As a breast surgeon in Portland, Oregon, providing guidance to breast augmentation patients around what to expect before and after the procedure is an essential part of what I do. The plastic surgery experience is more than the procedure itself; preparation and recovery, both physically and mentally, are just as much a part of the journey. Taking the right steps during these times can make all the difference in your comfort, satisfaction, and overall well-being during each step of the process.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss a few do’s and don’ts you can follow before and after your breast augmentation to make sure your experience is as positive and rewarding as possible.
Before Breast Augmentation
Deciding on Surgery
- Do: Carefully consider your decision. Take your time to think about how the surgery would affect your life and self-image. You can gain more perspective around this by reading what other women have shared about their experiences on sites such as RealSelf.com.
- Don’t: Choose the surgery for the wrong reasons. You should choose breast augmentation because you believe it will improve your life and the way you feel about your body, not because you feel pressured by societal pressures or the opinions of others.
Choosing a Surgeon
- Do: Research potential surgeons. Check their credentials (especially certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery), view their patients’ before-and-after photos, and read reviews by real patients.
- Don’t: Shop based on price. For the sake of your safety and results, choosing a surgeon based on skill and experience is much more important than looking for a low price.
Customizing Your Results
- Do: Explore implant and incision options. Research implant materials, incision locations, and placement options to get an idea of what might work best for you. You can start by reading through our breast implants page for an overview of your options.
- Don’t: Try to replicate someone else’s body. Everyone’s proportions are different, and your results should be tailored to flatter your body. While it’s great to have a vision in mind, your breast surgeon may recommend adjustments to create the best possible results for you.
After Breast Augmentation
Recovery
- Do: Be patient when it comes to recovery. While most women are able to return to work after a few days to a week, it will be a few more weeks before you’re able to resume vigorous exercise fully.
- Don’t: Push yourself too far too soon. You can injure yourself and alter your results by jumping back into intensive workouts too early. Taking the necessary time to rest will be well worth it in the long run.
Discomfort
- Do: Expect minor discomfort and tightness. This is normal and temporary. Any discomfort is typically easily managed with medication during the first few days post-op.
- Don’t: Ignore complications or hesitate to call your surgeon’s office. Fever, drainage from your incision sites, and increased pain are all rare signs of complications that warrant a call.
Stepping Out Socially
- Do: Dress however you want. Whether you’re eager to show off your shape or prefer to dress more modestly, the choice is up to you.
- Don’t: Feel pressured to talk about your surgery if you don’t want to. You decide whether to share your story or keep your experience private. Learn more about what to expect socially after breast augmentation in our previous blog post.
To see examples of the breast augmentation results you can expect when you choose the Portland Plastic Surgery Group, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon here in Portland, Oregon, please request a consultation online or call (503) 292-9200.
