Atlantic Coast Aesthetics believes that there’s no such thing as too much information or a patient that knows too much about the procedures they’re undergoing and what to expect before, during and after the procedure. For this reason, Dr. Thomas Pane, ACA’s Chief Medical Officer and founder, takes time out each week to answer questions from the online community that we receive via email, Facebook and on our website through our weekly Google Hangouts sessions. Dr. Pane’s answers address general-interest questions and do not necessarily apply to a specific patient or procedure. Despite this, Dr. Pane’s extensive experience makes him well-suited to giving real, practical information for patients about the options, benefits and potential risks associated with various cosmetic surgery procedures.
This week’s question comes from a viewer in Palm Beach. She is scheduled for a breast augmentation procedure in early March. Her question is, “Will two weeks off be enough time for recovery?” As anticipated recovery time is a concern for many of our patients, Dr. Pane felt this question deserved special consideration and attention, not only because it is asked so frequently but because patients should be well-informed about what to expect as far as post-procedure aftercare and recovery.
Dr. Pane says that generally, two weeks should be ample time for recovery from a standard breast augmentation. Most patients return to work in 7 days or less, and the post-procedure soreness typically subsides after only a couple of days. However, for the swelling to abate completely and the final shape and contour of the bust to fully resolve may take longer. 4-6 weeks for full shape resolution is not unusual, and longer durations from initial procedure to final results are not unheard of. However, two weeks in most patients is ample time to recover from the procedure and be ready to resume regular work duties.
It is important that all aftercare instructions given for recovery from the procedure be followed precisely. Not only can this impact recovery time and the aesthetic value of the final result, but failure to follow the given instructions and adhere to any medication regimen can also impede healing and potentially lead to complications such as infection, fluid pooling, disruption of the sutures and extended scarring. While a certain amount of scarring, tenderness and soreness are to be expected in the aftermath of any surgical procedure, rigorous adherence to aftercare instructions can help reduce or eliminate these.
The type of augmentation, style of implants and the way in which they are placed into the mammary tissue can also have an effect on the length of recovery time and necessary aftercare. Silicone implants and saline implants are generally similar, but a fat transfer from one area of the body, for example the thighs or buttocks, to the breasts may require different post-procedure care. This will help to ensure that the transplanted adipose tissue creates the desired contour and shape while keeping the recovery time and likelihood of postsurgical complications as low as humanly possible.
Of course, every patient heals at a slightly different rate. Age, general physical condition, specific medical conditions or environmental factors may directly influence the rate of recovery and the possibility of complications. Because of this, every patient’s prognosis and projected path to recovery is somewhat different. Generally, younger patients with fewer health issues and in better physical condition can expect to recover a little faster than patients who are older, have more health issues or who are in poorer overall health. However, these are only guidelines and “rules of thumb” and are not a substitute for prolonged consultation and discussion of a specific patient’s overall medical history and habits and factors that may impede recovery with an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Pane, who carries double board certification in general and cosmetic surgery.
If you are interested in asking Dr. Pane or ACA a question about any and all things cosmetic surgery related, we invite you to drop us a line at https://acplasticsurg.com, call us at 561-422-4116, follow our Facebook page or watch our weekly Google Hangouts with Dr. Thomas A. Pane to learn how. We know that you’re probably not the only person who has your question, and ACA is committed to giving our patients the best possible knowledge and care so they know what to expect from their procedures and how to get the best possible results. Even better, your question just might be our ACA Question of the Week in a forthcoming Google Hangout, so ask away!