Breast Augmentation Instructions Following Surgery

Immediately After Surgery

Rest quietly in bed after surgery, on your back, elevated with 1 – 2 extra pillows, for 48 hours. Avoid lying on your stomach or sides for six weeks.
Ice packs should be applied to the breasts intermittently for one week. Frozen peas are a good alternative as they mould around the breasts well.
Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
You may feel some pain and/or pressure. This varies from person to person and will gradually subside. The medication your doctor prescribes for pain will help.
You will have a bandage/dressing on your breasts and you may have drains inserted. The drains are removed the next day. The bandage is to stay intact for 1 – 2 days.
Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure. This will prevent bleeding and decrease swelling and bruising.
No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.

Avoid sleeping on your sides or stomach for six weeks, otherwise swelling and bruising may persist longer. Two pillows on each side of your waist will reduce a tendency to roll to the side.

Take Cephalexin antibiotics as instructed. Ensure you finish the whole course.
For pain, take Capadex as instructed - two capsules every four to six hours (not more than eight per day). If pain persists and cannot be relieved with the prescribed medication, please call the Clinic immediately.
Call the Clinic if one breast becomes more painful or swollen.
No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medication for pain.
Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medication or immediately after surgery.
Do not take Nurofen, Nurofen Plus, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication or supplements containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent coughing and possible bleeding and infection.

Do not get surgical area wet until instructed. You may bath until you are given instructions to shower.
Dressings shall be removed approximately 2 days after surgery.
It is normal to have a small amount of ooze for the first few days. Pat dry with gauze.
Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to incision lines if instructed to do so.
Tape incision lines as instructed with tape provided when instructed by Clinic staff.
If you have chosen smooth implants, no bra should be worn for six weeks. If you have chosen textured implants, you will need to wear a firm crop top (gym top) for six weeks.
Sutures (stitches) will dissolve and/or will be trimmed in the Clinic, 7–10 days after surgery.

If blisters appear where tape rubs on the skin, clean with saline solution and apply antibiotic ointment.
Note: it is best to leave the tape off for 1 – 2 days if the skin is red and blistered, to allow the skin to heal. Also, apply a soothing cream once healed.
Re-apply tape when skin is less irritated.

A light diet is best on the night after surgery to avoid vomiting after anaesthetics and drink plenty of water.

1st 48 Hours

During the first 48 hours, bed rest or resting in a reclining chair is recommended and is the most convenient position to apply ice compresses. You should still get up and move around hourly.
Wear compression stockings as instructed.

1st Week

During the first week after surgery, it is important not to engage in any activity which will elevate blood pressure. This can cause swelling and bruising under the skin and possibly bleeding.
During the first week, you should restrict your normal activities. No housework, cooking, lifting, bending and no physical labour. Do not lift a baby or toddler during the first week.
No heavy exercise or aerobics of any kind for 1-2 weeks. Do not participate in any sports involving upper body movements such as weights, golf, tennis, swimming laps, horseback riding, bike or motorcycle riding or driving a car.
Slow walking is permitted, however avoid fast walking as bouncing and arm movements can increase swelling and bruising.
No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Do not sit in the sun or heat for four weeks as this could cause excessive swelling and other problems. Do not expose the wounds to the sun as this can lead to increased pigmentation in scars.
Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.

1 – 6 Weeks

No bra with smooth implants. Textured implants: Crop top day and night.
Breast exercises as per sheet twice a day with smooth implants only.
Tape wounds with tape provided. Remove in the shower daily and replace afterdrying.
Can gradually resume normal exercise regime although heavy activities which risk a blow to the chest should be avoided. These include horseback riding, kickboxing, motorbike riding etc

After 6 Weeks

You can expect

Moderate discomfort and pain.
Moderate swelling.
Black and blue discolouration (bruising).
Possible altered nipple sensation. This may be temporary, or in rare cases, permanent.
Scars that are red initially but fade and soften over the next 3 – 6 months. Scarring takes approximately one year to mature.

Call if you have

Purchase

4 bags of frozen peas or 4 ice packs.

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400