(Newswire.net — April 29, 2019) — Breast surgery is a very popular procedure, and with an experienced, board-certified surgeon by your side, you can expect to have a speedy recovery and get back to work and routine activities in just a couple of days. There’s also plenty you can do to speed up the healing process. Here are a few breast surgery recovery tips to bear in mind.
Breast Surgery Recovery Tips
Make Use of Ice
Ice does a great job at helping to prevent swelling, pain and pulling around the incision area. To get the best results, ice as much as possible within the first two to three days after surgery. Be careful not to ice directly over the nipple as it’s a more sensitive area. Consider using bags of corn or frozen peas as an ice pack as they can easily mold to your breast shape.
Proper Pain Management
It’s pretty normal to experience some moderate discomfort immediately following breast surgery. Some women feel tightness or pressure across the chest. Most women find that they need nothing more than mild pain medication so your doctor will prescribe a few days of painkillers to help you make it comfortably through the recovery process.
Take It Easy
This may seem obvious, but your body needs enough rest to recover. Don’t plan any major outings for the first few days after surgery. Taking it easy for a few days will lower the risk of extra swelling so that you’re able to get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Wear Your Surgical Bra
Post-op surgical bras come highly recommended following breast surgery. These specially designed bras help to support your breasts as they heal and reduce swelling, leading to minimal pain and discomfort during the healing process.
Avoid Using Unauthorized Creams and Lotions
You may be tempted to use lotions and creams, but the rule of thumb is to avoid putting anything on your incisions unless you’re instructed by your surgeon to do so. Unauthorized lotions and creams may cause rash or irritation and delay the healing process, leading to worse scars long term.
Have Plenty of Light, Healthy Foods and Water at Home
Be sure to stock up on plenty of water and easy to prepare food even before heading for surgery. For the first post-op day, you may not have much of an appetite or feel nauseated from the anesthesia, so light foods will come in handy. Make sure you have a variety of healthy foods to give your body the strength and energy to heal over the following week. Drinking plenty of water is also good for hydration, which helps to speed up the recovery process as well.
During the post-op period, you’ll need to avoid applying any pressure on your breasts by sleeping on your back. Pressure from rolling over, for example, cause damage and complications to your wounds. The trick is to support yourself with pillows. Consider additional pillows under your feet as support for your back as you sleep in the elevated position. With those breast surgery recovery tips, you should be on your way to a speedy recovery.