Undergoing a Breast Augmentation is a significant life decision. It’s essential to be prepared for some changes you may have to adopt following the surgery. Certain lifestyle modifications can positively impact your healing and long-term results, allowing you to best enjoy the curves you have always wanted.
Adopt A Healthy Lifestyle
First and foremost, a healthy lifestyle can contribute volumes to your recovery process and sustained health post-surgery. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate hydration are just some of the key elements that form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to optimize your nutrition before and after surgery by incorporating plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, now’s the time to contemplate quitting. Smoking has been proven to hinder the healing process post-surgery, thus delaying your recovery time. Studies show that the nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to tissues, which is crucial for healing. So whether you’re getting ready for a big operation or not, quitting smoking will always be the healthiest choice for your body.
Plan on Taking it Easy
For those of us who like to be on the go, it may be difficult to sit back and just relax, but after a procedure like breast augmentation, taking it easy is essential. Overexertion can affect the healing process and may lead to unwanted and unintended complications. You may need to adjust your daily activities, take some time off work, and pause your exercise routine for a little while.
Restrict High-Impact Activities
While we encourage gentle walking right after surgery, high-impact activities like jogging or aerobics should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks post-surgery. Your body needs time to heal and your tissues to adapt around the implant. Activities that cause repetitive “bouncing” of the implant can stress healing incisions and also be painful or uncomfortable at first. Instead, it’s better to start off with low-impact exercises, like cycling or yoga, as early as 2 weeks after surgery. Dr. MacLennan and Dr. Schmidt at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery will provide you with a timeline for when you can resume various physical activities during your recovery process.
Avoid Chest Exercises
If your implants have been placed under the muscle, you will need to be careful about resuming chest exercises. Any repetitive activities that isolate the pectoralis muscle (bench press, push-ups, etc) should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks after submuscular breast augmentation. Before your body has fully healed, performing these activities can push the implant down and out, and may permanently alter the implant position on your chest.
Maintain a Supportive Wardrobe
The way you dress post-surgery plays a vital role in a successful recovery. After a breast augmentation, a supportive surgical bra without underwires is recommended for the first four weeks. This type of bra will provide adequate support and prevent the implants from moving or causing any discomfort. Your surgeon will provide additional guidance on choosing the right bra post-surgery. Always remember, comfort should be the priority over style during this period.
Regular Check-ups
Regular follow-up visits to your surgeon at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery are essential. Dr. MacLennan and Dr. Schmidt will monitor your progress, ensure optimal healing, and address any concerns you might have.
Schedule a Consultation
Adopting a few lifestyle changes after your breast augmentation can make a significant difference in your recovery and overall results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. MacLennan or Dr. Schmidt for your breast augmentation procedure in Burlington, Vermont, fill out an online contact form.
