In this day and age, the media has made it hard for most people to feel confident about their bodies. Rail-thin models and television actresses certainly don’t do anything for a female’s self-esteem. As such, many turn to plastic surgery, specifically breast augmentation. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that there were 307,000 patients who underwent the procedure in the United States in 2011.

If you are considering going under the knife to enhance your bust, it’s important to consider the points below as they will provide you with a better understanding about what the recovery process involves:

1) Ice is often used to reduce swelling.

2) You’ll need to sleep on your back for at least two weeks after the procedure.

3) Stay away from strenuous activity that involves bending, stretching or reaching for at least one week, although longer is better.

4) Doctors say you may want to steer clear of driving for one week.

5) Avoid going to the gym for one month. Although it is certainly natural to want to exercise, most plastic surgeons advise engaging in a very mild, low impact form of physical activity such as walking.

6) Expect that you’ll be sore. Even the most reputable plastic surgeons will tell you that most patients experience discomfort after the procedure and that this is completely normal, especially for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

If you have any more questions about recovering after breast augmentation and live in Tennessee, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lett. He and his experienced Lebanon staff can give you more information about what the operation involves and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.