Breast augmentation is a top choice for women from Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta, and other Georgia communities – especially when it’s performed as part of the ever-popular mommy makeover. In fact, about 25% of breast augmentation procedures that I perform are done as part of mommy makeovers. But for all its popularity, breast augmentation still brings plenty of questions — not just about the procedure, but also how to get back to daily life after your surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Your Family
It’s an understatement to call moms “busy,” but even if you’re not accustomed to slowing down, you’ll need to give yourself a break and take care of yourself. In general, breast augmentation patients should plan on devoting the first 2 or 3 days after surgery solely to resting and recuperating with no obligations. After that window has passed, you’ll likely feel well enough to do some light activities around the house.
If you have small children at home, it’s a good idea to make arrangements for childcare in advance. A willing friend or family member is best, of course, because they’re likely already familiar with your home and children and vice versa.
Most of my patients rely on prescription pain medication for the first 5 to 7 days after surgery, gradually tapering off to over-the-counter drugs as they feel better. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t drive while you’re using prescription medication. You should also avoid lifting anything over 15 pounds for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, too — including your children.
Your Exercise Routine
The same 4- to 6-week rule that prohibits heavy lifting applies to exercise more generally, too. While you can start taking slow, gentle, short walks around the neighborhood as early as a few days after surgery, anything that raises your heart rate can lead to unnecessary swelling, bleeding, and other complications. It’s important to take it easy and listen to your body during this time. The gym can wait: The best way to live healthy is to focus on your recovery.
Your Sex Life
While you may be hesitant to broach this topic with your surgeon, rest assured that it’s quite normal to wonder when you’ll be able to safely and comfortably get back to sex. While the answer is different for every woman, intercourse also raises your heart rate, just like exercise. Therefore, it’s best to put off sex for at least a month after your surgery. After that point, you may want to exercise caution the first few times you do have sex. You’ll need to ease back into it, as with all other physical activity, and be careful with your new implants. Until everything is completely healed, avoid putting a lot of weight on your breasts or stress on your incisions.
Spring is often our busiest season when it comes to breast augmentation. If you’re considering it, why not beat the rush and request your consultation with me or any of our board-certified plastic surgeons today? We encourage you to browse through our online photo gallery to see some of our actual breast augmentation patients.
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