Why the fall & winter months are the best time to have a Breast Augmentation procedure

There are many reasons why women choose to have breast augmentation procedures. In most breast augmentation surgeries, implants are used to enhance breast size, but some people typically want this surgery to:

• Enhance physical appearance
• Reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy or another breast surgery
• Adjust uneven breasts due to surgery or another condition
• Increase breast size after pregnancy or breastfeeding

Timing can be important for a breast augmentation procedure for busy, working individuals. Although anyone can certainly choose any time of the year that works best for them, here’s why the fall and winter months are a great time to have a breast augmentation surgery:

1. Heal during time off between holidays.

It is not uncommon for most people to take some time off from work between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. What a better time to schedule a breast augmentation than between the holidays! And, most people have family visiting who can help be a care provider for you after your surgery.

2. Wear loose, comfy sweaters while healing.

The fall and winter also bring along with it the need to dress warmer. Loose, comfortable sweaters and sweatshirts are perfect items to wear as you heal from a breast augmentation.

3. Get ready for next spring and summer.

By the time spring comes around, you will be fully healed and ready for your bathing suits, new tops, and summer dresses so you can confidently show the world your newly enhanced body.

What can I expect during the recovery from breast augmentation?

Immediately post op

Right after your breast augmentation surgery is performed, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra that will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you will be groggy and will need a driver to take you home and ensure that you are safe and comfortable.

 1 to 5 days post op

During the first 3 to 5 days, you’ll likely experience the most discomfort. Your doctor will have prescribed medication to help control the pain.

You might have minor bleeding at the incision sites. This is normal. But if you’re concerned about any bleeding, talk to your surgeon.

1 week post op

As you approach 1 week, you may be able to manage the pain with over-the-counter pain medications.

The pain should be minimal after the first week.

With your surgeon’s approval, you can gradually return to light daily activities.

2+ weeks post op

During this time, you’ll still have some soreness and swelling. But it should slowly get better.

If you have a physically demanding job, you’ll need to be out of work for 3 weeks or more. You’ll also need to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities, like running and swimming.

8 weeks/2 months post op

After about 2 months, you should be nearing full recovery, though this depends on how well your body heals. Your doctor will let you know if you can resume normal activities at this time after your follow-up appointment.

Tips that can help you through the breast augmentation recovery process:

1. Use ice to reduce swelling.

Ice works as a restricting agent, narrowing the blood vessels at the area of injury, reducing blood flow to that region. Ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain. (Never leave ice on any area for more than ten minutes at a time, however.)

2. Take prescribed pain medications on a regular schedule.

If you stay on the pain medication schedule your doctor recommended, you won’t have a lapse in medicine and you will not experience as much pain. If you wait until the medicine wears off before you take another round, you will be in more pain than necessary.

3. Rest…. a lot.

Rest helps give your body a chance to repair itself and recover. Your body will be putting a great deal of energy into your healing, so if you aren’t resting, your energy will be used elsewhere and slow down the healing process. For some, resting might be hard because they are used to being on the go constantly. But, during this time, it is imperative that you let your body rest and heal.

4. Wear the surgical compression bra.

This bra may seem uncomfortable to some, but it is highly important that it is worn. It can help prevent blood clots, which is why compression therapy is frequently advised following surgery. Improving venous flow speeds up wound healing and assists in preventing an infection. Since compression limits swelling, it can also minimize edema, or swelling caused due to excess fluid accumulation in the body tissues around the surgical site.

5. Plan ahead to have someone help you with some daily activities for the first few days post-op.

After a breast augmentation, you may be sore and have a hard time lifting your arms, carrying items, opening items, etc. A caregiver can help you do things so you can focus on recovering and avoid straining yourself.

6. Foster healthy habits.

Any surgery can stress the body out for a while as you heal. Healthy eating and sleeping habits, as well as drinking plenty of water can help your healing process go smoother. Plus, you will feel better if you maintain the healthy habits after you are fully recovered!

 

Bottom line- the recovery time after a breast augmentation is usually 6-8 weeks. It may take more time depending on how your particular body heals and your overall health. Every person is different, so it’s best to talk to your surgeon during a consultation if you’re concerned about the recovery process.

And because fall is here and winter will be here soon (and this is a very popular time for breast augmentation procedures to be performed) surgeons tend to book many, many patients during this time of the year. If you are serious about having your surgery in the fall or winter, make sure you call early in the season to schedule your procedure. The sooner you get on the doctor’s schedule, the better your chances of getting the time of year that you would like.

Are you ready to schedule a consultation for breast augmentation with Dr. Schoonover at Kansas Plastic Surgery in Wichita? Please click here, or call us at (316) 305-9618. Dr. Schoonover will take the time to answer all of your questions and address you concerns pertaining to the breast augmentation procedure, to include healing time, possible complications, and at-home care. We at Kansas Plastic Surgery always strive to go above and beyond for all of their patients, making them feel heard and important.