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Discharge Instructions for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure using silicone or saline implants to change the size or shape of your breasts.

It will take 1 to 2 weeks to get better. But, the result may not be seen until 6 months to 1 year after surgery. It takes time for the implant, muscle, and skin to adjust.

What You Will Need

A support bra without an underwire.

Steps to Take

Home Care

You will be sore, stiff, and tight in the chest for the first few days. Arrange for help at home for the day after your surgery. To get better faster:

  • Apply ice packs to your breasts for 15-20 minutes at a time. Place a towel between the ice packs and your skin. This will ease swelling and pain.
  • Wear a support bra that has an elastic pressure bandage. This is to support your breasts and lower the chance of bleeding.

To help prevent infection:

  • Wash your hands before changing the dressing.
  • Keep the wound clean and dry.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Physical Activity

Activity will be restricted during your recovery. Walk a short distance every few hours. This will help with blood flow and prevent blood clots.

To promote recovery:

  • Avoid strenuous activity for a month following surgery. Wait 6 weeks to start any upper body strength training.
  • Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling any objects.
  • Ask your doctor when you will be able to return to work.
  • Don't drive unless your doctor has given you permission to do so.

Medications

You may need medicines to ease pain. If you need them, stool softeners or laxatives can ease constipation.

If you are taking medicines:

  • Take the medicine as directed. Don’t change the amount or the schedule.
  • Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
  • Don’t share your prescription medicine.
  • Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medicine. This includes over the counter products and supplements.

Follow-up

Your doctor will need to check on your progress. You will need to get an MRI scan every 2 to 3 years. Go to any scheduled appointments.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occur

Call your doctor if you're not getting better as expected or you have other problems such as:

  • Fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or pus from the wound
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that you can't control with the medicines you were given
  • Your implants grow hard, or you believe that they are leaking
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Pain or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
  • Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
https://www.plasticsurgery.org

Breast Implant Information
http://breastimplantinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery
http://plasticsurgery.ca

Women's Health Matters—Women's College Hospital
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

REFERENCES:

Breast augmentation. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation. Accessed October 10, 2018.

Breast augmentation. Smart Beauty Guide—The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website. Available at: https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation. Accessed October 10, 2018.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD