One important aspect of breast augmentation that most women are very concerned about is the recovery from the procedure. Whether it is how much discomfort after surgery one may have to how long until one can return to work, the recovery process is of understandable concern. While all patients survive the operation and go on to a full recovery, everyone would like it to be as rapid and comfortable as possible. While all discomfort cannot be eliminated, it is now possible to experience less discomfort than expected and a quick return to normal non-strenuous activities following breast augmentation.
This Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation technique has allowed many patients to return to near normal household activities within a day or two after surgery. In addition, the need for strong pain medication has been reduced and in some cases totally eliminated except for that given during surgery. This means that no pain pump or pain-control devices are required to achieve this type of recovery.
Breast augmentation, from a most simplistic standpoint, is really nothing more than just a big pulled muscle. (in submuscular implant placement) The pectoralis major muscle on the chest is lifted up (partially in a lower breast fold or nipple incision, the full muscle is lifted with the armpit incision approach) As the tissue pocket into which a breast implant is placed controls the final shape of the breast, recovery after breast augmentation is one of a muscular injury. In essence, the pectoralis muscle has been pulled and injured.
From that well known in physical therapy circles, recovery from a pulled muscle requires an active or proactive approach. Rather than wrapping the breasts or binding them up, it is important to have them as unrestricted as possible using only a loose fitting bra or none at all. The key, however, is active and early range of motion of the arms. Since the insertion of the pectoralis muscle is into the upper arm bone (humerus), moving and stretching the arms is key within hours after surgery. Early moving and stretching of the injured muscles is the key to a faster recovery after breast augmentation. You can’t hurt the breast implant by using your arm and pectoralis muscles. Early movement will not be responsible for a breast implant becoming dislodged, moving out of place, or causing the incisions to open up. This early physical therapy program is supplemented with the regular use of 800mg of Ibuprofen twice a day and getting off the narcotics as soon as possible.
The experience of many breast implant patients and their pleasantly surprised commentaries have confirmed the success of the program. Many patients have returned to non-strenuous activities, or even going out to dinner, the next day following the procedure. One may have waited a long time to finally have breast augmentation, but with the Rapid Recovery program you don’t have to wait a long time to enjoy the benefits.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana