What to expect after your breast augmentation

Expect

• Mild to moderate discomfort and a feeling of tightness or fullness across the chest. This is often compared to engorgement with breast feeding.
• Moderate swelling (lasts 3-6 weeks)
• Mild bruising (1-3 weeks)
• You will receive an antibiotic prescription. Take all the antibiotic pills.
• Dr. Lu does not have her patients do breast massage.

Bandages

Leave on until seen in clinic in 3-6 days. You will have a sports bra on until after surgery until your breasts settle. Do not wear anything with underwires for 6 weeks.

Shower

After one week over the waterproof plastic bandage. Sponge bathe until that time.

Stitches

• Will be under the skin to improve comfort and cosmesis.
• The incisions will be reinforced with surgical tape (steristrips).
• They will gradually come off by themselves in the shower, usually within 2 weeks.

Drains

Are unusual. If you have them, they will most likely come out at your first postoperative visit.

Return to Work

In 5-10 days as long as there is no lifting or manual labor. No lifting >10 pounds or elevation of heart rate or blood pressure for 6 weeks. We can provide a note from the office requesting light duty.

Driving

May resume when off narcotic pain medication and when you can turn the wheel sharply in an emergency.

Exercise

No weight lifting or cardio for 6 weeks. Wear breast support when exercising thereafter. In order to reduce the chance of lung complications or clots, you are strongly advised to walk as soon as possible, no later than the day after surgery. Get up slowly and have assistance if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Diet

There may be nausea associated with the pain medication or residual anesthetic gas. Avoid carbonated beverages and extremes in temperature as well as spicy foods, in addition to any other foods that normally cause you bloating.