Are you considering breast augmentation? If so, it is wise to inform yourself well about the recovery time and rules of life after this operation. This article therefore provides insight into the recovery after breast augmentation. This way you will be well prepared for your recovery!
It is important to note that different plastic surgeons may give different advice. In this article, we share the advice of the plastic surgeons at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen. If you are looking elsewhere, a breast augmentation If you are undergoing treatment and you are wondering whether the advice in this article also applies to you, you can always consult your doctor.
Immediately after the procedure
After your surgery, you will wake up in the recovery room. Your breasts will be bandaged with a bandage or with just plasters over the wounds. In most cases, thin tubes will come out of the wound. These tubes, also called drains, drain wound fluid and blood. These tubes are usually removed before you go home.
After a breast augmentation, you can go home the same day. However, you are not allowed to drive home yourself. So make sure that someone is ready to pick you up.
Pain medication
Immediately after the operation, you will be given medication to combat the pain. The pain that you still feel after a day is usually described as muscle pain. You can generally combat this with regular painkillers such as Paracetamol. You can take 6 to a maximum of 8 tablets per 24 hours.
Is the prosthesis placed behind the pectoral muscle? Then you will experience more pain than with placement in front of the pectoral muscle. However, many patients indicate that the pain is bearable and the use of Paracetamol is usually quickly reduced.
Sports bra after breast augmentation
For six weeks after the operation you will wear a sports bra, of which the first three to four weeks day and night and then only during the day. After the operation you will receive this sports bra from us, so you do not have to buy it yourself.
To sleep
A general recommendation is to sleep on your back after a breast augmentation, at an angle of 45 degrees. This means that you lie slightly with your back elevated, for example by using pillows or a pregnancy pillow under your back and head. This can reduce any swelling in the breast area.
However, you may also sleep on your side after the operation. Experience has shown that not everyone finds this comfortable. In this case, sleeping on your back is a better option.
Sleeping (or lying) on your stomach should be avoided at all costs during the first few weeks. This puts unnecessary pressure on the breast implants and does not promote the healing process. Therefore, sleep on your back or side to promote healing. Are you a stomach sleeper? Then a pregnancy pillow can be a solution. By sleeping with this pillow, you have more certainty that you will not roll onto your stomach during your sleep.
The first weeks after the operation
You will have to take it easy for a few days after the operation, but after two days you can do light housework and administrative work again. Do you have a sedentary job, such as an office job? Then you can usually go back to work after a week. You will also return to your plastic surgeon after a week for the first check-up appointment.
The first two weeks, physical work, such as vacuuming, is not possible. You can gradually start doing this again after the first two weeks. It is important to listen to your body's signals. Remember that your body is recovering.
Avoid lifting
It is important to avoid (heavy) lifting for four to five weeks. Lifting can put strain on the chest muscles and delay the healing process or cause complications. Do you have young children? Please note that you cannot lift them during the first few weeks after breast augmentation.
It is also important not to raise your arms. You can use your arms, but make sure your elbows do not go higher than your shoulders. By raising your arms, you tense the muscles in the area where the implants are placed. You want to avoid this as much as possible.
For a period of six weeks, the goal is to minimize the strain on the pectoral muscles and promote rapid healing. For each individual, recovery may look different than described above, as everyone simply recovers differently. Always follow the advice of your plastic surgeon and contact them if you have any doubts.
The operated area
Of course, you should be careful with the area you have had surgery on for the first few weeks. During the first few weeks, your breasts will feel very firm and possibly warm. Over the course of a year, this fieriness will disappear, they will take on the color of your skin, and they will become less visible.
Sunlight
Ultraviolet rays are not good for scars. Your scars will remain red for an unnecessarily long time. It is best to keep your scars covered in the first few months. Are you going to be in the sun? Then use a sunblock.
Sports after a breast augmentation
You should wait with sports for six weeks after breast augmentation. Other physical activities, such as walking or cycling, are possible. You can also build up light (stretching) exercises after two weeks, as long as you follow the rules of your plastic surgeon. Think of not lifting weights and not lifting your arms higher than shoulder height.
What can I do to promote recovery after breast augmentation?
To promote recovery after breast augmentation, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions plastic surgeon to follow closely. Furthermore, these tips may also help:
Get enough rest. Get plenty of rest to give your body a chance to heal. Avoid excessive physical activity and remember that you are also recovering mentally from this surgery.
Wear the sports bra. Wear the sports bra, as prescribed, day and night for the first three to four weeks. You can also wear the sports bra during the day for up to six weeks.
Avoid smoking and alcohol. Smoking and alcohol consumption can slow down the healing process. Try to avoid these substances as much as possible during recovery, preferably for six weeks after the breast augmentation.
Eat healthy. A healthy diet can help you recover faster. Make sure you get enough nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Drink enough water. Hydrating your body helps in the recovery process. Surgery can cause fluid loss, and drinking enough water helps to replenish this lost fluid. In addition, water plays a crucial role in your body and ensures that oxygen and nutrients are transported more efficiently throughout the body. This promotes recovery and makes you feel better!
Follow the wound care instructions provided by your surgeon or consultant. Make sure you follow the instructions given by your surgeon or consultant and look out for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling or discharge. If you are unsure about anything, contact the clinic immediately.
The recovery in short
The first days
You take it easy
For a few days after the operation, you will take it easy. After these days, you can resume light housework and administrative tasks, as long as you do not lift or do any physical work.
1 week after surgery
1 week after surgery
You return for the first check-up appointment. Do you have a sedentary job? Then you can generally go back to work now.
2 to 4 weeks after surgery
Perform light physical work
You can resume more and more tasks in the household and at work. Heavy lifting and lifting your arms is still discouraged, but you will become more independent and experience less discomfort.
6 weeks after surgery
You may perform physically demanding work and play sports
After 6 weeks you can do heavy physical work, lift and do sports again. Although you will experience little to no discomfort, it is important to continue to listen to your body's signals. This way you prevent overload.
Up to 1 year after surgery
The scar fades
The scars will become less visible and will gradually become more the same color as your skin over the course of a year.
The result
The recovery after breast augmentation takes about six weeks. Almost all of our patients indicate that they found the recovery to be okay and that the procedure was absolutely worth it. Curious about the results? We have listed a few for you.
Risks and complications after surgery
Just like any other surgical procedure, breast augmentation also involves risks and possible complications. The plastic surgeon will inform you about this during the consultation. By providing the right information and precautions, we want to Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen reduce the chance of risks. By following our instructions carefully before breast augmentation, you minimize the chance of complications.
Some possible complications of breast augmentation:
⊙ Change in sensation in your breasts
⊙ Allergic reactions to the anesthetic or suture material
⊙ Displacement and/or rupture of the breast prosthesis
⊙ Capsular contraction
⊙ Swelling or bleeding
⊙ Infections
For complete information about the risks and complications, it is important that you read the surgical leaflet from the NVPC (Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery) carefully. Also in this brochure you will find more information. In addition, there is a patient folder of the NVPC which clearly describes everything you need to know about breast enlargement with silicone breast implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
A general recommendation is to sleep on your back at a 45-degree angle after breast augmentation. This means that you lie slightly with your back elevated, for example by using pillows or a pregnancy pillow. This can reduce any swelling in the breast area. You can also sleep on your side. However, sleeping on your side is not always comfortable after surgery in the breast area, so sleeping on your back is a better option in this case.
Sleeping (or lying) on your stomach should be avoided for the first few weeks. This puts unnecessary pressure on the breast implants and does not promote healing. Therefore, sleep on your back or side to promote healing.
How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?
Recovery after breast augmentation is different for everyone, but on average one can recover afterabout 1 weekback to work. Physical work and heavy lifting are not allowed yet, but after 4 to 5 weeks you can lift again and after 6 weeks you can play sports again.
This means that recovery takes 6 weeks, but if you have a sedentary job you can return to work after a week.
When can I exercise again?
You cannot do any sports for 6 weeks after breast augmentation. Other physical activities, such as walking or cycling, are possible. You can also build up light (stretching) exercises after two weeks, as long as you follow the lifestyle rules of your plastic surgeon. Think of not lifting weights and not lifting your arms higher than shoulder height.
Breast augmentation at Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen
Are you considering breast augmentation and are you still orienting yourself? Then you are more than welcome to come to us for a no-obligation consultation.
- Crisalix 3D simulation with images of the possible end result
- Personal treatment plan based on your complaints and wishes
- Customers rate us with a9.0onKlinkiekervaringen.nl
- Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with the Dutch Societies for Plastic Surgery NVPC and NVEPC
- We are a 100% subsidiary of OLVG
Book one free consultation to discuss your wishes with one of our plastic surgeons. He or she will listen to your wishes and create a personal treatment plan. The doctor will also tell you everything about the procedure and you can admire the end result by means of a 3D simulation. Finally, the doctor will also discuss the rules of conduct for both the preparation and the recovery after breast augmentation with you.
Doctors
Meet one of our plastic surgeons during the intake consultation. Our experienced and specialised surgeons are here for you before and after the surgery.