The following are general guidelines for post-op care after Breast Augmentation. Click on available links for more detailed information. If you cannot find the information you need, please feel free to call the office at 312-266-6240 or email us at info@northwesternplastics.com.
After surgery, you will be wrapped in an ace wrap to provide comfort and moderate compression. This is helpful for the first 24 hours after surgery. This garment can be adjusted for comfort and should be removed for showering. After 24 hours, wear supportive garments for comfort. Avoid underwire bras until your follow up appointment.
You may remove the gauze dressing 24 hours after surgery and then shower. Keep the steri-strips in place. Tips on showering.
Do not swim, bathe, use hot tubs, or use lotions or creams on the breast for 2 weeks after surgery or until the incisions have healed. If your incision is in your armpit, please do not use a razor after surgery as the area may have decreased sensation and you could hurt yourself.
Post-operatively, you will have a local anesthesia pump (“pain pump”) in place to help control pain. You may shower with the pump in place. The pain pump can be removed 2-3 days after surgery when the inner balloon is empty.
Swelling & mild bruising of the breasts are normal after surgery and will gradually subside over the next several weeks. You may also experience changes in sensation such as burning, numbness, or tingling. This is normal. The implants may feel high at first due to swelling; they will drop over time. If you notice continually increasing swelling of one breast and increasing pain, please call our office.
Pain medication prescribed post-operatively (usually prescription pain medication) should be taken as directed to relieve pain. This medication should be gradually tapered. We also recommend that you use a stool softener to avoid constipation.
You may resume your normal diet.
You may resume normal daily activities the day after surgery. Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery and can help improve fatigue. Exercise that raises your heart rate and blood pressure should be avoided for 2 weeks post-operatively. You may resume aerobic exercise (bike riding, aerobics, etc) two to three weeks after surgery. Avoid chest specific exercises and running or jumping. All types of exercise are permitted after 6 weeks. Do not lift anything that requires straining for two weeks. You may resume driving when you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication during the day.
Average return to work time is around 3-5 days, depending on the level of activity required by your job.
Continue monthly self breast exams; routine mammogram should be continued for women in the appropriate age group. Inform mammographic techs that you have implants.
Call your doctor if you develop fever of 101 or higher, severe pain that is not responding to pain medication, ever increasing swelling, spreading redness, or if the incisions open.