Breast implants aftercare
Please find some useful aftercare advice following your breast implant surgery with us. This information can also help you prepare for surgery by showing you what to expect. The advice is general and will apply to the average patient. It should be a guide. All patients are different, and some will recover quicker than others.
Before you leave the hospital
Medications
You will be provided with painkillers before discharge. These will usually include strong painkillers such as dihydrocodeine.
Follow-up appointments for dressing clinics
You will be handed a card with details of your first follow-up appointment and contact details for the ward if you have any concerns once you get home.
Have someone to take you home and a responsible adult with you for the first night.
Post-surgical bras
Please view the following page for advice on support/ post-surgical bras: post-surgical bras.
Recommended specialist post-surgical bras can be purchased online by following the links below:
Macom signature compression bra
Lipoelastic PI Ideal
Lipoelastic PI relax
Discount codes are available (please ask us).
The only measurement required is the high street band size (under bust measurement – e.g., 28,30,32,34,36 etc.). The cup sizes of these bras are expandable, and the bra moulds to your new cup size.
Breast augmentation instructions
- Have someone drive you home after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Discomfort and Pain are typical in the first few days after surgery, especially if your implants have been placed under the muscle. You may experience some numbness around your nipples and incision areas. You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising, and discomfort in the incision area. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
It is not unusual for one side to feel different or more painful than the other. If your breasts are roughly the same size, then there is no reason to be concerned. - Take your pain medication as prescribed.
- A little blood staining on the inside of your dressings is not unusual during the first week.
- Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal!
- Your breasts will feel tight and swollen for several days, and bruising is not uncommon. This will settle gradually over the first 1-2 weeks.
- Walk as soon as possible; this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- Follow a balanced diet. Increase fluid intake. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may wish to add more raw fruit and fibre to your diet.
When can I go back to work after breast augmentation?
Return to work may be an option at the start of week two if your job is office based/non-physical. If your job is more physical, you may need to wait until the end of week 2 before returning to work.
Wound care
Nurse appointment at 1 week
Nurse appointment at 1 week
You will have a nurse appointment to remove the outer dressings at the end of week 1. The nurses will check you are OK and have no problems. They can answer any questions.
The paper tape (steri-strips) covering the incisions will generally be left on, and you can continue to shower with these on.
Week 2
Week 2
Please remember to remove your paper tape (steri-strips) by the end of week 2. If the tape is stuck, you can coat it with Vaseline and wait for half an hour before removing it.
Weeks 3-4
Weeks 3-4
Moisturise your incisions with a plain moisturising cream (Aveeno, E45) or bio-oil.
Week 5 onwards
Week 5 onwards
You can cover your scars with micropore tape (Micropore 3M), which can be purchased from most pharmacies. You can shower with the tape on.
Apply the micropore tape for 3-5 days, then remove it and moisturise the wounds with a plain moisturiser. Leave exposed for 1-2 days, reapply the tape for another 3-5 days, and keep repeating the moisturise/ tape cycle for at least 4 months.
Tape – 3-5 days
Moisturise – 1-2 days
Tape 3-5 days
Moisturise 1-2 days
Keep repeating for 4 months.
If the micropore tape causes irritation, then stop using it and moisturise only.
Activities after breast augmentation
Showering/ bathing
Showering/ bathing
You can shower but try not to soak your dressings too much. Do not worry if the outer dressing comes off. You will still have paper tape (steri-strips) over the wounds, and you can get these wet. They will generally stay stuck on your incisions.
Sleeping position
Sleeping position
Sleep comfortably on two or three pillows. You do not need to sleep propped upright. Avoid sleeping on your tummy for at least three weeks. Generally, you can sleep in whichever position is comfortable for you.
Clothing
Clothing
Wear clothing that is easy to remove and avoid tight tops. Wear a support bra – further information
Smoking
Smoking
Avoid smoking for at least two weeks, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Alcohol
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol when taking pain medications. Even if you are not taking pain medications, it is advisable to avoid alcohol for three weeks as it can cause fluid retention, which may worsen swelling.
Driving
Driving
We recommend not driving for at least 4-5 days after your surgery as you may be on pain medication.
Exercise
Exercise
For the first two days, keep your arm movements to a minimum. Your arms should not be used to support your body or lift anything substantial. Do not push your arms to lift yourself in bed. Avoid strenuous activities or any activity that increases your blood pressure for 3-4 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for at least two months.
Flying
Flying
Check with your airline and insurance company before flying. It’ll depend on your airline’s regulations and the flight duration. If in doubt, please ask your surgeon.
Guidance
For medium-haul (3-6 hours) and long-haul (6-12 hours) and as a guide, allow 2 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. You could fly around 1 week after surgery for short haul (less than 3 hours) flights. You can take steps to reduce your risk of DVT, such as drinking plenty of water, using your Ted stockings, and moving around on the plane. The risk of developing a travel-related DVT is low, even if you’re classed as moderate to high risk.
Travel Insurance
Check your travel insurance policy carefully, as you may need to inform the insurance company you have recently had surgery.
When to call
- If you have increased swelling or bruising, which is not settling.
- If you notice swelling in one/ both of your legs or feel short of breath – this may indicate a clot in one of your veins/ lungs – Deep vein thrombosis/ Pulmonary embolism.
- If one breast is much more swollen than the other.
- If you have increased redness along the incision (this may be a sign of infection).
- If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- If you have any side effects to medications, such as rash, nausea, headache, or vomiting.
- If you have a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.
- If you have any persistent yellowish or greenish discharge from the incisions.
If concerned, please get in touch with the hospital where your procedure was performed.
Follow up
Weeks 1
You will attend a specialist nurse clinic a week after your surgery to have your outer dressings removed (see above).
Six months
You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at six months to discuss the outcome of your surgery and any concerns you may have.
Please note – Some of our patients will get in touch before their six months follow-up appointment, and we are often able to address any concerns you may have over the phone or via email. You are welcome to make an appointment (at no cost to you) before your six months follow-up if you wish to be seen in person to discuss any issues.
Breast augmentation – Great experience and great results
I was extremely happy with my experience with Dr Omar Quaba from my initial consultation, my procedure and follow up. He is professional, reassuring and kept me very informed throughout. I felt very comfortable with him and would thoroughly recommend him. I got a great result as well and am so so happy.
NB1609