Post-Surgery Care for Breast Augmentation: Essential Guide
The incision made during breast augmentation, although small, plays a crucial role in the recovery process and maintaining long-term aesthetic results. Many patients focus on the appearance of the breasts and forget that improper care of the surgical site can lead to swelling, redness, infection, or unsightly scars. So, how should you care for the incision site? What should you avoid, what should you do, and how should you monitor the area to ensure the wound heals quickly without complications? All these details will be covered in this comprehensive post-surgery care guide for breast augmentation.
Be Patient and Follow Instructions for Optimal Healing of the Incision
What is Breast Augmentation? Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses an endoscope (camera) to help the surgeon place the breast implants into the breast tissue accurately and with minimal invasiveness. Compared to traditional methods, endoscopy reduces tissue damage, speeds up recovery time, and results in more natural-looking breasts.
Advantages of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation:
Minimally invasive, less painful: The camera minimizes tissue damage and bleeding.
High aesthetic results: Small incisions make scars less noticeable.
Quick recovery: Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities.
Ideal for women who haven’t had children: Preserves milk ducts.
Where is the Incision for Breast Augmentation? Typically, there are three common incision sites:
Underarm (Axillary): Most popular due to its ability to conceal scars well, without affecting the areola.
Inframammary fold: Easy for the surgeon to work with and heals quickly, but the scar is located under the breast.
Areolar incision: Suitable for women who have had previous breast surgery or need access to the mammary glands.
The care approach varies slightly depending on the incision location, but the general principles are: keep it clean, avoid stretching, and monitor closely.
Why is Proper Post-Operative Care Important? Even though endoscopic breast augmentation is modern and minimally invasive, it is still a surgery, and your body requires time to heal. If the incision is not cared for properly, it can lead to:
Infection.
Prolonged swelling or pain.
Keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Implant displacement due to premature movement.
A proper care routine not only helps the wound heal faster but also preserves the aesthetic result for a long time.
Post-Surgery Care Instructions by Recovery Stages
Stage 1: 1-3 Days After Surgery
Do not remove the compression bandage, and do not inspect the incision yourself.
Keep the breast area dry, avoiding moisture around the bandage.
Take medications as prescribed (antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory).
Monitor for unusual signs such as redness, discharge of strange fluids, or excessive pain.
Rest and avoid moving your arms and shoulders.
Stage 2: 4-7 Days After Surgery
Attend follow-up appointments to allow the doctor to check the incision.
Gently clean the wound with sterile cotton soaked in saline solution. Do not rub the incision directly.
Avoid applying any folk remedies or ointments that could increase the risk of infection.
Wear a surgical bra if prescribed, which will help stabilize the breast and reduce swelling.
Stage 3: 7 Days and Beyond
If stitches are non-absorbable, have them removed as instructed to prevent the wound from forming a cyst.
Start using scar treatment creams if advised by your doctor.
Maintain a healthy diet, avoiding foods that might affect wound healing (e.g., spinach, sticky rice, beef, seafood, alcohol).
Avoid touching the incision with dirty hands or scratching it.
Engage in gentle activities; avoid putting pressure on the breast area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Post-Surgery Care:
Changing the bandage too early or leaving it unchanged for too long.
Using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or tobacco on the wound to “disinfect.”
Showering with direct water pressure on the breast.
Engaging in physical activity, such as running or lifting arms above the head.
Overusing unverified scar treatments.
Important Note: While the external incision may appear small, the internal healing process is ongoing. Be gentle with your body.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation
Will the incision leave a scar? Scarring is usually minimal, and with proper care, it will fade significantly and become barely visible.
Should I use silicone sheets to treat scars? It is safe to use silicone sheets, but only after the wound has fully healed and with your doctor’s approval. Never use them on a wet wound.
When can I take a regular shower? About 7-10 days after surgery, once the wound is dry and your doctor approves. Avoid soaking or directing strong water pressure onto the breast area.
How long does the wound take to fully heal? The incision typically heals within 2-3 weeks, but the breasts will take about 2-3 months to stabilize and settle into their final shape.
Proper post-operative care for your incision is critical in ensuring quick healing, minimal scarring, and maintaining long-lasting results. Follow the instructions regarding hygiene, bandage changes, dietary restrictions, and scar treatments. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for guidance. Proper care will lead to beautiful breasts and smooth, scar-free skin.
Contact Information: Dr. Long’s Plastic Surgery Clinic
Address: 318 Le Hong Phong, P.1, Q.10, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0908 493 008
Website: http://bacsilong.com
