What should I expect after having breast implant surgery?

Immediately after breast implant surgery, gauze is taped over the stitched incisions and the breasts are wrapped in an elastic bandage or supported by a special bra. The stitches may be removed in 7 to 10 days.

Most women have some swelling, bruising and soreness in their breasts for several days after the procedure. Medicine can help relieve the pain. Swelling and bruising may last for several weeks. Some women also have a burning sensation in their nipples right after surgery. Wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day can help reduce swelling and support the breasts while they heal.

Most women can resume their normal work and social activities within a few days, unless those activities involve heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to more vigorous exercise and activities.

You will have scars after breast enlargement surgery, but these are usually in well-concealed areas (such as the crease under the breast, the armpit or the border of the areola). These procedures are designed to minimize scarring so that incisions are not easily detected. Scars usually fade after several months. Having a breast lift in addition to an enlargement leaves larger, more visible scars.

After having breast implant surgery one should expect mild swelling and pain. In my practice, the saline and silicone prosthesis are normally placed under the muscle. There is often more pain associated with subpectoral than with subglandular position. Our patients are wrapped with a bias dressing directly out of surgery. Both antibiotics and pain medications are prescribed for 7 days. The patient is placed in a DrLinderBra on post-operative day one. The patients keep the incisions dry for 10 days and change the dressings twice a day after the first week. No heavy lifting instructions for the first 3 weeks to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation. It normally takes at least 6 weeks for the implants to settle to a desirable position.

Following breast implant surgery, sterile gauze is held in place by a restrictive-type bra. Most plastic surgeons do not use drains for this procedure, so showering may begin the next day. Stitches are removed in one week.

If the implants are placed over the muscle, there won't be a lot of pain after surgery. If the muscle has been penetrated, pain is severe for about three or four days.

Depending on the patient's occupation, she may return to work after two to seven days. She cannot exercise for three weeks after surgery, because bleeding can occur if the blood pressure or pulse rate increases. To let the tissues heal, refrain from upper body exercises for six weeks following surgery.