Recovering from breast enhancement surgery

MyBreast wishes to make your recovery process as comfortable and as swift as possible. We place great importance on aftercare. Our lifetime aftercare policy, and post-surgery advice, tips and instructions, are all designed to help you through your recovery.

Post-surgery care

After your breast surgery, we won’t just discharge you. And you can see your surgeon any time after your operation.

How long will my recovery take?

Your recovery time is dependent upon the type of surgical procedure carried out and your body’s natural ability to heal.

When can I return to work?

We normally advise one to two weeks off work as a guideline, taking into account the physical requirements and activity levels of your job. However, in instances following breast surgery, some women have been able to return to work in as little as two to three days.

The length of your recovery period tends to be faster if you are in great health before your operation. Your surgeon will advise on a recovery plan, providing advice on when it is best for you to return to work and what level of activity is appropriate.

Immediately after breast surgery you are bound to feel tired and your breasts might be a little swollen and uncomfortable.

Feeling better

Once you have passed the first two days of recovery you should start feeling considerably more comfortable. It is important not to engage in any strenuous activity for at least three to four weeks, as your breasts may still be sore throughout this period. After three to four weeks the swelling should have settled, and your breasts will be less uncomfortable. A simple mantra to follow is: ‘If it hurts, don’t do it’.

Comprehensive aftercare

It is MyBreast’s aim to help you recover swiftly from your breast surgery. Consequently, we have given careful consideration to our breast augmentation recovery plan, offering you a detailed breast augmentation recovery and aftercare policy.

Post-surgery aftercare tips

The following guidelines are general recommendations. They may vary from surgeon to surgeon or depend upon your individual procedure. Your surgeon will give you more specific instructions.

1. Sleeping

You should sleep propped up by pillows to reduce swelling of the breasts and sleep on your back for first few weeks after surgery.

2. Pain relief

Should you require pain relief, paracetamol is recommended. Please avoid aspirin-based medications as they may cause bleeding.

3. Surgical support bra

You will need to purchase a surgical support bra, which should be worn day and night for up to four weeks following surgery.

4. Dressings

You may have bandages over your breasts immediately after surgery. If so, these should be kept in place and dry until your first review at the out-patient clinic. Dressings will vary from surgeon to surgeon, so please follow their advice.

5. Sutures

Dissolvable sutures (stitches) are frequently used. The stitch knots will require trimming. This is usually done seven to 12 days after surgery.

6. Showering

Try to keep your wounds dry for 72 hours but follow your surgeon’s advice. A shallow, tepid bath is a good alternative to showering.

7. Returning to work

This will vary, depending on your surgery and nature of your job. Generally, we advise one to two weeks, but your surgeon will advise you on this matter in more detail.

8. Swelling

Swelling in the breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

9. Sensitivity to touch

Your breasts will probably be sensitive to touch for two to three weeks.

10. Scarring

Your scars will be firm and pink for about six weeks after surgery. These will improve and fade over several months. Scars can take up to a year or a year and a half to fully mature. You will be given scar care advice at your follow up appointments.

11. Sun exposure

Scars should be protected from sun exposure for at least the first year following surgery by either keeping them covered or using a total sun block.

12. Nutrition and hydration

To promote healing and prevent infection, it is important that you maintain a balanced nutritional diet and an adequate fluid intake. Following your surgery you may experience a loss of appetite. Try to eat little and often and ensure adequate hydration.

13. Activity level

After any operation it is important to maintain enough activity to prevent the unlikely occurrence of thrombosis (blood clots), chest infection or constipation.

If you feel tired after your operation, please listen to your body (and rest). This is perfectly normal and is often due to the side-effects of the general anaesthetic. Simply walking around the room every hour during the day is sufficient activity to assist circulation. Gently increase your level of activity every day.

Avoid any activity that puts stress on the wounds, including raising your arms above the head and lifting any heavy items (ie shopping bags and children). Exercise such as swimming and aerobics can usually be resumed at four to six weeks after surgery.

14. Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of chest infection and bleeding, and can reduce the rate at which the wound heals. Smoking can also increase your chance of having a wound infection. If you smoke, we strongly advise you to reduce your cigarette intake or, if possible, stop completely before surgery.

Useful Links

Breast Surgery Aftercare