Do’s And Don’ts After Breast Augmentation4 min read
Dr. Phillip Chang
Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
When considering any type of surgery, people often stop their research at the actual surgery. They think about prepping for surgery, finding the perfect office and surgeon, and the only thing post-op they consider is how much they are going to enjoy their newly enhanced body!
Sadly, the recovery period after a surgery is often overlooked or viewed negatively. But this time is not one to be wary of or anxious about. Let us take the unknowns and negativity out of the recovery period of breast augmentation, and help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally!
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a general term that can encompass any number of breast surgeries, including breast lifts, breast implants, breast reductions, or any combination of those. Depending on which combination of surgeries you will be undergoing, your recovery length and overall will look different.
Should I Ask Someone to Accompany Me?
Do ask someone to drive you home after surgery. Immediately after surgery, you will awaken from the anesthesia to a bandaged chest. Depending on the type of surgery, you may have a drainage tube in your breast to reduce swelling. Your doctor will go over instructions for how to care for this, and any other specific directions. You will need a friend or loved one to drive you home, so make sure they are taking notes for you, as you may still be hazy from the anesthetic.
Should I Change My Bandages?
A great thing to reduce undue pressure or pain in the car ride home is a rolled up towel or blanket placed in between the seat belt and your chest. Once you are home, you’ll probably need to change your bandages at least once a day. Your doctor will give you instructions specific to you and your situation, so always defer to their instructions.
How Long Do You Wear a Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation?
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Do call your doctor if you’re concerned that something isn’t going right during your recovery. Once you are home, you may be tempted to stress if you notice your breasts becoming swollen or red, or that you have a minor fever. Don’t worry! These are all normal side-effects for the first few days, but it’s never overkill to notify your doctor to ensure that everything is in the range of normalcy.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Swim?
Don’t take a shower, or bath, or go swimming for the first 48 hours. Ask your doctor when it’s okay to get your bandages wet, and how to care for your drainage tube site correctly when showering.
Should I Avoid Any Products?
Don’t use creams, lotions, serums, or deodorant on your skin near your incision sites before getting your doctor’s approval.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Run?
Do give yourself plenty of time to recover and heal before resuming running and other high impact activities. But you should ask your doctor before resuming those activities. You’ll be able to continue most activities as soon as you feel able after your breast augmentation, but it is important to listen to your body, and not overdo it. When resuming working-out, avoid exercises that target the chest muscles and lifting weights above 5 pounds.
Can You Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
The answer to this questions is neither a do or don’t. You can breastfeed after breast augmentation. But, talk to your doctor about it during your consultation! At Aesthetica, we recommend waiting for your breast augmentation until after you’re finished growing your family. This will help the ensure the longevity of your results.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can They Be Touched?
This is another question that doesn’t have a strong “do” or “don’t” answer. Just remember that your breasts will be very sensitive for about 3 weeks post surgery. For your comfort, your partner should avoid touching or putting weight on your breasts until they’re healed. You might even consider wearing your bra during intercourse to make sure they’re still supported properly. And although there’s no specific timeline for when you can and can’t have sex after your breast augmentation, we recommend taking it easy until you’re completely healed. Sex is exercise, after all. Don’t do anything new or strenuous until 6 weeks after surgery.
Get Started on Your Breast Augmentation Journey Today!
During the stay at home order, we invite you to schedule a VIRTUAL consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to learn how you can stay home AND stay beautiful. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
NOTE: We don’t take insurance or work with insurance companies. Patients pay for the surgery upfront and we provide them with a superbill, and other documents they may need to apply for reimbursement.
Let Us Help You!
Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we offer.
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