After undergoing the surgery, you will recover in Dr. Antell’s state-of-the-art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his nurses until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long-lasting local anesthetic is used to reduce discomfort dramatically. A breast revision is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure.
When performed with “twilight” sedation, you should be prepared to have an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, you will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post-operative period. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Antell and his staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
After surgery, your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze and a bandage. You may feel tired or sore after surgery, as your body uses energy to heal; however, many patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. While rarely necessary, medication prescribed by your surgeon can help minimize any discomfort following the procedure. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for about 10-14 days, but Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the specifics of your procedure.
Follow all post-operative instructions carefully, and avoid activities that could stress your incisions. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness typically fades over time. Fluid drainage from the incision site is common, so Dr. Antell may temporarily place a small tube under the skin to prevent it from collecting.
You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that Dr. Antell can monitor your healing process. External sutures, if used at all, are usually removed around 7-10 days following your procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months for the final results to become visible. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
