By the end of your first week, you'll notice significant improvements in comfort. Bruising begins to fade and you'll start to feel more like yourself.
What to Expect This Week
Days 4-7 typically bring noticeable improvement. The worst discomfort is behind you, though you'll still experience tightness and may need pain relief, particularly at night.
Physical Changes
Swelling: Still present but beginning to reduce. Your breasts may look larger than their final size due to swelling.
Bruising: Colours will change from dark purple/blue to green/yellow as bruising heals. This is normal progression.
Tightness: The band-like tightness continues but should feel less intense than days 1-3.
Implant position: Still sitting high - don't worry, this is expected and they will drop over time.
Sensation: Numbness or hypersensitivity may continue. Nerves take time to recover.
Progress Milestone
Most patients find they can reduce or stop prescription pain medication by day 5-7, switching to over-the-counter paracetamol as needed. This is a positive sign of healing.
Your First Post-Op Appointment
You'll typically have your first follow-up appointment during this week (usually around day 5-7). At this appointment:
Dressings will be checked and may be changed.
Incisions will be examined for proper healing.
Any concerns you have will be addressed.
You'll receive guidance for the next stage of recovery.
Activity Guidelines
What You Can Do
Light walking: Increase gentle walking around your home and garden. Short, slow walks help circulation.
Self-care: Showering, brushing teeth, light meal preparation (no heavy pots or pans).
Work from home: Light desk work or laptop use may be possible by day 5-7 if you feel up to it.
Passenger in a car: Short journeys are fine. Wear a seatbelt carefully across your lap and shoulder.
What to Avoid
Driving: Do not drive until you can perform an emergency stop comfortably and are off prescription pain medication.
Lifting: Nothing heavier than a filled kettle. Continue to avoid lifting children.
Housework: No vacuuming, mopping, or activities involving pushing/pulling.
Exercise: No gym, swimming, running, or strenuous activity.
Sleeping position: Continue sleeping on your back, elevated.
Bra and Wound Care
Continue wearing surgical bra 24/7: Only remove for showering.
Keep incisions clean and dry: Pat dry gently after showering.
No creams or lotions: Don't apply anything to incisions unless specifically prescribed.
Watch for infection signs: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, or fever.
Sleeping and Rest
Sleep quality often improves this week, though back sleeping can still be challenging:
Continue sleeping elevated at 30-45 degrees.
Place pillows under your arms for support.
Some patients find a recliner chair more comfortable than bed.
Nap when tired - your body is healing.
Sleep Tip
If you're struggling to sleep on your back, try a travel neck pillow to prevent your head rolling to the side, and place pillows under your knees to reduce lower back strain.
Diet and Hydration
Stay well hydrated: Water helps reduce swelling and aids healing.
Eat nutritious meals: Protein supports tissue repair. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and vegetables.
Fibre: Continue taking stool softeners if constipation is an issue from pain medication.
Avoid alcohol: Continue to avoid alcohol while healing and on medication.