The first few days after breast augmentation are the most challenging. Rest, pain management, and following your post-operative instructions are your priorities.
What to Expect
The first 72 hours are typically the most uncomfortable part of your recovery. This is completely normal and will improve each day. Your body is beginning its healing process.
Physical Sensations
Tightness and pressure: Your chest will feel very tight, like a band wrapped around you. This is the muscle adjusting to the implants.
Swelling: Expect significant swelling, which will peak around day 3-4 before gradually subsiding.
Bruising: Bruising varies between patients. It may be minimal or quite noticeable.
Implant position: Your implants will sit high and feel firm. This is normal - they will drop over the coming weeks and months.
Numbness or sensitivity: Altered sensation in the breast and nipple area is common and usually temporary.
Pain Management
Effective pain control is essential for your comfort and recovery.
Take medications as prescribed: Don't wait until pain is severe. Stay ahead of it by taking medication at regular intervals as directed.
Muscle relaxants: If prescribed, these help with the chest tightness, especially if implants are placed under the muscle.
Ice packs: Apply wrapped cold compresses to reduce swelling (not directly on skin, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
Sleep elevated: Use your wedge pillow or stack of pillows to sleep at a 45-degree angle. This reduces swelling and is usually more comfortable.
Pain Timeline
Days 1-2 are typically the most uncomfortable. Most patients notice significant improvement by day 4-5. If pain suddenly worsens after initially improving, contact the clinic.
Movement and Activity
Do
Get up and move gently: Short walks around the house help circulation and reduce blood clot risk.
Use your arms carefully: Keep elbows close to your body. You can use your arms for light tasks like eating and brushing teeth.
Practice good posture: Try not to hunch over, even though it may feel natural to protect your chest.
Don't
Raise arms above shoulder height: This can strain the surgical site.
Lift anything heavier than a kettle: Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling.
Sleep on your front or side: Stay on your back, elevated, for at least the first week.
Drive: You cannot drive while taking pain medication and should avoid driving for at least 1-2 weeks.
Surgical Bra and Dressings
Wear your surgical bra 24/7: Only remove for showering once permitted (usually after 48 hours).
Don't remove dressings: Leave all dressings in place unless instructed otherwise.
Check for leakage: A small amount of blood-tinged fluid is normal. Heavy bleeding should be reported.
Showering
You can usually shower 48 hours after surgery, but check your specific instructions:
Use lukewarm water, not hot.
Gently pat incisions dry - don't rub.
Don't soak incisions (no baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs for 4-6 weeks).
Put your surgical bra back on immediately after drying.
When to Contact the Clinic
Call us immediately if you experience: fever over 38°C, excessive bleeding, severe pain not controlled by medication, redness or warmth spreading around incisions, difficulty breathing, or significant asymmetry developing suddenly.
Emotional Wellbeing
It's completely normal to feel emotional during these first few days:
Post-anaesthetic "blues" are very common.
You may feel anxious about your results - remember, swelling distorts the final outcome.
Frustration at being dependent on others is normal.