After your operation
Immediately after your breast implant operation, you will experience some swelling, pain, and bruising. Your chest may also feel tight, and you may feel that your breathing is restricted. This is normal, and your symptoms will start to improve over the next few weeks.
While you are recovering from your surgery at the hospital or clinic you will usually rest in a semi-upright position as this will help to minimise any swelling, and should also help you to feel more comfortable. If you are in pain, you may be given painkilling medicine to help ease your symptoms.
You can continue to take over-the-counter (OTC) painkilling medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen once you are at home. However, you should not take ibuprofen if you have, or have had in the past, stomach, kidney, or liver problems. Ibuprofen may also be unsuitable for you if you have asthma. Check with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Going home
Following your operation, you may either be allowed home the same day, or you may require an overnight stay in the hospital, or clinic. Once you are allowed home, you will need to rest to give your body time to recover. Avoid using your arms or chest area excessively following your operation because doing so may cause irritation and bleeding.
Following your operation you should avoid:
- getting your wounds wet for one week,
- sleeping face down for one month,
- heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks, and
- driving for at least one week, or until you can perform an emergency stop without discomfort.
Some surgeons may also recommend that you wear a tight fitting support bra for between 2-6 weeks following your operation.
Depending on your job, you will usually be able to return to work between 2-4 weeks after your breast implants are fitted.
You will almost certainly have some swelling and bruising immediately after your operation and will need to take some time off work to rest and recover. Your breasts may feel hard to the touch, and you may experience some painful twinges or general discomfort. It is not unusual for these symptoms to last for a few weeks.
In order to get the best results it is important for you to follow the aftercare advice that your surgeon gives you. You will normally need to attend a series of post-operative appointments to check your recovery.
You should also make sure that you keep a record of all the details of your implants. You need to know the:
- manufacturer,
- style,
- catalogue number, and
- batch number.
If your surgeon has not given you this information, ask for it, and keep it in a safe place.
When to get help
If you experience any symptoms that you were not expecting, or you are in significant pain, you should contact your GP or surgeon immediately. Some possible warning signs include:
- unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling,
- deflated breasts,
- smelly, or coloured, discharge from your wounds,
- fever, with a temperature of 38C (106F) or more,
- severe pain, or
- an intense burning sensation in your breasts.
