You're through the hardest part. This week typically brings drain removal, improved mobility, and the beginning of your return to light activities.
How You're Feeling
By days 3-7, most patients notice significant improvement from those first difficult days. You should be experiencing:
Less pain - you may have reduced or stopped prescription pain medication
More mobility - you can move your arms more comfortably, though still with restrictions
Better sleep - you're adjusting to sleeping elevated
Increased energy - though you'll still tire easily
Reduced bruising - bruises may look worse before they get better (yellow/green is part of healing)
Drain Removal
Most patients have their drains removed between days 3-7, once output has decreased sufficiently (usually less than 30ml per drain in 24 hours).
What to Expect
The procedure is quick - just a few seconds per drain
It feels strange, not usually painful - you'll feel a pulling sensation as the tube is removed
Take a deep breath in, breathe out as it's removed - this helps you relax
Immediate relief - most patients feel instant relief and increased comfort once drains are out
After Drain Removal
Small dressings will be placed over the drain sites
These sites may leak a small amount of fluid for 24 hours - this is normal
You can usually shower more easily once drains are out
Your mobility and comfort will improve significantly
Wound Care
Your incisions will be covered with dressings or surgical tape. You'll receive specific instructions from your surgical team, but general guidance includes:
Dressing Care
Leave dressings in place unless instructed to change them
Keep incisions clean and dry between dressing changes
Look for signs of infection - increased redness, warmth, pus, or foul smell
Some oozing is normal in the first week - light pink or clear fluid is expected
Don't pick at scabs or tape - let them come off naturally
Showering
Most patients can shower once drains are removed
Use lukewarm water, let it run gently over your chest
Use mild, unscented soap
Pat dry gently with a clean towel - don't rub
Have someone nearby in case you feel dizzy
Your Surgical Bra
You're now wearing your surgical bra 24/7. This is crucial for proper healing and shaping of your results.
Why It's Important
Supports healing tissues and reduces swelling
Prevents fluid accumulation (seroma formation)
Keeps breasts in proper position while they heal
Protects your incisions from movement and friction
Bra Care
You'll need 2-3 surgical bras to rotate for washing
Hand wash and air dry to maintain elasticity
The bra should feel snug but not painfully tight
You can remove it briefly to shower and change to a clean one
Still Avoid These Activities
Lifting anything heavier than a kettle (2kg/5lbs)
Raising arms above shoulder height
Driving (wait until you can emergency stop comfortably and are off pain medication)
Exercise or strenuous activity
Sleeping on your side or stomach
Activity Guidelines
You can gradually increase gentle activities this week:
What You Can Do
Short walks - gradually increase distance, but don't push yourself
Light household tasks - making tea, light meal prep at waist level
Desk work from home - if you feel up to it, with frequent breaks
Reading, watching TV - continue to rest as much as possible
Listen to Your Body
If an activity causes pain, stop immediately
Fatigue is your body telling you to rest - listen to it
It's normal to take two steps forward, one step back
Some days will feel better than others
What Your Breasts Look Like
At one week, don't expect to see your final result. It's common to notice:
Significant swelling - they may still look quite large
High positioning - breasts sit high on the chest initially and "drop" over months
Asymmetry - one side often swells more than the other
Bruising - yellow and green bruising is part of the healing process
Firmness - they'll feel very firm due to swelling; this softens over time
Numbness or hypersensitivity - nerve regeneration causes odd sensations
Pro Tip
Now that drains are out, you might feel tempted to do more. Resist the urge! The internal healing is still in very early stages. Overdoing it now can cause setbacks like increased swelling, bleeding, or wound healing problems. Rest is still your primary job.
Emotional Check-in
Many patients feel more positive this week as discomfort decreases. However, it's still normal to:
Feel frustrated by movement restrictions
Worry about asymmetry or appearance (too early to judge results)
Feel impatient for healing to progress faster
Experience mood swings as hormones readjust
Be patient with yourself. Healing is not linear, and you're doing great.