How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Breast Implant Surgery

Reducing bruising and swelling after breast augmentation surgery is an essential aspect of the healing process. This not only helps improve the overall appearance of the results, but it can also help minimise discomfort and speed up the healing process.

Overall, reducing bruising and swelling after breast augmentation is crucial for achieving the best possible results and ensuring a smooth and comfortable healing process. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to minimise these side effects and achieve optimal results.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast cosmetic procedures in Sydney. He offers various surgical methods for augmenting, reducing, lifting, and reconstructing breasts, providing patients with their desired aesthetic outcomes.

Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Breast Surgery

Dr Hunt Answers Breast Augmentation Surgery Questions

Main Reasons for Reducing Bruising and Swelling After Breast Augmentation

· Improves the appearance of results

Bruising and swelling can negatively impact the appearance of the final results, making them look more noticeable and unnatural. Reducing these side effects can help ensure that the results look as smooth and natural as possible.

· Minimises discomfort

Swelling can cause discomfort and tenderness in the breast area, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. By reducing swelling, patients can experience a more comfortable and manageable healing process.

· Speeds up the healing process

Reducing swelling and bruising helps to minimise the risk of complications and encourages the body to heal faster. This can help reduce the amount of time it takes to see the final results and return to normal activities.

Preparing Before Surgery to Minimise Bruising and Swelling Following Breast Augmentation

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has a deep understanding of the latest techniques for minimising these side effects. He will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions that should be followed carefully to reduce the risk of complications. These may include guidelines for diet and nutrition, avoiding certain medications, and preparing for the procedure.

Discussing post-operative care with your surgeon

Before your procedure, it’s important to discuss your post-operative care plan. This will give you a clear understanding of what you can expect in the days and weeks following your surgery and what steps you should take to minimise bruising and swelling after breast augmentation.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for your breast augmentation procedure and that you receive the best possible results.

Post-Operative Care Techniques Used to Minimise Bruising and Swelling

There are several techniques that plastic surgeons can use to minimise bruising and swelling after breast augmentation surgery. Here are some of the most common methods:

Compression therapy: after the procedure, your plastic surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment or bandage to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Compression therapy can also help minimise discomfort and improve the appearance of the results
Ice therapy: applying ice packs to the breast area can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for how often and for how long to apply ice
Gentle exercise and movement: encouraging gentle exercise and movement after surgery can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for how much activity is appropriate and when it’s safe to return to normal activities
Pain management: over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort, but be sure to consult your plastic surgeon before taking any new medications. In some cases, prescription pain medication may be necessary
Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting: it’s important to avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for at least several weeks after surgery to allow time for proper healing and reduce the risk of complications

These techniques, along with close monitoring by your plastic surgeon, can help minimise bruising and swelling after breast augmentation surgery and achieve the best possible results.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, proper long-term healing is crucial for reducing bruises and ensuring the best possible results. Here are some steps that can help facilitate the healing process and minimise the risk of complications:

Proper incision care: proper care of the incision site is important to minimise the risk of infection, scarring, and other complications. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for how to care for the incision, including when to remove any dressing and when to begin showering
Avoiding certain activities: to reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing, it’s important to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting, for several weeks after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines for when it’s safe to return to normal activities
Regular follow-up appointments: regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are important to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications that may arise
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking, can help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications
Wearing a compression garment: your plastic surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment or bandage to help reduce swelling and promote healing

By following these steps and working closely with your plastic surgeon, you can ensure proper long-term healing after breast augmentation and minimise the risk of bruises and other complications.

FAQs about Reducing Bruising and Swelling After Breast Augmentation

What can I do to minimise bruising and swelling after breast augmentation surgery?

There are several steps you can take to minimise bruising and swelling after breast augmentation surgery. These include:

Taking prescribed medications: your plastic surgeon may prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce swelling and discomfort after surgery
Using ice: applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling. Wrap ice packs in a towel or cloth and apply to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day
Elevating the breasts: keeping your breasts elevated, especially when lying down, can help reduce swelling. Use pillows or a foam wedge to elevate your breasts while sleeping
Wearing a surgical bra: your plastic surgeon may recommend wearing a surgical bra to help reduce swelling and provide support to the breasts during the healing process
Avoiding physical activity: avoid any strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, for several weeks after surgery to minimise swelling
Following a healthy diet: eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support the healing process and reduce swelling

By taking these steps, you can minimise the risk of complications after breast augmentation surgery and promote a smooth and comfortable recovery.

How long does it take for bruises and swelling to go away after breast augmentation surgery?

The amount of time it takes for bruises and swelling to go away after breast augmentation surgery will vary from person to person. Here’s what you can expect:

Bruising: bruising is a common side effect of breast augmentation surgery and can take several weeks to fade. The amount of bruising you experience will depend on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the size of the implants, and your own body’s healing process
Swelling: swelling is also a normal part of the postoperative period and can last for several weeks to several months. The extent of swelling you experience will depend on the size of the implants, the surgical technique used, and your own body’s healing process
Timeline: most patients will notice a significant reduction in swelling and bruising within the first week to 10 days after surgery. However, it may take several weeks or months for the swelling and bruises to completely subside

Can I use ice to reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery?

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery.

Here’s what you need to know about using ice:

Timing: ice should be applied as soon as possible after surgery and for the first 24-48 hours. This will help reduce swelling and minimise discomfort
Method: wrap a few ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to remove the ice before it gets too cold to avoid damaging the skin
Precautions: do not apply ice directly to the skin as this can cause cold injury or frostbite. Always wrap the ice packs in a towel or cloth before applying to the skin
Alternative methods: if you don’t have access to ice, you can use cold compresses, such as a bag of frozen peas, or take a cold shower
Consult your plastic surgeon: it’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and recommendations for using ice after surgery. They may have specific guidelines for the timing, frequency, and duration of ice application

Using ice can be an effective and simple way to reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery. However, it’s important to use it carefully and in accordance with your plastic surgeon’s instructions to avoid any potential complications

Can I massage the breasts to reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery?

Gentle breast massage can be helpful in reducing swelling after breast augmentation surgery. Here’s what you need to know about breast massage:

Timing: your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions on when you can start massaging your breasts after surgery. This will typically be several days to a week after surgery
Technique: use light, circular motions to massage the breasts. Start at the outer edge and work inward, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Repeat the massage several times a day
Precautions: do not massage the breasts too soon after surgery as this can cause additional swelling or increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid massaging any incisions or areas that are particularly sensitive

Can I go back to my normal activities after breast augmentation surgery?

Going back to your normal activities after breast augmentation surgery will depend on several factors, including the type of procedure you had, your individual healing process, and your plastic surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions. Here are some general guidelines:

Physical activity: you should avoid any strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, for several weeks after surgery to minimise swelling and promote proper healing. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when you can safely return to physical activity
Work: most patients are able to return to work within a week or two after breast augmentation, but the exact timeline will depend on the type of work you do and how quickly you are healing
Normal activities: you can generally return to normal activities, such as shopping, driving, and light household chores, within a few days after surgery, but you should avoid anything that requires heavy lifting or straining
Sexual activity: your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines, but generally, you should avoid sexual activity for a few weeks after surgery to allow for proper healing.
Showers: you may be able to take a shower a day or two after surgery, but you should avoid soaking in a bath or hot tub for several weeks

It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and to be patient with your healing process. Going back to normal activities too quickly can increase the risk of complications and slow down your recovery.

Medical References about Reducing Bruising and Swelling After Breast Augmentation

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desired.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

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Tag: recovery after breast implants surgery

Reducing Bruising and Swelling After Breast Augmentation

How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Breast Implant Surgery

Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Breast Surgery

Dr Hunt Answers Breast Augmentation Surgery Questions