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Care After Breast Implants
You had a procedure called breast augmentation (enlargement). It's also known as augmentation mammoplasty. This surgery enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Women choose breast augmentation to:
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Enlarge breast size
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Correct a reduction in breast size after pregnancy
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Balance a difference in breast size
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Reconstruct the breast after breast surgery or mastectomy.
Here’s what you need to do after this procedure:
Recovery and activity after surgery
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Don’t raise your arms above breast level until your surgeon or healthcare provider says it’s OK. This prevents the implants from shifting.
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Don’t lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 5 to 7 days or as directed by your surgeon.
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Sleep on your back. Use pillows to keep the upper part of your body raised (elevated).
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Don’t drive until your surgeon says it’s OK.
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Don't smoke after surgery. Smoking reduces the blood flow in the skin and nipples and increases the risk of wound healing problems. Nicotine from any source (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco) slows healing.
Other home care
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If you smoke, get help to quit. Join a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.
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Be aware that breast swelling may last for 3 to 5 weeks. Talk with your surgeon about ways to manage the swelling. The implant position and appearance may change slightly as you heal. Follow directions as given.
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Wear the special bra or bandage you were given before discharge as directed by your surgeon. Expect to wear the bra or wrap 24 hours a day for about 3 to 4 weeks or as directed. You may remove it when you shower, starting 3 days after your surgery, or as directed.
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Gently wash your incision site. Pat the incision dry. Don’t apply lotions, oils, or creams.
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Don't submerge your incision in a tub bath until it's completely closed. Doing so may introduce bacteria and cause an infection. Your surgeon will give you more directions about bathing.
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You will have a dressing over your incisions. Ask your surgeon how to care for your dressing. Your stitches may dissolve on their own. Or they may be removed at a follow-up appointment. If you have small white adhesive strips at your incision sites, don't remove them. They will come off on their own.
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Make an appointment to have your stitches or staples removed in 7 to 10 days, if needed.
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Take your medicine exactly as directed.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment with your surgeon or healthcare provider, or as advised.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if any of these occur:
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Chills
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Bleeding or fluid leaking through the special bra or bandage
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Pain that is not relieved by prescribed pain medicine; increasing pain, with or without activity
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More soreness, swelling, or bruising on 1 breast than the other
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Redness, or breasts that feel warm to the touch
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Any rapid swelling in 1 area or breast
Online Medical Reviewer:
David Lickstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.