. I have a support bra on so this should minimise risk of infection and ive not touched it etc.

thanks
- ANSWER:
  The blood has nothing to do with the implant, but most likely the tape that was used. Waterproof tape can easily pull skin off.
QUESTION:
air after a breast augmentation?
i recently have gone through breast augmentation (8 days post op) i have air bubbles not in my implant but in my chest.. under the muscle.. my doctor says that, that will go away. i want to know has anyone experienced this?? did it go away? how long?

im asking because its really annoying.
- ANSWER:
  Check the website below under the heading, 'Do implants make noises like sloshing....." It says the air pockets go away in a few days or sometimes it takes a few weeks. I'd never heard of this before.
QUESTION:
What is the recovery time after breast augmentation?
I am considering breast augmentation and was wondering if anyone knew what the recovery time was like post op?
- ANSWER:
  depends on what you mean by recovery...
  
  if you get them inserted below the nipple you won't be having nipple play with your lover for like 4-6 weeks.... is that recovery?
  
  but you'll be able to do office/clerical work with no heavy lifting after a week.... is that recovery?
  
  you could get on a plane and take a trip 2 days post surgery... if somebody else handles the bags... is that recovery?
QUESTION:
Recent Breast Augmentation with implant concern?
I am 3 weeks post op from having a breast augmentation. I have a concern, and need to know what opinions I can obtain to ease my mind. I had a augmentation due to weight loss, and kids, I was a small B and they were low and very loose. I am 5'9 and went with saline under the muscle, I had a crescent lift on the right breast which was my larger breast. I had 550cc in the right breast and 600cc in the left breast. I love the size, and very happy with the lift, and happy with the look of my left breast. My concern is that the right breast is very RECTANGULAR, and the implant is obviously high, when I bend over my saggy small breast still dangles and my implant is in my chest wall. Will the implant ever move into the breast pocket or do I for see a redo on the right???????
- ANSWER:
  I have 550 cc implants and they didnt do that at all. I have never heard of that. You should tell your doctor.
QUESTION:
Is is normal to feel like this after a breast augmentation?
i had a breast augmentation 2 days ago and feel kind of flushed in the face and lightheaded. is this normal? if not i will mention it to my ps at my post op appointment on monday
- ANSWER:
  It could just be an aftereffect of the anesthetic. Mention it at your post op appointment. Just to be sure.
QUESTION:
can swelling after breast augmentation occur again after the swelling had gone down?
I had a breast augmentation almost 4 weeks ago and everything was fine post op. After the third week, I noticed that my swelling had gone down a bit. Although my right breast was slightly bigger than my left, but I knew that it was normal until about several days later, I woke up and noticed that my left breast had now gotten slightly bigger than my right. It just felt a lil bit heavier. The next morning, I was doing my routine massages and felt pain on the side of my left breast but it only hurts when I touched it. I called my PA and told me it was normal and said for me to take any anti-inflammatory drugs (advil, motrin etc.) i haven't taken it yet because the pain has subsided and I am concern that I might have hematoma and don't want to take advil etc for it will worsen it. Do you think I have some kind of a complication or is this a normal healing process? it's just strange to me that I have swelling again after it's gone down a lil bit.
- ANSWER:
  You are right to be concerned, I mean, after the swelling starts getting down it should improve, but taking in count that this process usually takes about 6 weeks. I think your surgeon should evaluate you, ask for an appointment, anyhow he or she should reevaluate you after the procedure periodically for some time. Here you can read a bit more about complications in breast augmentation and try to compare if have any alarm sign http://www.aestheticandplastic.com/procedures/augmentation-mammoplasty.html
  
  Best luck
QUESTION:
How long should i wait after breast augmentation before i start dieitting?
i am just under three weeks post op and want to start a deit again is it safe to start again now
- ANSWER:
  post op is a diet in itself bc all you do is take pain pills, sleep and drink gallons of water every day! i lost like 10 lbs after my surgery. its okay to diet as you are less active and not burning the calories, if you eat healthy and get lots of water your body will still heal as needed
QUESTION:
is there a payment plan you can get for a breast augmentation?
I really cant afford buying breasts at full price. Is there a payment plan available? Would I have to go through like a bank, or could i just get it through the doctor's office? Would my credit matter? And approximately how much would it cost all together, ballpark number including anesthesia, implants, post-op visits?
- ANSWER:
  Hey! I'm wondering the same thing..
QUESTION:
Can you get a payment plan for a breast augmentation?
I really cant afford buying breasts at full price. Is there a payment plan available? Would I have to go through like a bank, or could i just get it through the doctor's office? Would my credit matter? And approximately how much would it cost all together, ballpark number including anesthesia, implants, post-op visits?
- ANSWER:
  Most plastic surgeons have a finance company they use to pay for elective procedures. It really depends on where you live too. In Northeast PA, implants are around-8000. Your credit will be taken into consideration before you are approved on a loan.
QUESTION:
What is it like to wake up from anesthesia after having a breast augmentation?
I'm having this done on wednesday and I am terrified of the extreme pain that will come with adding 500cc implants into my B sized breasts. I hear its like you cant breathe. Any suggestions on how to get through recovery would also be appreciated. Also how bad are the "displacement exercises" the day after. I have a 24 post op apt. and the thought of him moving the implant 24 hours after he cut into me doesn't sound pleasant.
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
diet pills/breast augmentation/ working out?
when can i take diet pills again after breast augmentation? i'm 1 month post op. and my surgery was done through the umbilical under the muscle. i've gained about 15 lbs and i really want to get this off i'm 125 now. please help! any tips about losing weight as well? during this time? i know it'll be hard to run for me due to stretching of the pockets or bottoming out, what would be an alternative? thank you
- ANSWER:
  You really should ask the plastic surgeon about it when you go for your follow up visits.
  
  I personally wouldn't take diet pills until I was 100% better - incisions healed, no more medication, no more bed rest. I know you probably know this already, but 15 lbs is a HUGE gain for 4 weeks, and it's probably better to track your diet and see what calorie-dense food you're overeating.
QUESTION:
Breast Augmentation/ last week soreness question?
I had breast augmentation last week and i love the results so far... My question is for the ladies who have had the same. I have my one week post op appt tomorrow but I was wondering is it normal if one of my breasts are more sensitive and sore than the other.

Reason why I ask is because I have been walking (bc I am a workout finatic) and although I have been keeping my heartrate under the 115 as suggested by my doc. The burse about jumped down my throat and told me not to over do it and I'm not.

Anyone had the same issue in terms of sensitivity?
- ANSWER:
  Well, I haven't any personal experience, but I do have a fair bit of practical experience. I hope you've kept the girls well supported since the surgery, since you've been up walking for exercise purposes. I'm not surprised you have some sensitivity at all. In fact, I'm surprised it's only on one side that's the problem. You have just added to the load the supportive muscles have to handle, and it's not a big wonder some of them are fussing. You have to let them adjust, that's all. Although they are both part of you, they are not the same exact part, and there will be some slight differences in how each girl reacts. For starters, you no doubt have a favorite side for sleeping on, and you would also have a dominant foot for walking purposes. So one side would be facing a few more demands, in terms of gravity and such- than the other. You could also have some differences in terms of healing, and it's just too soon after the surgery to say much more. Since you are up and around without any big problems, I'd say this is pretty much normal healing, and nothing to be really concerned about. As long as the wounds look nice, dry and no signs of infection are present, I think you are fine. Just mention it to the doctor when you see him, and see what he's got to say.
QUESTION:
I had a breast augmentation 5 months ago...?
One side is lower than the other, for 5 months post op is this normal? Will it even out?
- ANSWER:
  5 months,doesnt sound normal. it took me twelve weeks to even up and that was almost three years ago and im fine and darn near perfect. i had a great doc. go back and see your doc. does the breast set lower or higher on the side of your body that dominant. im a lefty and my left breast was the one that took time in falling into place. you use that side more. but 5 months is a long time. good luck. i KNOW how this makes you feel.
QUESTION:
Questions about breast augmentation surgery?
I am getting my surgery done this Tuesday (today is Sunday) and I am REALLY nervous. I was wondering if any women out there who have had this surgery are willing to share their post-op experiences. I know it is going to hurt like hell and I am stressed because I am not familiar with severe pain. I am getting my implants sub-muscular, 350cc "gummy bear" silicone. The incision will be under the breasts.

Please, no "anti-breast implants" responses...
Looks like your friend needs to pick better doctors if the ER treated her like crap.
- ANSWER:
  I havent had the surgery but my sister has and I was her care-giver and ride home after the surgery. The only piece of advice I can give is to MAKE SURE that you fill your pain medication the day before the surgery and ask your care-giver/ride home to give you your 1st dose of medication before you leave the clinic, pain medication can take several hours to "kick-in". Also my sister threw up from the dizziness of the anesthesia and medication on the ride home from the surgery, and battled nausea the entire 1st day, perhaps you should keep a bowl on hand just in case. My sister explained the pain as if she was sore for push-ups or other chest exercises or similar to breast milk coming in following birth of a baby. All in all she had a speedy recovery, in my bed, and loved the end result. Good luck.
QUESTION:
Breast augmentation price 95...?
is that everything ie...implants, post op visits, pre op visits....
- ANSWER:
  There is a way to get bigger breasts without surgery, pills or creams.
  I have followed the plan & I am a cup bigger in weeks. Have a look.
  http://www.shops-flower.com/recommends/YesPleaseSeeFabBreasts.html
QUESTION:
Recovery time for Breast Augmentation?
Hi, I have had 340cc over muscle (silicone cohesive gel), gone from a/b to full c cup.
Only a week post op so far, still very sore, swollen and tender. Anyone had similar, im wondering how long it takes approx for swelling to go down and to start feeling normal again!!! i know it differs from person to person but due to return to work in another 2 weeks and am now wondering whether they are still going to be as 'stuck on' in 2 weeks time. Can they drop a bit in that time? Ive looked at websites but most women on them seemed to have very large implants and a lot of them under muscle, and the consultant and surgeon were a bit vague about this as unwilling to commit which is fair enough i suppose.
If anyone is willing to share their experience i would be very grateful!
BTW i used Transform
- ANSWER:
  I got pretty large implants on top of the muscle. I cant remember how long it took for the swelling to go down but you should be able to return to work in 2 weeks, your surgeon should have been able to tell you when you can go back to work. If you are still too sore then I would contact the nurse from where you got the surgery, cos I think 3 weeks after the surgery should be plenty of time to get back to normal.
  
  Congratulations on your new boobs!
QUESTION:
Is this normal 1 month after breast augmentation?
Okay please nobody telling me "shoulda woulda coulda's"

Anyone with experience: please help

I am 1 month post-op from BA with 600cc high profile under muscle axillary implants. i am right handed and my left one dropped by the right hasnt. the left has a little bit of rippling when i lean forward. Also, can't straighten right arm all the way still and hurts to lift anything even a book. also, have been going to bi-weekly ultrasound treatments and am taking allocate as directed. i have intense pain all the time and it wakes me up hourly throughout the night still. my nipples are so sore i can't even touch them. is there something i can put on them to numb them? when should this stop? should the right one have dropped? is the rippling bad this early? will they even out eventually?

if you have experienced this please let me know
- ANSWER:
  You are ONLY one month post op.
  
  Your breasts need TIME to heal.
  
  Which can take up to a year.
  
  I would talk to your PS as soon as possible if you are very concerned.
QUESTION:
My wife is 2 and 1/2 weeks post-op, and she still feels dizzy and messed up in the head! What could be wrong.?
My wife has been dizzy, weak, no appetite and just plain feels terrible ever since her breast augmentation on April 17th, 2009. Could it be an overdose of anesthesia or something? I don't know what is going on! Her Doctor has done all kinds of tests( blood work, ekg, chest X-ray, urine test, and blood pressure is fine, no high temp. Everything but an MRI and even her surgeon has said that everything has heals perfectly with her breasts!

Now, after 2 weeks of this she has gotten depressed so her Doctor put her on lexapro(antidepressant) and since then has gotten more symptoms and seem to be getting worse everyday that she takes it!

PLEASE, SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOME SUGGESTIONS!
- ANSWER:
  you do not give someone lexapro for a 2 week history of depression.
  
  lexapro side effects---dizzy, weak, no appetite
  
  feeling a little out of sorts for a week after anesthesia is not uncommon and there is not medical indication to give antidressants for that!!!
  
  how long did she take narcotic painkillers after the surgery? a week?
  also- not uncommon to feel out of sorts after taking it for a week- could be a physical withdrawl that you just need to ride out.
  
  stop taking the meds, get out and about as much as possible, walk, buy new clothes for your new boobs. (that's how i got over it)
  
  edit
  you *could* find a different doctor, but they have done a fantasic job of ruling out any physical reason. the antidepressants was just stupid. some doctors feel compelled to write a script for every symptom known to man. not necessary.
QUESTION:
How long until my scars disappear?
I had a breast augmentation around Nov 2, 2009 and so Im about 3 1/2 months post op. How much longer until the scars are no longer pink? I use Mederma on my scars everyday and I take Vitamin E everyday. I know my scars won't completely disappear but its the red/pink that I think should have faded quite a bit by now. How long did it take for your scars to fade if you have had a BA too?
- ANSWER:
  There is this new popular cream that people have been talking about.
  
  It prevents future and existing acne, diminishes scars, and lightens skin and blemishes. Fast results too! (It's been claimed that major results can be seen within a week and no later than two weeks)
  
  Before and After photos are available at the given ebay site.
  
  This person is providing 1-3 week trial samples (Only for ONE DOLLAR.. definitely a deal) on ebay at:
  
  Search up "Cee En's Acne Solution" on ebay.
  
  First 100 customers can get the item for for one week trial and up to 3 weeks. Or you can purchase 1 month supply for , 3 month for 0, or 6 month supply for 0
  
  It's expensive, but the product DOES work.
  
  My sister and cousin who both have major acne have tried the product and they both give it thumbs up. I have also heard many great feedbacks about this cream.
  
  I don't have a problem with acne, but it seems to have great results on my sister who has moderate to severe acne. Her acne swelling went away overnight.
  
  check the seller's feedbacks on the cream
  
  http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=carolynes_acnesolution
  
  I hope this helps. =)
QUESTION:
I am having nerve pain and have aleady tried neurontin.too many side effects.does anyone know of anything else
The nerve pain is from recent surgery...right now whatever isn't numb feels like it is burning and tingling. I am 3 months post-op. What I have researched seems to mostly be diabetic neuropathy Nothing really related to surgical. The surgery was mastopexy and breast augmentation.
- ANSWER:
  Lamictal (off label use).
QUESTION:
TG help! Ok, follow up question from yesterday regarding SRS regret. What do I do now?
Backstory: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtCrx0PXxwFwRApHbhfv70rty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20110322193045AAWGh9N

I don't want to turn this into a rant but it seems like the TG community has abandoned me now. I had plenty of help when I wanted to transition or get hormones or SRS but now it seems no one wants to help me.

I just want to do something to improve my situation. So far all I've been able to do is go to psychotherapy and also get anti depressants - but neither of those helped much. I tried to talk to some doctors about reversing SRS (I know it's not perfect, but it would probably be better than nothing!), but they never responded or said they wouldn't do it.

So any ideas on what I can do? People I could contact?

OH AND NOW FOR A WHOLE BUNCH OF DISCLAIMERS:

I did not fake my way through RLT or therapy.

I do not want to sue my doctors or therapists. It was my mistake and my fault. I just want to move
forward - what can I do with the hand I dealt myself?

I thought I wanted SRS at the time. I got it done at the same time as my breast augmentation, and yes, again, my stupid stupid mistake but I should have just gotten the augmentation only done and then gone from there.

It's not a fetish or sexual thing. I suppose I would be better off sexually if I never had SRS I guess, but honestly that is a side issue. This is a body thing. Really though I am (mostly) asexual.

I guess in the end I was TG, not strictly TS.

I don't want to feel that I'm less of a woman or less of a person because of this. Please don't be mean.

I'm young and I pass.

My fiscal and family lives are fine. In fact, I have a very high acceptance rate and a great career.

I did not have poor surgical results. I do dislike a lot of the practical things that come with having a vagina though. Any of you post op girls probably know some of the things I'm talking about it and it has nothing to do with being able to stand and pee (I never stood up anyway).

I am not doing this for religious or political reasons.
Additional details:

Clones, I stopped dilating about 2 years ago.

Ashley, I didn't want to state this to offend any post ops or any genetic girls, but issues with having a vagina: first of all, you basically need toilet paper to pee. It's kind of gross but you can pull it off with no TP if you have male parts. With a vagina you also tend to end up peeing on your leg, no matter how you sit. A vagina is also a bit dirtier than a penis, even with special wash and all it still tends to get a little stinky. Even if I shower at midnight and get up for work at 7am, I have to go in the shower and wash it again. Those are most of the issues.
Last detail add:

The idea of not being able to do anything about it other than just "take it" makes me want to crawl up in the fetal position and cry. I'm sorry everyone
- ANSWER:
  I'm not sure what you're looking for. You can't reverse the surgery. With surgery most of the erectile tissue was removed so you are basically in the same position as a pre-op transsexual man. You can get a version of phalloplasty, but the cost, high rate of complications, lack of sensation, poor aesthetics and need for an internal pump/rod system all make it not worth it. That's why most trans men don't do it. I think you're just going to have to live with what you have. Nobody says you have to dilate if you don't want to, just let it close up.
  
  There just isn't any good options for you, I'm sorry.
  
  edit: To be fair many of those issues are shared by about 4 billion other women on the planet. And in case you didn't realize it men smell as well. Body odor for the sexes is a mainly controlled by hormones. If your urine stream isn't straight you can see a urologist about that, it is correctable.
  
  edit: Okay, I have one long-shot suggestion. I'll e-mail you the details.