In every procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon, including breast augmentation, the recovery may slightly differ from one patient to another. The length of recovery and any potential complications involved in it can depend on various factors such as the expertise of the plastic surgeon who performed the procedure, the extent and nature of surgery involved, the healing ability of the patient, and how carefully the patient followed the surgeon’s post-op instructions.
Dr. Eugene Kim provides a wide range of plastic surgery procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kim will explain various aspects of the procedure, including the recovery process. Patients are in a better position to make informed choices when they are fully aware about every aspect of the surgery.
Immediate Post-operative Phase
In the immediate post-surgery phase, the patient will be moved to a recovery area at the operating facility, and may have to stay there for a few hours for observation and monitoring. Breast augmentation is typically performed using general anesthesia, but most patients will be able to go back home the same day. The cosmetic surgeon will advise the patient to have someone drive her back home, and preferably stay with her for the first night.
During the initial phase, the patient’s breasts will be wrapped in bandages. The patient will have to wear a surgical bra for the first few weeks to help expedite recovery. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim provides post-surgery instructions for safety and care of the patient during the first few days. Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas can expect to receive the date for a first follow-up visit. Pain relieving drugs and other medications to reduce the risk of infection may also be prescribed.
Recovery in First Two Weeks
Mild pain and soreness in the breasts will be experienced for a few days. Bruising and swelling will start reducing after the first week, but may take several weeks to resolve completely. Patients are advised to take rest from work for the first three to five days. After the first week, when the sutures are removed, the patient will be in a position to go back to work. However, heavy physical activity or aggressive exercises should not be performed for at least one month.
For the first few days, some patients may feel slight difficulty or pain while breathing and some others may feel a mild tightness in the chest. This is a normal occurrence in case of breast augmentation recovery. If possible, the patient may try to rest in a semi-upright position for the first one to two weeks. This will help promote faster healing and reduce the pain and discomfort.
Emergency Contact with Surgeon
In case the patient experiences shooting pain in the treated areas, you should contact the plastic surgeon quickly. Persistent stinging or a burning sensation in the wounds or unusual swelling are also indicators that the surgeon should be contacted for a review.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
