Breast Augmentation for Students: Exams Over! A Gift for My Adult Self

Breast Augmentation for Students: Exams Over! A Gift for My Adult Self

Hello everyone, I'm Dr. Kim Ju-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist for all breast concerns.

With the college entrance exams over, we've seen a significant increase in inquiries from students. First and foremost, to any students reading this, I want to say that you've truly worked hard, and congratulations on graduating from your student life.

The feeling of postponing what you want to do, the pressure of adults' expectations, the urge to do well, and the anxiety about life after graduation. You've endured and overcome so much stress as a student, working hard to become an adult. Thank you for all your efforts.

Today, I'd like to address some of the most frequently asked questions from students. I hope this information is easily understood by those of you preparing to embrace your adult lives.

‘Will I recover before university admission?’‘If I have surgery during winter break, will it look natural by the time classes start?’

Yes, recovery is possible before university admission. From now until admission, you have approximately 3 to 4 months, which is ample time for surgery and a significant degree of recovery. If you have surgery in winter, it's even possible to start university life with new breasts.

Now, let's look at the seasonal advantages of breast augmentation for students, recovery timing, and management methods.

Breast Augmentation for Students | Winter Break, an advantageous time for surgery and recovery

The first winter after the college entrance exams is an advantageous time for surgery and recovery in many ways.

Firstly, you can secure a long period of rest. From now until admission, you won't be going to school or academies every day, so having ample time to rest is a big advantage.

While basic daily activities are possible 2-3 days after breast augmentation, it's a surgery that requires 6 months to a year for the breast shape to fully stabilize. Therefore, sufficient rest in the early stages of surgery can aid recovery.

The cold weather can also be considered an advantage. Less sweating is beneficial for wound hygiene, and wearing thick clothes like padding and coats can protect the operated breasts from external impact.

Psychological stability is also an undeniable advantage. It's a period free from the stress of student life, allowing for peace of mind, and facing a new beginning fosters a positive attitude towards change.

Therefore, winter is a time when you can recover more comfortably with a positive mindset.

Breast Augmentation for Students | Surgery Timing for Graduation Trips without Issues

‘I want to go on a graduation trip in February, is it okay to fly?’‘Will it be a problem for part-time jobs?’

Two months after surgery, both short-haul and long-haul flights are possible.

Perhaps the concern is that implants might rupture due to pressure when flying. Implants are produced through advanced scientific technology and undergo countless high-strength tests before being released. It's safe to say that implants will not rupture due due to flying.

However, if you need to fly in the early stages after surgery, please get help with carrying and moving luggage. Excessive use of chest muscles can put significant strain on the implant's settling process.

For the same reason, it's best to avoid strenuous activities like swimming or volleyball during your trip. If you're taking a long-haul flight, walk lightly every 1-2 hours. This helps with blood circulation and swelling reduction, which is beneficial for recovery.

If you're considering a part-time job, about one month after surgery might be appropriate.

However, even at this stage, you should avoid tasks that involve moving heavy objects or making large movements. After 1-2 weeks post-surgery, light outings or social gatherings are possible, and after one month, you can start part-time jobs that don't involve significant movement.

If you had surgery in winter, you can participate in university events like MTs or welcome parties, but alcohol can dilate blood vessels and cause swelling. Please remember that strenuous movements can strain the recovering breasts.

Even without events, it's best to refrain from excessive alcohol consumption or strenuous activities for a while after surgery. Regarding smoking, it's also important to note that it's the only known cause linked to capsular contracture, a common side effect of breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation for Students | Early Recovery Management, Please Follow These!

It's good to rest thoroughly for about a week after surgery. This is when swelling and pain are most significant, so sufficient rest is necessary.

As mentioned earlier, breast augmentation is a surgery that allows for a relatively quick return to daily life, but it's not a minor procedure as it involves general anesthesia. It's best to rest sufficiently to allow your body and tissues to recover.

During the recovery period, functional bras are worn as a basic measure. Melon provides two types: a compression garment worn immediately after surgery and a sports bra worn after a certain degree of recovery. These bras help shape the inframammary fold and overall form of the operated breasts, assisting them in settling stably.

Sleeping posture is also an important factor in early recovery. For a while after surgery, you should avoid lying on your stomach or side, as this can compress the operated breasts. When sleeping, it's helpful for recovery to sleep with your upper body slightly elevated, such as by leaning on a triangular pillow.

Large arm movements or lifting heavy objects should also be avoided in the early stages. Using chest muscles can strain the surgical site.

We recommend light showers, ensuring water does not touch the wound area. Saunas and jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) should be postponed until you receive specific guidance from the medical staff. Winter is a season when indoor air tends to be dry, so consistently applying moisturizer to the scar area can aid recovery.

Melon conducts comprehensive recovery management through its post-operative care program, ‘Safe & Secure Melon Care’. We also provide a Melon Box containing self-care items like scar ointment and nipple patches, helping patients manage their recovery at home.

Our 9.9 Emergency Call System for nighttime emergencies operates 365 days a year, so please remember that immediate action is possible even if an emergency occurs when the hospital is closed.

Breast Augmentation for Students | A Gift for My Adult Self

Breast augmentation not only brings about external changes but is also a process of finding confidence.

Now is the time to meet new people and have diverse experiences. If you can start this period with confidence and self-assurance, you'll be able to enjoy life more actively.

If you've long considered breast augmentation but postponed it to focus on your student life, please share your concerns and worries with your doctor. This winter, we will accompany each student on their breast journey with a special event just for you.

Thank you.