One of the most common questions that we receive from our patients is how they can take care of their implants after their breast augmentation surgery so the results last longer. Hence, in this blog, we discuss some ways in which you can take care of your breast implants and grow to love your gorgeous breasts forever.
What Happens After a Breast Implant Surgery?
After a breast implant surgery, you will have a bandage over your surgical cut. A plastic drain may also be inserted into your chest, which will drain away the fluid from your surgery. The drain will usually stay attached to you for 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. A nurse will teach you how to care for the drain before you head home, so make sure to follow the instructions to the T.
You will also be given prescription medication as well as antibiotics for pain. Remember not to skip a single dose.
If you are traveling home by car, you must place a so9 pillow or small towel between the seat belt and your remodeled breast, so the thin skin over your new implants does not get scraped or infected easily.
Caring for Your Breast Implants at Home
Once you reach home after your surgery, here is what you can do to take care of your breast implants:
1. Care for Your Chest
Remove and replace the bandage over your surgical cut held by your bra at least once a day. In your follow-up appointment, ask your doctor how long you should continue doing this.
For the first 48 hours after your surgery, you might experience a slight fever. The skin around your breast may also become pink or red. This isn’t a sign of an infection. In fact, it indicates that your body is adjusting to the implant. Take your pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed, and you will be good to go.
2. Restrict Physical Activity
Breast implants are not very high maintenance. You can resume most activities right after your surgery. However, there are some things that you should avoid doing:
- Do not perform any exercise that will constrict your chest muscles. Talk with your doctor or nurse about your workout routine if it contains chest exercises. Wear a supportive and soft bra whenever you exercise.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse before performing any intense exercises, such as jogging, running, or lifting weights.
- Do not lift any objects heavier than 5 pounds for 5 to 7
3. Wear Soft Clothing
Wear a soft and supportive bra for around 6 to 7 weeks after your surgery, even while sleeping. Only remove it when you are showering or bathing. Do not wear a bra with an underwire for several months a9er your surgery. The stiff wires can aggravate the surgical cuts under your breasts and cause discomfort on the sides. Please skip the underwire until your doctor or nurse allows it.
4. Shower with Caution
Do not take a shower for the first 48 hours after you get your breast implants. This is to ensure that your bandage does not get wet. Ask your doctor for instructions about showering with your drain in place. Avoid baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs for at least 6 weeks after your surgery. It would be best to speak with your doctor or nurse before using deodorants, creams, or lotions anywhere near your surgical cuts.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Drastic changes in weight can cause the tissues in your breasts to sag. Try to maintain your weight after breast augmentation by consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you are planning to get pregnant in the near future, remember that changes in your body may affect your breast implants and you might need to opt for a breast lift in Chicago to restore the shape of your breasts.
Breast Augmentation by Dr. Michael Horn
A breast implant surgeon in Chicago can give you breasts that you have always dreamed of. However, it is your duty to take care of your breast implants, maintain them and keep them looking their best. Interested in a Breast Augmentation by Dr. Michael Horn, a board-certified plastic surgeon, call us at 312-202-9000 today for a complimentary consultation or to learn more about breast implants aftercare.