Rapid-Recovery Breast Augmentation
Since 2006, breast augmentation has been the most popular plastic surgery procedure for women in the United States. This procedure increases breast fullness and can provide a boost to a woman's self-image as well. While it offers many benefits, a common drawback of the procedure is an uncomfortable recovery period that can require at least 5 to 7 days of downtime.
While training under Dr. John Tebbetts of the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, I learned several measures that can be combined to accomplish a "rapid recovery breast augmentation," which reduces recovery time to 1 to 3 days. While results may vary, over 90% of patients surveyed in my plastic surgery practice near Philadelphia reported taking narcotics for less than 2 days after their primary breast augmentation and were back to almost all activities in 3 days.
Advanced Surgical Instruments and Techniques
Reducing patient recovery time begins in the operating room with specialized surgical instruments and techniques. I perform the majority of procedures in my AAAASF-certified, state-of-the-art, on-site surgical suite where I have a highly qualified team. Patient recovery is enhanced though the use of proper anesthesia in appropriate dosages. A board-certified anesthesiologist is best qualified to choose and precisely calibrate the medication during the procedure to minimize impact to the patient.
During surgery, it is vital to avoid bleeding and minimize tissue trauma. The goal is to make the surgery as gentle as possible. I have made the investment in high-quality surgical equipment including custom-crafted surgical instruments to ensure I have the best tools for the job. Using precise, meticulous surgical techniques during creation of the pocket for the breast implants contributes to my Philadelphia and New Jersey patients' rapid recovery. Special care is taken to prevent any bleeding and avoid trauma to especially sensitive areas such as the muscles, ribs, and connective tissue. Muscle relaxants taken prior to surgery also reduce trauma.
Specialized Aftercare
While measures taken during breast augmentation surgery are most critical for a rapid recovery, specialized aftercare implemented by both doctor and patient is important as well. The typical compression dressings are usually not necessary, just a surgical bra. My rapid recovery post-op protocol includes:
After surgery, most patients are allowed to resume normal daily activities such as getting dressed, brushing their hair, driving a car, and lifting light objects as soon as they feel up to it. Patients are usually ready to return to work in 2 to 3 days. In the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon, with a specialized surgical method, breast augmentation can be a rewarding experience that enhances both your appearance and self-confidence with minimal downtime.
Future Precautions
There is evidence that bacteria entering the blood stream, even years after surgery, can migrate to breast implants and cause infection. I recommend that breast augmentation patients take a precautionary course of antibiotics before dental work or other procedures such as colonoscopies or liposuction. In my New Jersey practice I've found that the slight inconvenience of taking a dose of antibiotics is a small price to pay to avoid the complications caused by capsular contracture or an internal infection.
While training under Dr. John Tebbetts of the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, I learned several measures that can be combined to accomplish a "rapid recovery breast augmentation," which reduces recovery time to 1 to 3 days. While results may vary, over 90% of patients surveyed in my plastic surgery practice near Philadelphia reported taking narcotics for less than 2 days after their primary breast augmentation and were back to almost all activities in 3 days.
Advanced Surgical Instruments and Techniques
Reducing patient recovery time begins in the operating room with specialized surgical instruments and techniques. I perform the majority of procedures in my AAAASF-certified, state-of-the-art, on-site surgical suite where I have a highly qualified team. Patient recovery is enhanced though the use of proper anesthesia in appropriate dosages. A board-certified anesthesiologist is best qualified to choose and precisely calibrate the medication during the procedure to minimize impact to the patient.
During surgery, it is vital to avoid bleeding and minimize tissue trauma. The goal is to make the surgery as gentle as possible. I have made the investment in high-quality surgical equipment including custom-crafted surgical instruments to ensure I have the best tools for the job. Using precise, meticulous surgical techniques during creation of the pocket for the breast implants contributes to my Philadelphia and New Jersey patients' rapid recovery. Special care is taken to prevent any bleeding and avoid trauma to especially sensitive areas such as the muscles, ribs, and connective tissue. Muscle relaxants taken prior to surgery also reduce trauma.
Specialized Aftercare
While measures taken during breast augmentation surgery are most critical for a rapid recovery, specialized aftercare implemented by both doctor and patient is important as well. The typical compression dressings are usually not necessary, just a surgical bra. My rapid recovery post-op protocol includes:
- Following a focused prescription regimen that alternates ibuprofen and Percocet
- Performing specialized overhead arm exercises
- Taking a daily walk to encourage circulation of body fluids
- Performing implant massage as directed
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and aerobic activity that elevates heart rate and blood pressure for the first 10 days after surgery
After surgery, most patients are allowed to resume normal daily activities such as getting dressed, brushing their hair, driving a car, and lifting light objects as soon as they feel up to it. Patients are usually ready to return to work in 2 to 3 days. In the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon, with a specialized surgical method, breast augmentation can be a rewarding experience that enhances both your appearance and self-confidence with minimal downtime.
Future Precautions
There is evidence that bacteria entering the blood stream, even years after surgery, can migrate to breast implants and cause infection. I recommend that breast augmentation patients take a precautionary course of antibiotics before dental work or other procedures such as colonoscopies or liposuction. In my New Jersey practice I've found that the slight inconvenience of taking a dose of antibiotics is a small price to pay to avoid the complications caused by capsular contracture or an internal infection.
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