After Breast Augmentation

After the surgery, you'll want to follow your surgeon's advice so you have a smooth recovery. Here are a few things to know:

• Most patients leave an hour or two after surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you from the clinic or facility, and have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after.
• You'll be tightly wrapped in gauze dressings and/or a surgical bra immediately after surgery.
• You will likely experience some soreness for which your surgeon will prescribe medication.
• Sometimes drainage tubes are placed in the breasts to minimize bruising.
• You might experience skin and muscle tightening; this is normal as your body stretches to accommodate the implants.
• Breast augmentation patients' activity is restricted from strenuous activity, exercise and heavy lifting for the first two weeks; not following these limitations could prolong recovery and increase scarring.
• The surgeon might prescribe a sports bra to be worn for the first several weeks post-operatively, to help with healing.

Breast Augmentation Risks and Side Effects

Overly sensitive nipples are fairly common after this surgery, although this goes away after time. You can reduce this sensitivity by using a non-alcohol based moisturizer or a breastfeeding lotion around the breast area. This can be especially helpful if your breast augmentation was performed through an areolar incision. You might find that wearing lightweight cotton or silky tops can cut down on irritation while you're waiting for your sensitivity level to decrease.

Some nipple sensation loss might also be experienced, but that is relatively rare. Typically, nipple sensation will be restored as the body heals. This process might take time, so be patient. Some patients experience permanent loss of sensation, which is even more rare.