How do I care for my breast after breast augmentation? How can I ideally support the healing process? In this guide, I share my tips and experience as a cosmetic surgeon in Switzerland.
It’s done: your breast augmentation has been successfully performed. A longer healing process is about to start. This can last several weeks. My patients often find it difficult to adhere to the recommended resting period. However, the post-operative phase, rest and care are crucial for an optimal result and a successful healing process.
In the following guide, I would therefore like to pass on to you all the important tips and experience I have gained in my many years of practice as a cosmetic surgeon in Switzerland regarding post-operative care and nursing after breast augmentation.
The first 24 hours: Immediately after the surgery
Immediately after your breast augmentation, you will be in a recovery room for a few hours and you will be constantly monitored. It is quite normal if you still feel a little exhausted or dizzy due to the anaesthetic. The Dr Kelly team will help you with any pain you may experience and give you detailed instructions on post-operative care and pain management.
The first week: Take it easy
Day 1 to 3: Make sure you take it easy now. If you experience swelling and discomfort, this is completely normal. Remember to take your prescribed medication and painkillers on time. A light walk and some fresh air will do wonders for you.
Day 4 to 7: Now you can gradually increase your activities slightly. Wear the prescribed compression garment and a support bra to avoid unnecessary strain and promote healing. Avoid strenuous activities or lifting.
Second week: slowly increase your mobility
In the second week after your breast augmentation, you can slowly increase your mobility and return to some routine activities. However, it is still important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Aftercare is also important at this stage: contact Dr Kelly’s team for a check-up. This will allow you to check the progress of your recovery and get further advice if you have any questions.
Third to fourth week: Gentle exercises
By now at the latest, you will notice that the discomfort from the first two weeks has subsided: Your comfort increases and potential swellings decrease as well. You can start with gentle exercises now – for example, light stretching exercises to reactivate the mobility in your arms and chest.
Fifth to sixth week: Return to normal life
Five to six weeks after your breast augmentation, you can gradually resume more strenuous activities. Continue your light exercises and listen carefully to your body. The change and the result of the breast augmentation are now visible: now that the swelling has subsided, you can easily recognise the more natural shape and position of your breasts.
Post-op care: The most important tips at a glance
With the following care tips and instructions from Dr Kelly, you can ensure optimal post-operative care and healing after your breast augmentation:
- Medication: Be sure to take all prescribed medications on time. Avoid blood-thinning medication.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting during the recommended rest period.
- Aftercare: Attend all aftercare appointments.
- Hygiene: Keep the surgical sites clean and dry and follow Dr Kelly’s instructions for showering.
- Compression garments: Wear supportive garments to stabilise your breasts and reduce swelling.
- Stay hydrated and eat healthy: Proper nutrition and hydration are key to healing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consistently during the healing phase.
- Sleeping position: Sleep on your back with a slightly raised upper body to protect your breasts.
- Sun exposure: Avoid direct sunlight on the surgical sites.
- Physical exercise:: Light exercises after the third to fourth week support and promote your mobility.
Emotions: Be patient with yourself
As you heal after your breast augmentation, remember that healing takes place not only on a physical level, but also emotionally. It is therefore completely normal for you to experience a range of emotions during this time. Be patient with your body and give yourself the time you need to heal. You can find emotional support from friends, relatives or self-help groups, for example, where you can exchange ideas and experiences
Good to know: Healthy lifestyle and scar care
Regardless of whether you have undergone the more gentle breast augmentation with autologous fat or a breast augmentation with implants: Remember that the results of a breast augmentation will last all the longer if you maintain a healthy lifestyle overall and avoid strenuous activities and sport in the first few weeks. In this way, the beautiful result will last as long as possible without any loss of volume.
Taking care of the minimally visible scars from the procedure can also help to avoid potential aftercare costs later on.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or problems during the healing period, it is important that you contact me as your doctor immediately. After breast augmentation surgery, I will of course give you specific instructions on post-operative care to take home with you and provide you with detailed counselling before and after the procedure in order to optimally support the healing process and thus your path to new self-esteem and self-confidence.
