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Recovery after Breast Augmentation: The aftercare guide

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While interest in certain plastic surgery procedures has waned, Breast Enlargement has consistently held sway with women for over a decade.

Smaller breast implants may be in fashion now, but big or small, the same measures have to be adhered to post-operatively to promote as quick and comfortable a recovery as possible.

The best implant shape, size, and position always comes down to your own needs.
Before and after breast augmentation at The Private Clinic of Harley Street.

What to expect once your Breast Implants are in place

We recommend that you arrange for a friend or family member to chaperone you home and stay with you for 24 to 48 hours following your procedure  – but before you head off, your surgeon will take you through some instructions to help ease your recovery process.

Here, we list some of the most important points of those guidelines:

  • Anaesthetic will have been used during your procedure, so be aware that as it wears off you may start experiencing a little bit of tightness and swelling.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids is an essential part of your recovery, although carbonated and caffeinated drinks should be avoided at first. No alcohol either.
  • It is absolutely crucial that you refrain from smoking for at least a week following your surgery. However, you really shouldn’t smoke for the next three months.
  • You can start swimming and exercising your upper body after six weeks, but remember to wear a supportive sports bra when you do so.
  • Seatbelts can cause irritation so you shouldn’t drive for at least a week.
  • You may want to arrange for help around the house and/or childcare.
  • Try wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, which don’t need to be pulled over your head.
  • You’ll have to wear a surgical bra day and night for six weeks.
  • Avoid putting pressure on your breasts by sleeping on your back in a more elevated postion.
  • Depending on how you feel, you can start trying to handle your breasts once four weeks have passed.
  • Keep your dressings dry in the week after your surgery and only shower your lower body in lukewarm water to stop any steam from affecting them.
  • Your dressings will be changed and your wound lightly cleaned after a week during your first check up with a nurse. After this appointment, you may shower with them on and dab the wound dry.
  • Your stitches are internal and will take a couple of weeks to dissolve. However, if one pokes out, don’t pull on it, call us and we’ll have a nurse remove it.
  • If a light crust appears on the incision line, don’t remove it as this could cause scarring.
  • After 6 weeks your surgeon may recommend some silicone based scar creams that can help with healing.
  • Always take your antibiotics as prescribed and don’t stop until you have completed the full course..

Healing with Breast Implants

Once you return home after your Breast Augmentation, you should rest as much as possible and take at least 7-10 days off work. You can take on very light duties and walk around gently, but any stretching or heavy lifting is not advised in the first 10 days post-surgery.

You might experience some bruising and swelling after the procedure, but it should subside in two to three weeks. Any pain that you experience should be managed with painkillers and don’t panic if only one breast hurts. This is no cause for concern – it’s simply that your breasts may be healing at a different pace.

Before and after Breast Augmentation with Dr Fallahdar at The Private Clinic.
Before and after Breast Augmentation with Dr Fallahdar at The Private Clinic.

You also shouldn’t worry if you hear a crackling or sloshing sort of sensation around your breasts or beneath your skin. This is simply some air that would have become trapped within the breast pocket during surgery. It should take about 10 days to dissolve – which it always does.

Finally, your breasts will seem to be placed pretty high up, but they will gradually lower in the months to come. Be aware that they might do so at different speeds and will eventually both settle into a natural position. This is called dropping and fluffing.

Most patients are fine to return to their usual daily activities 6 weeks post surgery although it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year for you to be fully healed and the final results visible.

The Private Clinic

Our team of Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons is formed of elite members who have a proven record of being discreet, trustworthy and of course, highly skilled. They include:

To find out more please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online breast augmentation contact form to request a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons.

Choosing the correct breast implant shape and size

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If you’re considering breast augmentation, one of your most important decisions lies in the implants you choose. Everything from the brand and size to shape and position can make a huge difference to your final outcome, meaning it’s useful to understand your options. Your surgeon will always guide you towards the choices best suited to your needs, so it’s important to pick your team wisely in the first instance – basing your decision upon their qualifications and background in the treatment.

The Breast Augmentation Guide

Which is the best breast implant brand?

There’s a surprising amount of breast implant brands available, but only a few that we would recommend. Without a doubt the most important thing to check is that the brand is fully approved by a certified body and have CE Mark approval. This is the most crucial way to ensure good results and to protect yourself in the future as these are the only brands approved for use in the UK.

CE Mark Breast implants UK

It’s hard trying to find out this information yourself sometimes, which is why your most important job is always to research your surgeon and clinic – check the doctor is on the General Medical Council (GMC) register and the premises are fully CQC registered. Both of these bodies are extremely stringent and designed to protect you – if you’re considering any form of treatment abroad, remember they will not be able to protect you and you may be in a country that does not have any equivalent forces. You’re not only risking good results, but also your health too.

How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?

One thing you’ll probably have seen during your research is the term ‘CC’ with lots of different numbers. This stands for cubic centimetres and is a crucial deciding factor in your final results.

Many patients come to us stating that they want to be a D cup for example, it is great to have a goal in mind but when it comes to breast implants – they do not come in ‘cup sizes’.

The basics of choosing your size is relatively simple; the higher the number, the larger the size and we’d say as an extremely rough guideline that every 150-200 CC’s equates to about one to one-and-a-half cup sizes.

However this can vary hugely and the amount of breast tissue you have, as well as the width of your chest, are always huge factors in the change. To achieve the same cup size as someone else, you may find you have completely different implant sizes. This is normal and never anything to worry about.

When it comes to selecting your ideal implant size, several measurements will be taken of your breasts which includes the breast height, breast width, nipple to inframammary fold, suprasternal notch to nipple and the intermammary distance. All of these measurements will allow your surgeon to work out which implant size is going to best fit your frame.

Find out more about choosing the correct breast implant size and shape here.

Which is the best breast implant shape?

If you’re sure you’ve got a legitimate surgeon and implant brand, the next step might be to think about the shape you want to achieve. Your choice of implants lies in two options; round or teardrop. As an extremely rough guideline, round implants are best for those looking to give fullness to the top of the breast, while anatomical (or teardrop) are better suited to those lacking in breast tissue or seeking a more natural look.

Round Implants

Round implants are the most popular choice for UK women and are generally suitable for most patients. Round implants have the same width to height measurements meaning they are spherical in shape and will give volume to the upper and lower breast. The final appearance tends to be soft, full and proportioned. The best candidates for round implants tend to have little or no droop in the breast and some tissue in the breast already.

Teardrop (anatomical) Implants

Commonly referred to as teardrop due to their shape, anatomical implants or shaped implants produce a more ‘natural’ shaped breast in that they have more volume at the bottom and appear like an oval shape from the front. They are often used for breast reconstruction, or for those who have very little volume in the chest.

There are pros and cons to both implants and these will all be discussed with you during your consultation to help aid your decision making.

What is the Breast Implant Projection/Profile?

An absolutely crucial, but sometimes forgotten factor in how your implants will look is their profile, which determines how far they project from the chest wall of your body. There are four profiles to choose from:

  • Low Profile
  • Medium Profile
  • High Profile
  • Extra High Profile

Profile and Projection of Breast Implant sizing and shapes

Breast Implant ProfileDescription
Low ProfileLow profile implants have the smallest forward projection and tend to be the best fit for those looking to balance a wider frame.
Moderate ProfileThese are the most common profile used, they give a fairly natural, round fullness with plenty of volume. They are particularly popular with those who are looking to create the appearance of a wider chest.
High ProfileThese implants have a more pronounced projection from the chest, making them better for those who do not want to as much width to the chest.
Extra-High ProfileExtra-high profile have the largest amount of projection compared to the diameter of their base, making them a more suitable choice for those seeking to maintain a smaller chest diameter but a pronounced depth.

It’s important to remember that whatever profile you choose, the projection is not a fixed distance but instead a ratio calculated according to the diameter of the implant base. This means the profile required to achieve the results you need will always be individual to you.

To see patient stories from previous breast augmentation patients click here

What is the best breast Implant position?

Another factor to consider when contemplating the results you’re after is where your implants are positioned.

There are 4 different breast implant positions:

  • Over the Muscle / Subglandular
  • Dual Plane / Subpectoral
  • Under the Muscle / Submuscular
  • Subfascial

Over the muscle (subglandular) is when your breast implants are placed over the chest or pectoral muscles  meanwhile, tends to suit those seeking a faster recovery or those women with enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant.

Dual Plane (Subpectoral) is most commonly known as ‘under the muscle’ despite the placement not actually being under the muscle. When implants are placed in dual plane position they are partially under the muscle so the upper portion of the implant will sit under the pectoralis major muscle but the lower portion is left uncovered. This position is ideal for the majority of patients as it has a reduced risk of sagging or rippling and can also help to provide a slight lift to the breast.

Under the muscle (submuscular) is when the breast implant is placed below the pectoralis muscle and gives the implant more tissue covering and less risk of firmness or visible ripples. However, Under or Submuscular is not commonly performed and usually when surgeons refer to ‘under the muscle’ they actually mean ‘dual plane’ or ‘split muscle’. This is because complete under the muscle implants have a risk of feeling high or too tight on the chest, causing discomfort and changing shape with arm and chest muscle movements.

Subfascial implant placement involves placing the implant beneath connective tissue that covers the pectoral muscle known as fascia. This implant position is not commonly performed as it is a relatively new and very specialised procedure with no long-term comparative studies available.

Find out more about Breast Implant Placements in our blog here

The best implant placement choice for you is something that only your surgeon can decide. There’s no ‘must go to’ formula for where you should have your implants – it’s always down to your natural figure and the shape you’re looking to achieve. Listening to their advice will, ultimately, be the best decision you can make.

Saline or Silicone Implants?

There are two types of filling for breast implants, and these are saline or silicone.

Saline implants are filled with a saline solution which is typically sterile salt water. The implants are most likely to be inserted into the breast empty and then filled once they are in place. Saline implants are not commonly used in the UK as many find the implant is more visible under the skin and often feel quite hard and firm.

Silicone implants is the most commonly used implant material choice in the UK with the majority of UK surgeons favouring them. Silicone is a safe and durable material and offers a more natural look and feel to the breast.

Types of breast augmentation incisions

There are 4 different breast implant incision points although only 1 is commonly used in the UK.

  • Under the breast (Inframammary)
  • Around the nipple (Periareola)
  • Armpit (Transaxillary)
  • Belly button (Trans-umbilical)

The inframammary incision is made within the inframammary fold of the breast which is where the wire of your bra would sit. The incision is usually very small 3-5cm and this will gradually fade over time. This incision placement is favoured due to the ease of being able to control the fold or height of the implant, minimal handling of the implant during incision if using a Keller funnel and the incision is often concealed well which is ideal for the patient.

You can find out more about the other incision points in our blog here.

What type of stitches are used in Breast Augmentation Surgery?

In the majority of breast implant surgery procedures, dissolvable or absorbable stitches are used to close the incision. This means that the stitches or sutures will be naturally broken down by the body in the weeks following surgery.

Breast Augmentation with Asymmetry

Asymmetric breasts are very common, in most cases, a slight difference will not affect your choice of implant sizes. Patients who have more visible asymmetry may be advised to try implants of different sizes in each breast to help correct the asymmetry as enlarging the breasts can make asymmetry more noticeable.

You can find out more about how we treat Breast Asymmetry here.

Breast Implant Before and After Photos

Before and after Breast Augmentation at The Private Clinic.

  Before and after Breast Augmentation at The Private Clinic.

The size of your implants will always be completely individual to you. This is where choosing the right surgeon proves absolutely vital.

To see more of our before and after breast augmentation photos click here

Which breast implant is best for me?

The best implant shape, size, and position always comes down to your own needs.
It’s all about individual results that are best for you.

When choosing the best implants and position for you, it’s important to think extremely carefully about the size and finish you’re after. A good surgeon will have years of experience as well as hundreds of patients behind them, meaning they’ll be able to listen to what you want and show you examples of how your breasts might look with particular shapes, sizes or projections. It’s all about working closely with your team and being completely honest from the start; if you’re not happy with something your surgeon suggests, always tell them. Their job is to give you the results you want and leave you feeling your best – they can only do that if you’re completely open with every aspect.

Remember, implants aren’t your only option. Sometimes, sagging in the breast might be better solved with a Breast Uplift. There’s no set path in terms of treatment, and it’s important to speak to experts with an open mind as only they know what will give you the results you desire. To book a consultation with our expert surgeons click here

Breast Augmentation at The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic prides itself on ensuring you have the best quality and most comprehensive care:

  • 24 hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
  • As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team as you require.
  • Three years cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind.
  • Lifetime guarantee on your implant
  • The Private Clinic offers a unique warranty of £1000 towards surgical costs in case of rupture for 10 years from the date of your operation.
  • Comprehensive Breast Enlargement Patient Guide for you to take away at your appointment.
  • Highly experienced Cosmetic Breast Surgeons who have years of experience in Breast Augmentation.
  • Outstanding hospital facilities.
  • Our excellent reputation for patient safety, satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a new found shape.
  • View our breast augmentation before and after result photos
  • Hear from previous breast augmentation patients in our patient stories
  • Read our extensive breast augmentation FAQs
  • Watch our breast augmentation videos
  • Find out more information in our breast augmentation blogs

The breast surgeons at The Private Clinic are experts in their field and have years of experience performing breast procedures:

Check out our Breast Augmentation Video Guide the first of its kind aimed to give you as much information as possible about the Breast Augmentation procedure as a step by step video series.

Chapter 1 – Breast Augmentation Introduction https://youtu.be/elQKonJpKkY
Chapter 2 – Preparing for your Breast Augmentation Consultation https://youtu.be/9VHYLPCocZs
Chapter 3 – Your Breast Augmentation Consultation https://youtu.be/LvA_1yfV96o
Chapter 4 – Types of Breast Implants https://youtu.be/CRka_bFJDuo
Chapter 5 – Different Breast Augmentation Surgery Techniques https://youtu.be/HAJNCsHhV2k
Chapter 6 – Preparing for your Breast Augmentation Surgery https://youtu.be/XqPLVCYt3SQ
Chapter 7 – Your Breast Augmentation Operation https://youtu.be/ldwFkZwL1vs
Chapter 8 – Breast Augmentation Aftercare and Recovery https://youtu.be/pxpvxK_ymtM
Chapter 10 – Complications of Breast Augmentation Surgery https://youtu.be/V8XuxPWyI2A
Chapter 11 – Before and After Photos of Breast Augmentation Surgery https://youtu.be/z4z2Wo504Ow
Chapter 12 – Breast Augmentation Patient Testimonials https://youtu.be/H2p_nMV92H4

If you would like to discuss breast enlargement options please call 03339209135 or use our breast augmentation online contact form.

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