April 29, 2025 Tags: breast reduction, Breast Implants, Breast Augmentation, breast lift
Breast augmentation surgeries— including lifts, adding implants, reductions, and more—usually come with considerable restrictions and recovery time. Making sure you’re prepared for your recovery is a vital part of the mental and physical pre-surgery process. To help you feel ready and excited for your augmentation, here’s a checklist of sorts to make sure nothing gets forgotten when you’re recovering from surgery.
Before you go in for your surgery, there are a few ways to make your recovery at home easier. Since you won’t be able to lift your arms very high, pull down things on higher up shelves that you’ll need for the next 4-to-6 weeks. Also, you can order a wedge pillow or gather a few pillows you already have to make sure you can be comfortably propped up in bed. Prep your nightstand with essentials like wet wipes, hair ties, lip balm, snacks, and maybe even an ice pack. Making sure you have an array of things you may need within arm’s length can ease the stress of getting up and moving around so often.
Having comfortable and convenient clothing is an integral part of a smooth recovery from surgery. Track down a few zip-up sweatshirts, button-up pajamas, and transitional bras or bralettes. You won’t have your full range of motion, so wearing comfortable but functional clothing will make recovery easier. A quick zipper or buttons let you change without lifting your arms above your head.
Having a scheduled time for someone to check in or stop by to see how you’re doing and potentially help you with a few tasks can help you worry less about your recovery. There will inevitably be something you need that you can’t reach or an item you need picked up—having someone ready to help out lets you not get hung up on the things you can’t do. A companion or helper can also keep you company as you recover, maybe bringing a new book or movie for you to read or watch. Arranging a surplus of ways to entertain yourself is a great way you feel prepared for your limited mobility in the first part of your recovery. Also, as with any surgery, there will be at least a few days of time when you won’t be able to work due to medications you’re on or mobility limitations. Having something to do during that time will help give you something to focus on other than work or uncomfortable sensations during the healing process.
If you are considering a breast augmentation of any kind, request a consultation with Dr. J.J. Wendel Plastic Surgery to find the best procedure for you. Together, we can make sure you have a smooth pre-op, surgery, and post-op experience!
