10 Post Breast Augmentation Surgery FAQs

BREAST AUGMENTATION AND ENLARGEMENT

Once you have had your breast augmentation it is up to you to ensure you allow your new breasts to heal fully before you return to whatever you know as being normal life.
It will mean you have to make a few changes and adjustments to some activities that you will have taken for granted before but good things will come to those who listen to the advice of their surgeon!
We have decided to share our top 10 post breast augmentation surgery FAQs;
When will I be able to return home from the hospital?
Breast augmentations are usually performed as day cases so you will be returning home from the operation on the same day. This is usually around 2 hours after the procedure as you will be kept in for post-op checks before being discharged by your surgeon and/or his team.
How long do I need to wear the surgical bra?
When you wake up from your operation you will already be wearing your surgical bra. It is highly recommended that you continue to wear this bra until your plastic surgeon says otherwise. The time ranges between 4-6 weeks depending on how you are healing. You can of course switch your surgical bra for another support bra between washes.
When can I have a bath or shower?
The advice for this will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Ideally you should not be submersing the wound in water at all until after your wound check at 6 weeks. You should be able to shower a week after surgery if you take care not to get the wound excessively wet. Take care to pat dry the wound after your shower. In terms of having a bath, this is not really recommended however a quick shallow bath where the wounds are not underwater should be fine.
How long do I need to sleep on my back?
You should ideally be as upright as possible when sleeping after breast augmentation surgery which means sleeping on your back in an elevated position ideally for up to 6 weeks.  This may feel very unnatural especially for those who are used to sleeping on their front or sides. We advise that you sleep on your back to help reduce any swelling or discomfort but it also avoids the risk of the implant shifting before it is fully healed.
Is it normal for my nipples to feel numb or overly sensitive?
You may experience numbness and tingling or be extra sensitive on the breast, nipple and scar areas after your surgical procedure. This is completely normal and any changes should return to normal 3-6 weeks after the operation.
When can I drive?
We do not recommend you drive until your plastic surgeon has said you can. Your reaction times may be affected and you do not want to risk any sudden movements or pulling of muscles in the breast area during the early stages of recovery. You should also wait until you are finished your course of pain medication which can make you drowsy.  If you are driving quite quickly post-surgery, check that you are still covered by your insurance and do not operate the car unless you feel you are able to safely and comfortably manoeuvre the car.
When can I buy new bras?
We would not recommend you go out and buy new bras until at least a month after surgery. This will allow for any swelling to reduce and implants to have started to settle. Although you may have been given an estimated bra size before your surgery, this is not always guaranteed so should only be taken as guidance and it may be wise to book in for a bra sizing at a store after your surgery to make sure you are buying the right size.
When can I return to work?
It is advised that you take 7-10 days off work so that you are able to rest as much as possible after your operation.  If your work involves you being a little more active, rather than sitting at a desk for example then it may be worth either seeing if you can lessen the activity or taking a few extra days. Any stretching or heavy lifting is definitely not advised in the first 10 days post-surgery.
When will my implants settle?
You might notice that your implants are sitting a little higher than you may have previously imagined. Your implants will take up to 3 months to settle into their new positions within your bust. You should notice a change in them a month after surgery and this will then continue to improve and they will become softer and a little more natural looking.
What should I do if I have any additional questions or concerns?
After your surgery you will be given a post op guide from your surgeon and their team. Your post-op guide should cover the majority of the questions you may have and all guidelines on it should be followed in order to ensure the results of your surgery are the best that they can be. If you find yourself with any additional questions or concerns you should contact your plastic surgeon or the company you booked with who will be able to put you in contact with one of their nurses. If you are in any way concerned about your healing but are unable to get in contact with your surgeon we would recommend that you get in contact with your local GP for their advice.
The Private Clinic
We are proud to offer the highest quality breast implants, with procedures performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons. Our team includes some of the most recognised Breast Surgeons in the UK, based in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton.

To book a consultation call us via 0330 134 6385 or use our online breast augmentation contact form