The day of the surgery
When you leave the hospital or surgical clinic for home, make sure that you will get in a calm, restful place. Have someone pick you up (no good surgeon will send you home alone) and make sure you have all the medication and instructions you need.
Send the kids to their grandparents’ and make sure your kitchen is stocked with lots of liquids and food that’s easy to digest like crackers and soup. You should have taken a few days off work. When you get home, lie down and rest. You will most likely be groggy and in pain from the surgery.
The following days
Most breast surgery patients feel tired for a few days. Surgery is exacting on the body and it needs a lot of energy to heal itself. So stay in bed and let yourself be pampered by your partner, family or friends.
The skin around your breasts might feel tight at times, and will more than likely looked bruised. This is normal. You may also experience reduced feeling around your breasts and nipples. Massages help, but make sure your doctor approved it.
You will probably be asked to wear tight bandages or a post-operative bra. Your breasts will need a lot of support to heal properly, so do wear the bandages or bra even if you don’t like it, otherwise the final result may not be as you expected. Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.
Most women can go back to work or their normal daily activities after 4-5 days of rest, but it’s different for every patient. Listen to your body.
The following weeks
Your doctor will have told you to avoid any exercise that involves the arms and the chest area. Such activities may deform your new breasts or break newly closed sutures, so stay away from the gym for a little while—you can sip on slimming green tea to help with potential weight gain.
You’ll notice swelling and sensitivity that may last up to a few months. This is completely normal and should go away as your breasts heal.
Follow your doctor’s recovery schedule as to exercise, sex, baths, etc. Baths are to be avoided for the first week at least so as not to disturb the surgery site. You may need to wash the area with a washcloth as it may be too sensitive for a shower even.
If anything seems suspicious or if you have a sudden fever, increased swelling and redness, contact your doctor immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new breast in no time!