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Returning to Regular Activities After Breast Augmentation

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It can be difficult for some patients to put their lives on hold during breast augmentation recovery. However, it is important to remember that giving your body enough time to heal is imperative for securing the best possible results. Below, we discuss when it is generally appropriate to resume driving, working out, and drinking alcohol after breast augmentation.

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Getting Back to Daily Routines

One of the first things that many patients look forward to during recovery is when they can start implementing regular activities back into their daily routines. Breast augmentation recovery can be a challenging time, yet it is a necessary phase to get the results you want and enjoy showing them off. During recovery, you’ll be instructed to rest, avoid lifting your arms and putting pressure on your augmented breasts, refrain from all strenuous activities, and make dietary and lifestyle changes.  

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I…

When navigating breast augmentation recovery, many patients have specific questions about when they are cleared for certain activities. It is essential to understand that recovery varies from patient to patient, as the body heals at its own pace. However, there are some general guidelines that can help prepare you for when it’s okay to go back to certain routines. Always consult with your surgeon before implementing new activities during and after recovery. 

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Drive? 

You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, as you’ll initially still be under the effects of anesthesia. After this first day, you’ll still need to hold off on driving, at least until you are no longer taking pain medications. For many patients, this happens one to two weeks after surgery. 

In addition to pain medications, it is also important to take into account your range of motion and pain level. Driving requires having a substantial range of motion with your arms, as well as twisting your torso and neck to look over your shoulder. It is important not to start driving too soon after surgery to ensure you can do so safely and without straining your incisions and causing them to bleed. 

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Workout?

Many patients have regular exercise routines that they are eager to get back to after surgery to maintain their shape. Yet an important part of the breast augmentation recovery process is to rest and allow your body to heal. Strenuous physical activity must be avoided for the bulk of recovery and can often be resumed six weeks after surgery. However, lighter exercise may be resumed sooner. Light walks are encouraged immediately after surgery to promote blood circulation and prevent clots from forming. Additionally, patients can often resume some low-impact leg workouts two weeks after their procedure. 

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Drink? 

You’ll be instructed to stop drinking alcohol, typically for at least one week before your breast augmentation. This is because having alcohol in your system during surgery can increase bleeding and anesthesia complications. Similarly, you’ll need to stop drinking alcohol after surgery to support your body’s healing process since alcohol can negatively affect healing and increase post-surgery complications. You’ll need to wait at least two weeks after surgery before drinking alcohol to ensure that your body is healing according to plan. 

Want to Know More About Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA?

If you’re planning a breast augmentation procedure, it is important to prepare for the recovery period and understand which activities need to be restricted and when. Contact Dr. Bruce Kadz’s Beverly Hills office to learn more about breast augmentation and the recovery process. To get more information or request a consultation, call (980) 372-5239. You can also complete our online contact form today.