Once you've made the decision to pursue breast augmentation on Long Island, you will want to find out what to expect in the period following your surgery. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the "new you" that awaits after surgery, but it is important to be realistic about the time and care involved in your recovery. Making sure that you follow all instructions for aftercare is key to maintaining good results and your overall health.
Dr. James Romanelli will patiently and thoroughly answer all of your questions about surgery and recovery during your initial consultation. His Long Island breast augmentation patients have a comfortable and quick recovery in almost all cases, thanks to the specialized breast enhancement techniques he uses during surgery to minimize bleeding and the risk of infection.
The friendly and compassionate staff members at Dr. Romanelli's breast enlargement practice on Long Island are readily available to answer any questions that may arise. To get all the facts about breast enlargement, including information about recovery, click here to request a free surgical consultation with Dr. James Romanelli, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast enhancement specialist in New York.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
The First 48 Hours
Breast augmentation with implants near New York City is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be discharged the same day, once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. You will need a friend or loved one to drive you home and care for you through the first night following surgery. Dr. Romanelli will dress your incisions with gauze and stabilize the breasts with a chest band or surgical bra. There should be no need to deal with complicated dressing changes, and you may take a shower after 48 hours. Activity should be limited for the first few days - particularly avoid any reaching, bending, or lifting, but be sure to get up and move around a bit to avoid formation of blood clots.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
With any surgical procedure, there will be some amount of post-surgical discomfort. However, Dr. Romanelli utilizes advanced surgical techniques in order to minimize pain and provide satisfying results for his New York and Long Island breast augmentation patients. Any resulting pain should be easily managed with the medication prescribed by Dr. Romanelli. Cool compresses placed on the chest can help reduce swelling and pressure, and there is rarely any significant bruising. If you find that discomfort is making it difficult to sleep, prescription sleep aids can be prescribed for a short time. Getting plenty of rest is important for a successful recovery.
Resuming Activity
Most patients feel comfortable resuming light, everyday activities within 3 or 4 days. After approximately 1 week, you may resume light exercise such as walking. After about 2 to 3 weeks, more strenuous exercise can be resumed. Strenuous upper body exercises such as push ups or bench presses should be avoided for at least 6 weeks, pending the approval of Dr. Romanelli.
Breast Augmentation Results
Women who have had breast enhancement on Long Island are understandably very eager to see their results. The following is a very generalized timeline for how you can expect your new look to emerge over time. Keep in mind that every patient is unique and your results may vary.
- Upon removal of the sutures, 4 to 6 days after surgery, you will see the incisions, which will become less visible over time.
- Initially after surgery, your breasts may have a "high" appearance. Breast implants on Long Island have a tendency to rise up, beneath the pectoral muscles. You will wear the chest strap to help the implant and tissues settle into a more natural position. Small changes to the shape and position of your breasts may occur for up to a year.
- Exercise and activity: At a week after surgery, most patients can resume light aerobic activity, increasing those activities over the next 2 weeks. At 3 weeks after breast augmentation, resistance exercises can begin, and at 6 weeks most patients can even resume push-ups or chest presses. Dr. Romanelli will advise you on how your healing is progressing, and will give you individualized advice on how quickly you can get back to the gym.
Having breast enlargement surgery on Long Island is only the beginning. The recovery process takes time and requires diligent aftercare in order to maximize the outcome of your surgery. If you are considering breast augmentation for a special event, such as a wedding or class reunion, it is important to discuss your timeframes with Dr. Romanelli so he can ensure there is adequate time for recovery.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a more sensual, confident you, click here to request a free surgical consultation with Dr. Romanelli, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast enhancement. Or, you can call his office at (631) 424-3600 to set up your appointment.






