Continual advancements in breast augmentation techniques have made this cosmetic surgery procedure less invasive and more effective over the years.
As a result, women can recover faster after the surgery and resume their normal activities in the shortest possible time.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Gill provides breast augmentation to patients in Naples, Marco Island, South Florida, and cities and suburbs in The Sunshine State.
Estimated Recovery Period
In general, breast augmentation requires that patients reduce strenuous activities post-operatively for three to seven days.
After that, the patient can gradually undertake more vigorous activities. The incision placement, implant size, and position of the implant above or below the chest muscle will determine the actual downtime and overall recovery duration following a breast augmentation surgery.
It is vital for the patient to set aside time for recovery away from work and social obligations. She should ideally heal in a serene and calm environment at home while avoiding any strenuous activities. During the recovery period, the patient will not be spending her time in bed throughout. Mild activities and short walks at home are encouraged.
However, she will need to restrict certain physical activities like bending down too much, lifting weights, performing aerobic exercises and will have undertaken specific measures to ensure that the recovery is safe and quick.
Implant Placement Influences Recovery Time
The surgeon will place the breast implants either above or below the chest muscle depending on the lifestyle and cosmetic goals of the patient.
Among the two approaches, submuscular placement is more invasive. The reason for this is that in this approach, besides placing an incision, the surgeon will separate a part of the chest muscle to make room for the breast implant.
The more invasive nature of submuscular implant placement warrants around seven days of downtime. The patient will need to avoid vigorous exercise as well as not lift heavy objects for nearly two to four weeks following this type of implant placement. Conversely, patients who undergo subglandular implant placement can typically resume work within two to three days.
Incision Location
Inframammary incisions are the incisions that a cosmetic surgeon places in the breast’s bottom crease (where the lower breast protrusion connects to the chest wall). In case the surgeon determines that this is the ideal implant placement method for a patient, she will be required to wait for between two and four weeks before undertaking upper body workouts.
However, it is vital that the patient does not lift her arms over her head. She must avoid placing any pressure in this region to facilitate effective and healthy healing which results in a discreet and inconspicuous scar.
But there are other incision techniques that may require a shorter downtime. For instance, at times the surgeon will place the implant via an incision in the nipple area. This site does not undergo much strain during upper body movements.
Implant Size
The implant size a patient chooses as well as the placement technique impacts the length of the recovery phase. For instance, more significant implants exert more pressure under the chest muscle leading to more stretching of the skin’s surface. This may involve a more slightly extensive recovery period.
Committed board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Gill receives patients from Naples, Marco Island, South Florida, and nearby areas in this amazing state for breast implant surgery.
Dr. Kiran Gill is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. To learn more about her cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and and treatments call 239.596.8000 or click here. Taking new patients in Naples, Marco Island, South Florida and surrounding areas.