The main conditions for a speedy recovery after augmentation mammoplasty are moral preparation, strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations and a positive attitude. The rules and restrictions that surgeons must adhere to will reduce the risk of undesirable consequences, and drug therapy will alleviate the condition and improve the outcome.
Possible complications
Complications caused by wound infection can appear within 1-2 weeks: increased swelling, severe pain, fever.
In patients suffering from a bleeding disorder, in the first 3 weeks they allow physical activity or remove compression underwear, bruises appear.
Gland injury, pleural girdle load, running, bending can cause rotation, rotation of the implant.
In women with a lack of glandular adipose tissue, visualization, probing of the endoprosthesis, rippling (rippling of the skin) is possible. These defects are corrected by lipofilling.
After 3 - 12 months are diagnosed:
- capsular contracture (tightening of the fibrous membrane);
- asymmetry of glands, nipples;
- stagnation of lymphatic fluid (seroma);
- hypertrophic scars, keloids;
- anaplastic lymphoma (about 100 cases / 1 million operations).
Recovery Period Timeline
The complexity and duration of rehabilitation depend on the degree of complexity of the mammoplasty. After a simple augmentation with implants, women recover faster and easier than after complex endoprostheses combined with a lift, removal of excess tissue.
The postoperative wound heals in 5-7 days. The implants take root in 8-10 weeks. A new breast is formed up to six months. To monitor the dynamics of wound healing, to identify complications, the surgeon conducts scheduled examinations.
The result of the operation by 30% depends on the experience and knowledge of the doctor. 70% of the result is formed by the correct behavior of the patient. A woman should know how to behave, which sensations are the norm, and which are a deviation.
First postoperative week
The first day the patient is in the intensive care unit. The effects of anesthesia are felt: weakness, drowsiness, nausea. Pain in the chest area is dull in nature. To relieve the condition, pain relievers are prescribed. At the end of the first day they are allowed to walk. On the second day, they issue an extract.
The first 3 to 6 days are the norm:
- temperature rise to 37. 9 degrees;
- a feeling of tension, fullness in the mammary glands (the larger the volume of the endoprosthesis, the stronger the sensations);
- edema, bruises (the appearance of new bruises, an increase in the size of the edema is an alarming symptom);
- loss of skin sensitivity in the area of the nipples, lower pole.
A compression bra is required. It is impossible to take off underwear for 30-45 days, even at night. It is necessary to show up for dressings on the days specified by the doctor. It is forbidden to raise your hands, sleep on your side and face down, take a bath, lift objects weighing more than a couple of kg.
Second postoperative week
From the 6th day the pain and discomfort disappear. The sutures are removed on day 7-10. The swelling persists, invisible under clothing.
Chest pleases with volume. Women can go to non-physical jobs, do simple housework.
In order for the implant to maintain the correct position for a month after breast augmentation, it is impossible:
- walking, sleeping without compression underwear;
- lie on your stomach, on your sides;
- lean forward, down;
- jump and run, put a load on the shoulder girdle, press;
- Weightlifting;
- overheat.
One month after surgery
After 4 to 6 weeks, the swelling of the glands is insignificant or disappears. There is itching, tingling, slight pain in the scar area.
Women lead a normal life: go to bed without underwear, take a warm bath, go for long walks. The compression bandage, with the permission of the doctor, is replaced with a bra with underwire, a sports top.
Yoga and Pilates classes are allowed. At home, they do a light warm-up, avoiding movements that cause pain and discomfort. Loads on the legs are not contraindicated. The mammary glands must be protected from blows, pressure, shaking. Still can not overheat, sunbathe, fly.
More than one month after implant placement
Most restrictions are removed after 60 to 75 days. During this period a capsule is formed, the pectoral muscles adapt to the endoprosthesis. The risk of displacement, impact of implants is reduced.
From the third month, it is allowed to sleep on your stomach, relax in the sauna, on the beach, take bath procedures. You can pump the press, do inclines, do gymnastics, health walking down the street or on a treadmill. The doctor will allow jogging, jumping in 4-5 months, power loads - in six months.
You can play sports in the first year only in a tight sports shirt. Traumatization of the gland must be avoided during the entire period of implant use.
Medicines, drugs, diet to shorten the rehabilitation period.
In the first week, patients come to the clinic to get dressed and then take care of their breasts on their own. The doctor prescribes:
- antibacterial, antifungal therapy (7-10 days);
- antiseptics for the treatment of seams (brilliant green solution, iodine, antiseptic solutions for 15-20 days).
When the scabs come off, the scars are smeared with healing agents. Depending on the stage of recovery, surgeons recommend anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ointments.
When buying bras, you should choose models with wide straps and deep cups. In order for the breast to heal faster, include in the diet a large number of protein foods: fish, poultry, cottage cheese. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, dishes with gelatin (aspic, jelly), containing zinc, peanuts, pine nuts, beans.
Frequently asked questions, answers to them.
I want to decide on the operation, but I don't know what to expect.
You will see the aesthetic result on the monitor screen after 3D modeling. After the procedure, the pain is insignificant, discomfort is felt in the first 5 days. If you follow the restrictions, process the seams correctly, in a couple of months you will be able to admire the new forms, forgetting about the operation.
Do bad habits (smoking, alcohol) affect the rehabilitation process?
The use of alcohol, nicotine provokes vasospasm, which leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues. After each cigarette, the vessels remain contracted for up to 90 minutes. In patients who smoke, drink alcohol, rejection, tissue necrosis occurs three times more often.
I go to the gym quite often. Are there any restrictions?
You can go to the gym from the fifth week, but you will have to limit yourself to walking on a treadmill, exercises for the press, leg muscles. Yoga, Pilates are allowed. Track running, dumbbell exercises are available after 4-6 months. Professional bodybuilding and weightlifting are prohibited for women with implants placed below the pectoral muscle.
Sex is important to me. Is it possible to have an active sexual life during rehabilitation?
In the first three to five days, discomfort and pain do not contribute to the awakening of sexual desires. From the end of the first week, you can and should have sexual intercourse. It is necessary to protect the chest from pressure, tremor. Choose positions where the man is behind you, place your hands on solid support to reduce body roll, and have fun.
Tell us about the rest rules after surgery.
The doctor recommends resting in a semi-sitting position for the first three days. For 20-30 days, you can only sleep on your back.
I cannot find on the Internet a detailed description of the implementation of hygiene procedures during the rehabilitation period. Give me some advice?
Showering is allowed for 3-4 days. The water temperature is 36 degrees. The seam can get wet, but you can not touch it with your hands, a washcloth. Use baby soap, neutral pH gel. After the bath, you need to treat the scar with an antiseptic, apply a bandage and put on compression underwear. After 30 days, a warm bath is allowed.
My job involves frequent business travel. Is it possible to resort often to air travel?
The ban on air travel is lifted after 90 days. The frequency of flights is not limited.