Recovery After Breast Augmentation
- MEDICINES: take all medicines as prescribed. The most important is the antibiotic and you need to take this without fail. Use non-narcotic pain killers as advised (like ibuprofen or aceclofenac).
- POSITION: it helps to reduce swelling if the chest is kept elevated for a day or two. You might sleep with extra pillows for few days.
- DIET: for the first few hours after surgery use clear liquids only. Use drinks that have sugar in them.After 6 hours you can take any liquids. After twelve hours or the morning after surgery begin with a soft diet and later in the day a normal diet.
- SEX: you can resume sexual activity when this is comfortable, avoid pressure on the breast for a month. Do not massage the breast in the first month
- BANDAGE/DRESSING: Leave all dressings in place for 48 hours. After that time you can remove them and re-apply If directed. Ice can be applied over the top of the dressing but is unlikely to make much difference.
- STITCHES: the stitches are dissolvable and do not need any special care. Avoid getting them wet for 48 hours. If you have steri-strips you can get them wet but do not peel them off or rub soap into them, if soap runs on them it does not matter. After a few weeks the tapes will come off on their own.
- BATHING: provided there are no open wounds you can bathe after 48 hours. When you dry the area of surgery, use a clean towel and pat dry, do not rub.
- SCAR: right after surgery scars are not very noticeable. Usually, over the next few weeks they increase in redness and thickness and then fade over 6-12 months. Some people form thick scars. Contact us for any problems
- SLEEP: you can sleep in any comfortable position but avoid pressure on the breast for two weeks.
- EXERCISE: for the first day or two take it easy although if you feel well enough walking a short distance is beneficial. The risk of bleeding is greatest for two weeks so take it easy. After that time you can gradually increase your exercise. After six weeks you can return to all normal activity but build up gradually. Provided you wear a good bra and strap the breast running and aerobics may be resumed after two weeks.
- GARMENT: you will be provided with a wrap bandage at the time of surgery. Use this as directed. Afer wards you can substitute a soft bra for a further month.
- INFECTION: infection is rare but if you run a high fever (>102 F), or notice increasing redness and pain you need to call the office.
- BLOOD CLOTS: a serious risk of any operation is a blood clot that can break off and cause serious medical problems. For this reason you should get up and walk around a little even the day of surgery.
- ASPIRIN: aspirin increases the risk of bleeding but may help reduce the risk of blood clots. Do not use it during the first 2-3 days. after that time although it may increase the risk of bleeding it may be worth taking it to reduce the risk of blood clots. This is especially true if you decide to travel at any time over the 6-12 weeks after surgery.
- WORK: this depends on your job. Most people go back to work at 1-2 weeks. Do not lift anything heavy or do vigorous work for 6 weeks.
- NO SMOKING: you should not smoke or be exposed to second hand smoke
- EMERGENCIES: if you are having a serious emergency such as difficulty breathing or severe red bleeding go straight to the nearest emergency room and get them to call our number 9393930293