Recovery & Results
You've made the decision to change your appearance and your life through breast enhancement. Surely you are excited, but you probably have many questions and some concerns as well. It is only natural that you would want to know what your recovery will be like and what kind of results you can expect from your breast augmentation. Tampa area plastic surgeon Dr. Jeremy Benedetti wants each of his patients to have realistic expectations about discomfort, downtime, aftercare, and how long it takes to fully heal and see your results.
If you are ready to talk about breast augmentation, request a consultation online with Dr. Benedetti. Or you can call Benedetti Cosmetic Surgery at 727-289-7119 and we can schedule your appointment over the phone.
When You Wake Up
Dr. Benedetti performs breast augmentation surgery in St. Petersburg at the Carillon and Bardmoor Outpatient Centers using general anesthesia. You will typically need to recover from the anesthesia for a couple of hours after you awake from your surgery before you are discharged. As soon as you are able, you will be given assistance and asked to walk around, which helps prevent the formation of blood clots. You will need to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you at least for the first night following your surgery.
Discomfort
The first step toward a more comfortable recovery is choosing a skilled surgeon that uses advanced breast augmentation techniques. As with any surgery, you will experience postoperative pain, but Dr. Benedetti's precision helps to ensure that you will experience the most minimal discomfort possible. You should also keep in mind that submuscular implant placement of breast implants in Tampa typically causes more discomfort than subglandular placement, but both techniques are tolerated well by patients.
You will be given prescription pain medication to help manage your postoperative discomfort. Although some patients find that over-the-counter acetaminophen works well, it is absolutely essential to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these may cause excessive bleeding. Using cold compresses on your breasts during the first 48 hours after surgery will also help to ease swelling and pain.
Aftercare
You will be placed in a supportive wrap during your surgery and wear this for the first couple days following your surgery. You will not have drain tubes. You will be given specific instructions on incision care, bathing, and suggestions for sleeping more comfortably. After the supportive wrap is removed, you will be fitted with a snug support garment, similar to a sports bra, which you will need to wear for a few weeks to help ease swelling and promote healing. You should take your medications as directed by Dr. Benedetti and his nurse and drink lots of fluids and eat healthy meals.
Activities
You will need to limit your activities significantly for at least the first week following surgery. Your body needs this rest time in order to fully recuperate from your procedure. Most patients can return to office work and light activities after 5 to 7 days. Also, Dr. Benedetti understands the importance of resuming exercise and typically will allow light exercise after two weeks. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks, or until Dr. Benedetti advises you that it is safe to resume them.
Dr. Benedetti combines technical skill, artistic vision, & compassion to reveal your true beauty. |
|
Taking Shape
Your breasts may feel swollen and firm and sit high on your chest for a few weeks or months following surgery. This is perfectly normal, and they will settle or drop into a much more natural appearance as the muscles stretch and the tissues soften with time. Postoperative swelling can also take weeks or months to subside. During this period, your breasts may appear uneven if they don't drop at the same rate. Typically, full results will be realized by approximately 6 months following your surgery.
Providing detailed information about what to expect after surgery is just one of the ways Benedetti Cosmetic Surgery helps you to feel informed, prepared, and empowered. Having realistic expectations about your recovery will help you to have a better overall experience.
To find out more, request a consultation online with Dr. Benedetti, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation in the Tampa Bay, FL area. Or you can call our office at 727-289-7119 and one of our knowledgeable staff members will schedule your appointment.
