05 Aug Why Some Women Say a Pandemic is the Perfect Time for Breast Augmentation
It’s estimated that about four percent of women in America have breast implants. Think you don’t know someone with breast implants? You probably do, but they likely carefully selected a reputable clinic like the Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center to ensure their results are beautiful and natural-looking. Breast implants, or breast augmentation, has always been one of the most popular procedures for women—and the demand has been increasing in the midst of the pandemic.
You might not think that weeks of being forced to stay at home would create the ideal circumstances to see a cosmetic surgeon, but for many women it has led to ideal circumstances. Breast augmentation, like any surgery, requires down time for healing. Many women also want a discreet recovery, which can be tough if you feel the pressure to immediately see friends or co-workers after getting surgery.
During a lockdown period, even if you’re working remotely, you have the time and space to heal from a breast augmentation procedure.
What’s the Difference Between Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation?
Nothing! Breast augmentation is the cosmetic enhancement of the breasts by the placement of breast implants. A breast augmentation procedure might also include complementary surgeries such as a breast lift (the removal of excess skin) or liposuction around the chest. However, “getting breast implants” is a laymen’s term that usually only refers to the breast implant aspect of breast augmentation surgery.
Breast augmentation improves the volume, shape, and size of the breasts. Many women, even those with some laxity on the chest, do not require a breast lift as part of their breast augmentation because the increase in size “fills in” that laxity. Of course, other women do benefit from a breast lift as part of their breast augmentation. It all depends on the severity of sagging, the size of the breast implants to be placed, and the woman’s goal.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
You’re one of a kind, which means that your unique recovery period might vary slightly from other women. On average, a full recovery takes about six weeks. That’s a long time during “normal times,” but in the midst of a pandemic you might find that setting that time aside for your recovery is possible. Keep in mind that many women feel pretty good and can return to many daily activities in as little as one week. Your cosmetic surgeon will create a recovery timeline just for you.
Right after waking up from surgery, you’ll feel groggy from the anesthesia and sore from the procedure. Someone will need to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least the first 72 hours. The first five days after your surgery are usually the least comfortable, and you’ll have prescription pain medication to help. In some cases, a pain injection or pain pump might also be available from your surgeon.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation: Weeks 2 – 6
Once the first week of recovery is complete, you can ease into lighter exercise and other non-sedentary tasks. Discomfort will be minimal, but avoid activities like running or heavy lifting. Your surgeon will gauge your recovery during follow-up appointments and let you know of any modifications to your recovery timeline. At the two-month point, most women are cleared to get completely back to normal activities.
There are also things you can do to help your recovery along. Wearing your “recovery bra,” which will be recommended by your surgeon, is a must to reduce swelling and soreness. This special garment also helps encourage the stability of the implants while draining lymph nodes and increasing blood circulation. You’ll have to wear a bra all the time in the first few weeks after surgery, so be sure to select a surgeon-approved recovery bra that is best for your needs.
Start Your Breast Augmentation Journey
One of the most exciting parts of a full recovery is shopping for a new wardrobe. However, you’ll also want to have a few pieces readily available for post-surgery. A deep cleaning of the home prior to surgery and having a fully stocked kitchen can also smooth the recovery period.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today at (480) 282-8386 to find out more about breast augmentation.