Whether it is done for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or just to enhance an overall body image, it is imperative that prior to undergoing this procedure that one familiarizes herself with the many different options available and select the best one based on the following criteria ...

- consultation with the surgeon,

- health history

- and individual expectations.

Once the surgery is over, the patient is probably wondering what is in store for her during recovery. Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules that apply in the recovery process.

Post-Operative Care

The timeline for recovery is a highly individual matter since it is based on a couple of variable factors such as the individual response to the surgery itself, as well as how invasive the actual procedure was.

The most important course of action immediately following surgery is to follow all the recommendations of your surgeon regarding post-operative care.

One also needs to consistently self-monitor body temperature and assess the suture area in order to evaluate how healing is progressing. Any elevation of temperature and/or any abnormal findings should be immediately reported to your surgeon to ensure that the proper course of treatment is implemented as quickly as possible to minimize any potential health risks that would thwart a safe and speedy recovery.

An elevated body temperature can signify an underlying infection. In that case, you will be administered antibiotics. Make sure to take them for the prescribed amount of time.

(If you are given antibiotics and are currently using oral contraceptives it is advisable to use an additional form of protection during sexual intercourse. Administrations of antibiotics interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives.)

Swelling

One thing too for the patient to keep in mind is that post surgical swelling is inevitable, as well as the visual prominence of the incision lines. The swelling of the breast and nearby area will eventually go down, and the incision lines will also fade over time. Swelling or inflammation is the body's normal response to injury. Surgery of any kind triggers the body to respond as if the body is injured. Breast swelling can last for up to four months.

Please note that it will take some time before you can safely resume your normal level of activity. Therefore, you need to be patient, and take on light activities in the first few days following your breast implants.

It will take at least four weeks before you can introduce any type of strenuous activity.

Pain and Bruising

You will more than likely feel some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Depending on discomfort level the surgeon may prescribe painkillers. You may also observe some bruising after surgery and this is quite normal. It will eventually disappear once the healing process is well under way.

The amount of bruising can depend on the individual, the type of technique used for the breast implants and epinephrine levels in the body. Your surgeon may tell you to put ice packs on your breasts for 48 hours or longer.

Your daily routine will be temporarily disrupted immediately after breast augmentation. Activities such as sleeping and bathing will require modifications that will be initially inconvenient.

You will need to sleep with your upper body elevated and you may have to have a prescription sleep aid or muscle relaxer to ease sore muscles. Until your incisions are completely closed and the sutures removed you will have to take a sponge bath. Also, your emotions may be of the roller coaster variety. That too is quite normal.