Considering Breast Augmentation? Plan Ahead!

You've decided that you want breast implant surgery. Now comes another difficult decision: when?

Breast augmentation, like any other cosmetic surgery, should be taken seriously. And like any serious procedure, it’s followed by a recovery period. You’ll need to factor that recovery into your plans.

It’s also important to note that it takes time for your implants to look and feel their best. If you’re getting augmentation with a specific date or event in mind, you’ll want to factor that in, too.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when planning for your surgery:

● How much time can you afford to take off of work? Even if you work a desk job, you may want to take a few days off, and that time may become a few weeks if your job requires heavy lifting.

● Is there an ideal period during the year that you could take time off? Or times that you definitely can’t afford to take off? An accountant, for instance, probably can’t take a vacation in the middle of tax season.

● Will you have anyone to help at home while you recover? Ideally, someone will be there with you to help, at least for that first week- this is practically mandatory for the first 24 hours following surgery. Will your partner or another loved one be able to be with you for that time?

● When would you like to be healed by? And when would you like to look your best? Many women get breast augmentation ahead of their weddings or other life milestones.

Remember to give yourself enough time to heal. Your recovery time will be individual to your body and your surgery, and it is essential that you permit yourself enough healing time. If recovery time is a concern, discuss this with our patient coordinator, Andrea Smith, during your consultation so that she can help to schedule the best surgery date for you.

Ideally, most bruising, pain, swelling and discomfort will abate after 2-3 weeks, though it may be longer than that before you can comfortably sleep in any position but flat on your back. Allow several weeks before undergoing any serious physical activity; that could just make the pain worse.

It may be even longer, though, before your breasts look their best after the surgery. Immediately after your implants are placed, they will probably ride high on your chest and feel very firm. There is always tightness following surgery, and many patients worry that the appearance of their breasts immediately following their surgery is their final result. It’s not!

It actually takes several months for the swelling to recede and the implants to settle. Over time, your implants will drop into a more natural placement and your breasts will soften. While it could take up to 6 months for best results, you should be able to don a bikini comfortably anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks after your procedure.

Getting breast implants is a big decision and properly planning your recovery is the best way to ensure that you get what you want out of your surgery. With a little bit of foresight, you’ll be able to make the process of breast augmentation a smooth one.