What To Expect After Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction Procedures

All breast surgeries are not the same. But what remains consistent is finding a plastic surgeon that specializes in cosmetic surgeries relating to the breast.

Many women who live on the west coast seek Southern California surgeons who perform San Diego breast augmentation and breast reduction surgeries. Their adeptness and skill sets in this medical field are excellent.

While so much has already been said about the procedures and why women want them, what is often not addressed enough is what a patient can expect before and after the procedure.

When a patient ultimately locates the best plastic surgeon and has had her consultation about Plastic surgery San Diego , her preoperative appointment will give her an additional opportunity to go over what she can expect.

During the preoperative appointment, the medical team will provide the following instructions: 

• When to stop any supplements before surgery
• When to stop eating or drinking before
  surgery
• Any prep antibacterial liquid wash to be used before surgery
• After care instruction following the procedure
• Having any prescriptions filled prior to surgery
• Appointing a driver to take them home
• Scheduling a postoperative visit

During the preoperative appointment, there will undoubtedly be a list of questions a patient will want to ask. Be sure to write these questions down beforehand so they are not forgotten during the appointment. Some typical sample inquiries may include:

• How long will the surgery take? 
• How long is the typical stay in the recovery room and where is that?
• What type of care will be received in the recovery room?
• Following the recovery room stay is that when it’s time to go home?

One of the biggest questions, of course, is recovery.  How long does it take before a woman is feeling back to normal? The answer to this does differ from patient to patient.

Following surgery, dressings and a postsurgical bra will be on the patient when they awake. In some cases, the surgeon may decide to have a draining tube for breast reduction patients.

  
The doctor will prescribe medications to help alleviate any discomfort during the recovery process.  After the procedure, it is best that someone is appointed as a caregiver for the first few days since a patient may need some assistance.

For breast augmentation where implants are used to increase size and volume, a woman can get back to work generally within two weeks but must refrain from any strenuous activities for up to six weeks.

Again, each patient heals at a different rate and her doctor will guide her on when she can resume her normal daily activities.

Conversely, for breast reduction in San Diego, this surgery is a bit more comprehensive.

As mentioned earlier, the postsurgical bra is used to promote healing and reduce swelling. The first few days are when patients feel discomfort, but medication can be used to alleviate this. Typically, soreness can last up to 10 days following surgery.

For women who don’t have strenuous jobs, they generally return to work within two weeks and their full energy returns in two months. 

It’s critical to follow a doctor’s recovery orders to promote optimal healing and wellness.