Knowing what to expect after breast surgery, as well as understanding that your surgery and recovery experiences will vary from other patients, helps
you better prepare for the experience of getting implants. The key thing to remember is to check with our consultants if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period. Also make sure you read all the materials given to you prior to having your procedure.
Here are the top 6 do’s and dont’s thatwill help recovery following breast augmentation surgery.
This may also apply to other breast procedures but is general information only and not intended to replace advice from any surgeon or any of our consultants.
1- Take it easy after your surgery
Relax and let your body heal.
- The more you rest in the first 2 weeks, the quicker you will recover and heal.
- No marathons, CrossFit or any strenuous exercise for at least the first few weeks after your breast augmentation surgery or until your consultant says it’s okay.
- Listen to your body and don’t overdo it or you could compromise your results.
- Gradually increase your level of activity, but first be sure to ask your consultant when he or she believes you’re ready for your more arduous workouts or daily activities.
- If it hurts or causes pain, stop and consult us.
Please speak to our online consultants about what level of gentle exercise you can start with to get you active again.
2- Don’t ignore feelings of pain and nausea after surgery
Nausea and pain are closely linked post breast augmentation surgery, and your recovery will be smoother if you manage both well. Always speak to our consultants about this to see what is specifically recommended for you.
3- Follow our guidelines with regards to wound care
- Depending on the surgery you have had done, you will have an incision that will need to be cared for.
- For the first week, all dressings need to remain intact.
- After the first week we will take them down and check your wounds at the one-week postoperative appointment.
- We will then guide you on how to manage and care for these wounds to get the best healing outcome and the best scar result.
4- Wear a sports bra all the time
Your new breasts need different support as you recover from your surgical procedure.
- Our surgeons will recommend special medical garments for you to wear that will speed recovery time, reduce swelling and help make you more comfortable as you heal. It is important you wear the garments we provide. Definitely no underwire bras for the first 12 weeks.
- Wear a sports bra all the time to keep your breasts supported for best long-term breast augmentation surgery results.
- For special occasions, you can wear a fancier bra or lingerie – but think: SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT!
- Follow our instructions for caring for your ‘new’ breasts after breast augmentation surgery.
5- Eat balanced food and drink plenty of fluids
- Nutrition is crucial to good healing and a quick recovery.
- A balanced diet with plenty of fluids is the key.
- Zinc may also be important during your healing (be sure to get your zinc levels tested if you think you’re low on this important trace element).
- There are also some special mineral and vitamin supplements that have proven benefits to recover from surgery and other experiences which impact the body.
6- Expect pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight changes to impact your breast surgery results
Be sure you ask about factors that often have significant impacts on the longevity of your results. If you get pregnant, breastfeed, lose or gain a lot of weight, if you don’t wear the right support bras or go through other significant events, your results are very likely to change over time.
We can give you advice on how to best maintain your new breasts after surgery, but only you have control over the day-to-day and year-to-year choices that can significantly impact the longevity of your results and your satisfaction with your results over time.
Kind reminder: Be sure you wear a great support bra at all times after your breast enhancement surgery, especially if you’re going horseback riding or other high-impact sports.
Don’t get back on a horse too soon after your breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to ask our consultants when it’s appropriate for you to get back and start your favourite exercises, fitness classes and sporting competitions. Follow our post-op care instructions exactly to help you get through your recovery period with the best chance for a great outcome and minimal complications.
Tips for recovery after breast augmentation
Reading and asking questions helps you know what’s likely to be a normal recovery response and what’s not.
- Remember, identifying a potential concern or surgery complication early is crucial to a successful treatment, so read all you can in advance.
- Ask questions before and after surgery and follow our post-op instructions precisely.
- Don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you feel you need assistance.
- As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry” so do contact our consultants immediately if you have any concerns.
Finding out what it may be like for your recovery after breast augmentation surgery may help you better prepare for your surgery experience and your post-op period.
- Remember, that everyone is unique when it comes to recovery after breast augmentation surgery.
- Your surgery and recovery experience may vary tremendously from another patient’s experience or results.
- Do expect a degree of variability since you’re an individual and will have your unique experience.
- Be sure you do your reading/homework and feel free to ask our consultants any questions you may have about your procedure, healing time and recovery – in advance as well as after surgery – so you know what to expect.
Normal pain after breast augmentation surgery
- There’s a lot our surgeons can do to minimise any post-surgical pain, but having manageable discomfort and disrupted sleep for a few days or weeks after your breast surgery is usually common/normal.
- Recognise that some patients feel a lot of discomfort while others hardly experience any discomfort. This partially depends on your genetics and your individual responses to discomfort, and partially to pain management strategies.
- Severe pain, redness/heat and extreme swelling or bruising will need immediate investigation; as will any other symptom that has you feeling concerned.
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR 1st PRIORITY, IT SHOULD BE YOURS AS WELL.
- Breast surgery is considered to be safely performed for suitable candidates, but that does not mean it has no risks.
- Like all surgeries, elective or otherwise, breast surgery carries both minor risks, such as treatable skin infections (not uncommon), as well as major risks, which are fortunately rarer.
- Breast augmentation surgery is still a major surgical procedure and should never be taken lightly.
Timeline for recovery after breast augmentation surgery
This varies from patient to patient, so the following are just general guidelines only:
- Most healthy patients who don’t have a complication can go back to work in about 2 weeks (sometimes earlier, sometimes later) after surgery.
- Recovery often depends on the physical demands of your job as well as how you heal.
- Ask our consultants for details and whatever you do, don’t increase your risks by smoking or by doing too much, too soon! Allow adequate time to heal.
Many breast surgery patients take at least a week off work, but for some, two weeks might be better, this depends on your job and the type of procedure you’re having.
- Different occupations have different recovery timeframes.
- In general, breast surgery involves between two weeks to several month’s recovery time, depending on the type of procedure you have.
- For breast augmentation as a primary procedure, allow 1-2 weeks away from normal duties (average) but do ask our consultant if you may need more.
- It’s important to realise that adjusting your lifestyle for optimal recovery can take some advanced planning.
- It’s also important to realise that recovery from your surgery can feel like an emotional roller coaster at times.
As part of your planning for surgery, it’s good to recognise that you may not be cleared to exercise again for several weeks (or even months).
It’s also helpful to know that you’ll need to wear special post-op garments and support bras at all times; this includes at night whilst sleeping – which can improve your chances for best long-term breast augmentation results.
- It’s crucial and important that you speak with our consultants to find out what’s best for your specific operation and recovery.
- Make sure you get the surgeon’s full clearance before returning to normal activities, particularly strenuous exercise, high impact sports or very warm environments such as steam rooms.
Additionally, residual discomfort after having breast surgery – along with breast incision scars – may take many months before they become minimised. Speak to our consultants to find out what to expect.
Breast surgeries have different recovery times and every woman is unique, so your recovery guidelines are simply that; estimated time frames without guarantees, which means that recovery can vary tremendously between patients.
Don’t forget to speak directly to our consultants about your personal queries. You can reach them 24/7 on WhatsApp number +90 542 512 51 64.
