Recovery and Post Op

Breast augmentation is a major procedure so it’s important that you follow the recovery directions that you are given closely. It’s also important to be aware of the likely side effects so you can make an informed decision and know what to expect following your surgery.

Side effects of breast augmentation surgery

• Drowsiness: Drowsiness is a very common side effect that is caused by the anesthesia. This is felt most in the 24 hours immediately following your surgery and should improve quickly after that. It’s important that somebody is with you at all times during that 24 hours since you’re more prone to accidents due to the drowsiness.
• Nausea: Some nausea is not unusual in the first few days. This can be a side effect of the anesthesia or of the pain medication you’re prescribed. It’s usually not too severe and can be lessened by making sure you take it easy.
• Swelling of the breasts: Swelling of the breasts is very normal and to be expected following breast augmentation. The swelling will slowly subside in the weeks following your surgery until it’s no longer noticeable.
• Some pain and discomfort: They may also be some pain and discomfort in your breasts after the surgery. This is another completely normal side effect and you will be prescribed pain medication to help you deal with this.

Steps to take following your operation

• Take any prescribed medication: You’ll be prescribed pain medication following your surgery. It’s important to take this as well as any other medication you would normally take. You will be advised fully by Dr Lynam regarding what medications you should take at your consultation.
• Do not exert yourself physically: This is very important, especially in the first couple of weeks after surgery. Your breasts will take a while to heal so you don’t want to engage in any strenuous activities that could affect the healing process.
• Take at least a week off work: Even if your job isn’t physically demanding, you still need to give yourself at least a week to properly recover from the effects of your surgery. If after a week you feel well enough, then you can return to work, providing your job doesn’t require you to do anything that’s very physically demanding.

Your recovery timeline at a glance

Every patient heals differently, and Dr. Lynam will give you your own plan. As a general guide:

• First week: rest at home and keep walking light.
• About one week: most patients go back to work.
• About 4 to 6 weeks: more vigorous exercise can usually resume once you are cleared.
• About two months: wait this long before chest exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups and bench presses. See Exercise Post Op.

Optional: hyperbaric oxygen sessions

Dr. Lynam’s Stony Point Parkway office now has its own mild hyperbaric chamber, set up in a private room. In the chamber you breathe concentrated oxygen under gentle pressure, which supports healing tissue as swelling and bruising settle after surgery.

Sessions are an optional add-on, not a required part of recovery. Dr. Lynam decides at your post-op visit whether and when they fit your healing. Mild hyperbaric therapy is considered experimental for some conditions. Learn about hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Richmond Surgical Arts.