Aftercare for Aesthetic Breast Surgery
The recovery process after breast augmentation requires attention and care. This guide brings together all the practical details you need to know, from using a compression garment, dressing care, proper nutrition, and pain management to gentle movements and exercise recommendations. It also includes emergency steps and scar care tips. Check out this guide to make your post-operative days more comfortable and safe, and to maximize your aesthetic results!
When you wake up from surgery, you will most likely have a drain in each breast. You will wake up wearing your breast corset and appropriate dressing.
The drains will be measured and recorded each morning after surgery in the hospital. Once the drain flow is adequate (approximately within a few days), the drains will be removed. Drain removal is not painful and is easily performed.
A urinary catheter is usually placed during surgery for the first day. The catheter will be removed after you stand up.
Bruising around your breasts is normal; this will gradually diminish over the next few days. If bruising is extensive, you will be instructed to apply Hirudoid or Arnica cream to the bruises to speed up the healing process.
Due to post-operative swelling, some areas may appear temporarily asymmetrical; this usually resolves within a few weeks.
Wear your breast corset regularly to reduce swelling and increase comfort.
Pain and discomfort are normal; take painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
If you experience any unusual symptoms (severe pain, excessive bleeding from drains, high fever), notify your doctor or nurse immediately.
Diet Recommendations
For the first 24 hours after surgery, consume light, easily digestible foods such as jelly or soup.
Drink as much water or liquid as you can tolerate without feeling nauseous.
You can continue to eat mostly liquids for the first four hours.
After 6-8 hours, you can gradually transition to solid foods if tolerated.
Eating small, frequent meals facilitates digestion and supports your recovery.
Pain Management and Antibiotics
Patients may complain of pain after surgery, particularly at the drain exit sites. This pain is caused by the sutures securing the drain and usually disappears quickly after the drains are removed.
During your hospital stay, your doctor will prescribe painkillers every 4-6 hours, depending on your pain level.
Painkillers other than Parol and Arveles are not recommended.
Arveles is not used in patients with kidney failure.
Parol is not used in patients with liver failure.
If you have a stomach problem, be sure to use a gastric protector as prescribed by your doctor.
Your blood-thinning medications, if any, will be adjusted at the time specified by the anesthesiologist.
Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. Be sure to complete the prescribed course.
Breast Care
You will return to the hospital for checkups at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. Bring your strips with you to your checkup. If your strips are completely used up during surgery, obtain a new one when you come.
These strips are waterproof, so you can shower with them.
Follow the instructions provided completely until your first checkup. Continue dressing appropriately and avoid lying down in a position that puts direct pressure on your breasts. Protect your breasts from trauma.
Do not smoke for at least 1 month before and after surgery; this increases the chances of your breasts healing and reduces the risk of bleeding.
Do not allow water to come into contact with the stitches for 5 days after surgery. Showers should be lukewarm.
You should wear your breast compression garment continuously, day and night, for 3 weeks after surgery, and only at night for 3 weeks thereafter.
Bleeding and Pain
Bleeding may occur during and for several weeks after surgery. Depending on the amount of blood loss, blood transfusions may be necessary if necessary.
A small amount of bloody discharge from the drain sites is normal in the first few days after surgery and after drains are removed.
Breast pain is common after surgery.
However, if you experience severe, stabbing pain concentrated in a single spot within the breast, contact your doctor immediately.
Pain that increases at rest and with arm movement is normal and expected, especially when the implant is placed behind the muscle.
Exercise and Activity
Rest as much as possible and avoid straining your body during the first week after surgery.
Intense exercise is not recommended for the first two months; however, you can gradually resume light walking after surgery. Regular short walks will improve circulation and aid healing.
Emboli are one of the most feared complications of breast surgery. To prevent this risk, blood thinners are prescribed when necessary and compression stockings are applied to the legs.
Emboli can develop despite all precautions; if you or your family have a history of embolism, be sure to inform your doctor.
Prolonged inactivity is one of the most significant factors contributing to embolism. Therefore, exercise as much as possible and don’t neglect short walks.
Scarring
Surgical scars are initially red, then turn pink over time, and the fading process begins.
The fading process is usually complete within 6-24 months.
If the patient experiences or develops abnormal wound healing, visible scar tissue (hypertrophic scar/keloid) may form.
Additional surgery may be necessary to correct this condition.
Meticulous wound care, sun protection, and using creams or tapes recommended by your doctor will help improve the appearance of the scars.
Conditions You Should Report to Your Surgeon
If you notice the following, report them to your surgeon or hospital team immediately:
High fever or chills: If your body temperature rises above 38.5°C (100.5°F), or if you experience chills and shivering, this could be a sign of infection and you should immediately notify your doctor.
Excessive pain or vomiting: If normal pain persists and gradually increases in intensity, or is accompanied by vomiting, you should report this immediately.
Significant changes in the surgical area: If you notice excessive swelling, redness, tenderness, abnormal discharge, or heavy bleeding in the surgical area, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms may indicate a condition outside the normal healing process and may require professional intervention.
Contact:
You can reach your surgeon or Göztepe City Hospital Plastic Surgery Clinic at 0501 182 94 35. Our phone line can be busy and may ring busy; therefore, sending photos or messages via WhatsApp is a more practical and secure way to quickly share your situation.