Aftercare Instructions of Breast Surgeries

What to Expect: After breast reduction surgery, severe discomfort is expected, especially in the first 24 hours. For breast augmentation surgery, you may also have a backache. Swelling and some bruising is quite usual for all kinds of surgeries. It will gradually reduce over time. You can expect to be bandaged right after the surgery and wear a special bra. You will also have surgical drains for 3-5 days (especially in Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift). You will be informed by your doctor about your bandages on your last check-up date.  

What to Do: Due to narcotization, water and foods will be given in specific periods of time (water not before 2 hours, meal for 4 hours). This decision is made by your doctor considering your medical data. Also, If it is not mentioned as the opposite, you must wear your special bra for 6 weeks.

Walking and moving is beneficial to prevent blood clotting as it increases blood circulation, please try to walk around once nurses come to carry you after you had your first meal following the surgery. Ask help from the nurses. You can also move your legs frequently while you are lying in bed. Any tobacco products and spirit drinks should be stopped to be consumed after the surgery, because they may affect scar healing and increase the complication risks. You should not take your anti-embolism socks off until your surgeon tells you to do it. 

What to Expect: You will initially feel like your implants/breasts are too high and too large. This will resolve over the first 4-6 weeks post-operatively. As a result of the anesthesia and adaptation of the body, you may feel tired for a week. This kind of effect may change for each person.

In the first week, swelling and discomfort will probably reach its peak but around 2-4 weeks it will decrease.

What to Do: Having a shower is not allowed until the check-up date. You are responsible to keep your dressing clean and dry to prevent infection. Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses of water/day) for the first week to keep yourself well-hydrated. Do not lift anything heavier than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) for 3 weeks. Driving may be resumed when a sharp turn of the steering wheel will not cause pain; this will happen usually within 5-7 days. For the first 3 weeks, you may resume low-intensity sports as well as sexual activities and lower body exercises; but avoid using the upper body muscles for 6 weeks. Avoid swimming pools, sea and using creams on the treated area for a month. Also, any steamy and hot areas, such as a sauna or bath, are forbidden for a month. Heat can increase the swelling. Take all the medications as instructed. Antibiotics must be finished. Pain relief medications should be taken for the first few days as instructed, afterward please continue only if you have pain.

What to Expect: Your breast’s size and shape will improve during this period and they will nearly achieve their final shape at the end of this period. Any residing swelling should be minimal. Incision scars will fade over around 6 months. 

What to Do: After 6 weeks, you can start wearing a sports bra, unless your doctor tells the opposite on your last check-up. Besides, you can also wear a supportive bra to minimize movement of the breasts when you are exercising. 

You may resume all exercise/activity after 3 months. Please do not force your breast (pectoral) muscles, especially if you are having a breast augmentation. Every 3 weeks onwards, you can increase the intensity. All incisions will be extremely sensitive to sunlight during the healing phase. Direct sun contact or tanning booths must be avoided and you must use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 with UVA and UVB protection for at least 6 months.

What to Expect: Around 1 year, your breasts will be fully healed and any numbness or sensitivity will continue to improve.

What to Do: Please maintain a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and try to keep your weight stable. If you have any concerns or questions you can 24/7 reach our followup team at followup@mcanhealth.com.