Our Top Dos and Don’ts After Breast Augmentation Surgery

For many women, the thought of getting breast augmentation is truly exciting. On the eve of your procedure, you may find yourself feeling joyful at the thought of your new curves and your enhanced figure.

You have every reason to be excited! However, it’s also important to keep in mind that you won’t be able to fully enjoy those new curves the minute the surgery is over. You’ll need to spend some time letting your body rest and recover, waiting for bruising and swelling to abate.

During this recovery from breast augmentation, there are a few important steps you can take (and a few things to avoid) as you seek not only to expedite your healing but also to ensure the best possible results. Consider a few of our top dos and don’ts after breast augmentation surgery.

Important Dos and Don’ts After Breast Augmentation Surgery

What to Do 

We’ll start with a few proactive steps you can take for optimal breast augmentation surgery recovery.

1. DO spend plenty of time resting. Breast augmentation is major surgery, and following any big procedure, your body will need time to regain its strength. For breast implant patients, we recommend spending at least a long weekend resting in bed or on the sofa, getting up only as needed, and avoiding any vigorous exercise.
2. DO lie on your back. Remember that, following breast augmentation, your implants will still be settling into place. If you lie on your stomach, it could alter the final positioning of those implants, and potentially compromise your results. Spend your recovery period on your back as much as possible.
3. DO eat right. It’s important to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal and to recover strength. If you fill up on junk foods and empty calories, it’s not going to help you bounce back and feel normal. Instead, try to get plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.
4. DO ask your surgeon about pain medication. Before your surgery, you’ll be given a prescription for painkillers. Take as prescribed, and also ask your surgeon what kinds of OTC remedies are recommended. Many patients are able to enjoy a comfortable recovery simply with Motrin or Aleve.
5. DO be patient with yourself. Remember that, following a breast augmentation procedure, you’re going to have some swelling for a few weeks. As such, it will be hard to clearly make out the results of your surgery. Hang in there and trust the process. Be patient with yourself, and remember that you will see amazing results in due time!
6. DO contact your plastic surgeon with questions or concerns. If you have any inquiries or reservations about the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon for guidance.

What Not to Do 

We’ll continue our list of the dos and don’ts of breast augmentation with this summary of things to avoid after breast augmentation.

1. DON’T wear bras with underwires. Following your surgery, you may be given a special support bra, which you’ll want to wear pretty much around the clock during your recovery period. Take it off only to shower, and wear it as long as your surgeon recommends. (In some cases, a surgeon may say you can opt for a regular sports bra, as well.) Avoid underwire bras, which may irritate your incision site, and can also alter the final positioning of the implants.
2. DON’T do any heavy lifting. Not only will you want to abstain from regular physical exercise during your recovery period, but you’ll also want to avoid lifting your children or moving any heavy items around the house. Lifting heavy items can cause you pain, as well as potentially compromise your final results.
3. DON’T go for a swim. In fact, we’d recommend avoiding swimming pools, bathtubs, jacuzzis, or dips in the lake or the ocean. The reason for this is simple: To minimize your risk of infection, it’s important to keep excess water from entering your incision site. To get clean, take a shower, following any special instructions your surgeon provides you.
4. DON’T smoke or use any tobacco products. Tobacco products can slow down your healing ability, potentially prolonging your breast augmentation recovery. We recommend patients cease smoking or using tobacco products for at least two months before their breast augmentation, and remain tobacco-free for at least a month thereafter.
5. DON’T update your wardrobe right away. One of the most exciting aspects of breast augmentation is that it gives you the opportunity to toss out all your old undergarments, and then you can head to your favorite lingerie store to buy a new wardrobe. Be careful, though, and remember that it can take up to three months for your implants to settle into place. During this time, the size of your breasts may fluctuate a bit. We’d recommend buying new bras one or two at a time, then waiting a while before trying on more.
6. DON’T push yourself too hard. Finally, remember that everyone’s recovery is different. You may not bounce back quite as quickly as you’d hoped, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, and it doesn’t necessarily mean anything’s wrong. Be patient with yourself during this season of change, and take as much time as you need to rest and recuperate.

With this list of dos and don’ts after breast augmentation surgery, you should be well on your way to a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Make an Appointment with Charlotte Plastic Surgery

For women who are dissatisfied with the volume of their breasts, augmentation can provide a lasting solution. Whether you have lost breast volume due to pregnancy and breastfeeding or you simply don’t like your natural curves, we invite you to consider the possibilities that implants provide.

With any questions about the breast augmentation procedure, or about the recovery from breast augmentation, we welcome you to contact our office directly. Reach out to Charlotte Plastic Surgery to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.