Introduction
You’ve waited a long time to have your life changing breast surgery, now follow the experts’ best advice so your result can stay great for longer…
Recovery tips are here to try and support patients to have a comfortable, relaxing recovery but also to help them not feel they have FOMO (fear of missing out) from their normal lives.
Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
DON’T
While we know it is difficult, avoiding alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery can be a huge advantage. When we drink we are at higher risk of general injury or falling over, the surgeon will not operate if you have any existing broken bones or skin breaks.
We also increase our risk when out drinking socially or picking up germs from other patrons and friends, the anaesthetist won’t anaesthetize you if you have an active illness or infection.
Alcohol also takes a lot of effort for our body to metabolise, so when we drink we distract our liver and kidneys from the jobs they should be doing, we cause ourselves dehydration and it can even thin our blood.
After surgery it is also important to refrain from drinking, as your warranty will not cover a drunken injury which damages your wonderful new breasts. By avoiding alcohol your body can take time to rest, your kidneys and liver can focus on getting the analgesia to work and your risk of post-operative bleeding is significantly reduced.
DO
Always follow the advice of your expert surgeon when drinking alcohol before and after surgery. We know you are looking forward to giving your breasts their first outing, but healing and your overall health must come first.
Can I use the sunbeds again?
DON’T
Using sunbeds or exposing your pre-surgery body to direct sunlight is harmful. You need to be cautious not to burn, irritate or break the skin near to the planned surgical site as this could result in delays for your operation taking place.
When using sunbeds or when sunbathing after breast surgery you must ensure that your surgical scars are not exposed. The scars while healed, remain immature for up to 2 years after surgery and the skin is thinner (which means they are prone to breaking down).
There is also a risk of hyperpigmentation which is where the colour of the scar can change and darken in tone in comparison to the rest of your skin.
DO
If you really need to feel the glow and want to use sunbeds soon after recovery, it is important to do this safely, which means waiting until the wounds have healed (usually around week 6).
Remember, the sun is warm and sunbeds are humid and warm; providing great breeding grounds for germs and infection. Ideally cover more than the surgical area with a garment to protect the incision lines, but also use a good quality SPF sun cream, paying attention to your scars when layering up.
You can also cover the incisions with plasters or surgical tape underneath the garment for extra protection!
Can I go braless after breast surgery?
DON’T
Before considering unleashing your new boobies during recovery, think carefully. It is important that your breasts are fully supported and protected in the first 6 weeks after your surgery. This is so the breast tissue has chance to settle, for swelling to subside and to avoid the chances of premature sagging (heavy implants in vulnerable and healing tissue do not have gravity on their side in the early stages).
Translation: Your new boobs are not yet ready for the latest dance on TikTok with your new backless dress you can’t wait to get into!
DO
Look forward to what you can wear and reveal after week 6.
As long as you follow the aftercare advice, your breasts will stay perky for longer. Allow yourself time (when you are seated perfectly still and relaxed), to loosen your surgical bra for a little air and relief. (Avoid those quick sprints to the kitchen for a snack while Netflix is paused!)
Remember, even after 6 weeks, the more time your breasts spend supported in a good quality bra, the longer you your result will last. Definitely take time to enjoy those looser bikinis and sexier lingerie as you can too.
Can I have sex after breast surgery?
DON’T
Sex is a little like driving a car after surgery, you have to be sure you are ready!
Within the first 6 weeks, you need to remember that your bra is still on and is needed for support, and often, the post-surgery bras do not offer the same sex appeal as your usual lingerie.
If you can manage to avoid wild or vigorous movements, and your partner can avoid applying pressure to the surgical area, there is no reason why you can’t have sex, if you want to.
Remember, your breasts will be sensitive to touch for up to 3 weeks after surgery, you may also still have no sensation at all depending on the procedure and how you are recovering.
DO
Following your boob job, it is important you take everything easy, remember, sex can be like exercise and we want you to avoid sudden movements or risky positions, but we don’t want you missing out on the fun. It is likely that your partner will be more nervous than you in the early stages. Find ways to connect with your partner, be romantic, explore different options, who knows, the anticipation might make the unveiling of the finished boobies all the more worth the wait.
Can I do exercise after a breast augmentation?
DON’T
Whether you are a fitness fanatic, or a sedentary Susan, it’s important not to rush right back to movement and exercise, specifically large movements and heavy lifting within the first 6 weeks after surgery.
If you couldn’t or didn’t swim before surgery, it is not a good idea to start a new sport in the recovery phase either. It is vital you listen to your body.
Right after surgery, the experts recommend lots of often, gentle walks around the house to help with mobility, circulation and to avoid blood clots, but don’t overdo it!
Some days you might feel ready to tackle your previous gym routine, be sure to start slow and work back to it, be kind to yourself and forgiving if you do need that extra rest. Just remember, your mind might be raring to go but your breasts might not be ready for the impact.
DO
It is so important to return slowly to movement and exercise gently. Immediately after surgery, treat yourself to a gentle walk around the lounge or garden, or a trip up the stairs. After that first week, branch out a little further, but avoid still any heavy lifting or anything fast pace.
Around week 3, you might feel ready to do more with your lower body, so you can begin to slowly explore this with walking, low impact body weight squats and low impact body weight lunges. By week 4 the swelling is subsiding, and your energy levels are returning, and your body may be tricking you to rush back. Instead, stick to what is comfortable and keep the reps low, you can build back up to your routine slowly.
After week 6, you can start to consider carrying your latest Amazon delivery into the house, if you start off steady and light.
Be patient, and if you are worried, ask the experts about the safest options for you, your surgeon can help you as can your nurse. If you are missing exercise in the first weeks, find other forms of self-care to engage in, such as dry sound baths, meditation, reading or having a nice facial.
Can I travel abroad afterward my surgery?
DON’T
It’s always best to ask your surgeon for advice before you go away because it could affect your aftercare and warranty. While your new breast implants will not combust mid-flight, it is important to think practically about the journey.
Will you be able to stay in your compression bra? Who will carry your flight bags and wheel your suitcase? If you need to be frisked by security, can you raise your arms above your head? What if you are seated next to someone who is extra large on the plane and they were to elbow you?
When it comes to flying after breast surgery in relation to circulation risk, DVT, PE and thrombosis, usually it’s best to wait 2 weeks post-op to fly short-haul, and 6 weeks to fly long-haul.
DO
If you are going to fly, make sure you have help with your luggage, buy water for the flight and avoid alcohol (it works differently at altitude) we don’t want you stumbling mid-flight and being injured.
If your trip is to a sunny destination, remember the information earlier about rays and SPF. If you are lucky to be some place fun, remember dancing is a form of exercise, and gravity still applies abroad so going braless is still not an option.
When can I wear normal bras after breast surgery?
DON’T
It is important to avoid jumping straight back into your usual underwear and lingerie, (and with the right boob job, they won’t fit anymore anyway!) It is also sensible not to rush buying new bras or getting fitted too soon, as your breasts can fluctuate in the first 6-12 weeks, that you could end up wasting money and being disappointed.
The post-surgical compression bras are appealing and easy on the eye, and they serve their purpose, leaving you with an amazing result, don’t be tempted to swap it out for a bejewelled, underwired balconette too soon!
DO
Be prepared, shop around for your surgical compression bra, if one is provided, even better, but always invest in a spare, for hygiene reasons.
Be prepared to schedule an appointment for being measured, around 10 weeks post-surgery and allow yourself time to try on all the varieties so you can really see what suits your new shape.
Follow your surgeons’ advice, sometimes they may want you in a wired bra sooner to help with implant positioning, so follow their lead!
When can I have a wash after breast surgery?
DON’T
There is nothing more satisfying than relaxing in a hot bubble bath or sliding into a refreshing morning shower and feeling the water run through your hair. And when you get to do this after your surgery, it will be the nicest experience you can imagine. However, your surgeon might not want you to explore this level of cleanliness until your wounds are healed, or at least protected.
Moisture can cause infection and lead to the incisions opening which is why swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms are also to be avoided in the 6-week initial healing period.
Baths, showers and pools are also slippery and if you were to fall, you could cause damage to your new boobies. And while you might be young and able, after breast surgery, especially if placed under the muscle, using your arms to climb out of a bath will be like a full gym workout, and we have already explored why we won’t be exercising in the first 6 weeks.
DO
Listen to your nurse and surgeon, treat yourself to some body wipes, some decent dry shampoo and some new fragrances that can mask the smell of a recovering patient resting in front of Netflix for a week!
When you can wash, take it slowly and don’t have the water too hot, this can lower blood pressure and cause you to feel faint.
Spoil yourself to a relaxing bath pillow so once you can bath, you can thoroughly enjoy the soak with a good book!
As clinicians and experts, we understand that life must go on.
It is simply important that following surgery, you remember to slow down and think about your lasting results. So take the time to do the research and if you have any more questions, reach out to your health advisor!
