Breast Augmentation Care Instructions

When can I shower after surgery?

You may shower as early as the day after your operation.

Are baths or soaking allowed?

No. Please avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, or any soaking of the incisions. Soaking can interfere with your dressings and increase the risk of infection.

What should I do with my bandages?

• After showering, gently pat the area dry or use a cool setting on a blow dryer.
• You may remove the outer bandages the day after surgery.
• Leave the paper tapes directly over your incisions in place, even if they appear slightly bloody.
• You may shower with the paper tape on. It is designed to stay in place.

What sleeping position is best after surgery?

Most patients are most comfortable sleeping on their back with their upper body slightly elevated at first.

Any sleeping position is acceptable except lying on your stomach, as long as it is not painful. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

When can I eat after surgery?

You can start eating whatever you can tolerate. We recommend starting with clear liquids and gradually progressing to your usual foods as you feel comfortable.

Is drainage normal after surgery?

Yes. Some drainage from the incisions is normal in the first few days after surgery. As long as the fluid is mostly clear, yellow, or pink-tinged, this is expected.

You may notice increased drainage after lymphatic drainage therapy.

How should I manage drainage?

For the first few days, you may place a feminine hygiene pad or gauze between your incisions and your bra to absorb any drainage. Both options are acceptable.

What bra should I wear?

You should wear a supportive sports bra or the bra provided to you by the clinic at all times, including while sleeping, for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

This support is important to help prevent premature bottoming-out of the breasts while the tissues heal.

Do not drive for at least 48 hours after surgery. Take your pain medication as directed:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • For the first 24-48 hours, take acetaminophen regularly, even if you don’t feel pain—but don’t wake up just to take it.
  • Take 2 regular-strength acetaminophen (325 mg each, for a total of 650 mg) every 4 hours.
  • Do not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours from all sources.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Take 2 regular-strength ibuprofen (200 mg each, for a total of 400 mg) every 4-6 hours.
  • If needed for better pain control, you can take up to 600 mg at a time, as long as your stomach tolerates it.
• Tramadol (if needed)
  • If additional pain relief is required, take 1 Tramadol (50 mg) every 4-6 hours.
• Managing Constipation
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Try prune juice or a fibre supplement like Metamucil.
  • If needed, a gentle laxative like Senokot-S or a similar product can help.

Do I have stitches that need to be removed?

No. All sutures are absorbable and do not require removal.

When are my follow-up visits?

Your follow-up schedule should have been provided to you as part of your surgical planning.

Typically, follow-up visits occur:

• On post-operative day 1
• Again, at 1–2 weeks after surgery

Please bring your caregiver or helper to these appointments so they can also ask questions and support your recovery.

What activity is allowed after surgery?

• Light walking is encouraged as early as the day after surgery if you feel well.

What should I avoid?

• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the first month after surgery.
• Avoid raising your elbows higher than your shoulders for the first month.
  • Your hands may go higher (for example, to wash your hair), but your elbows should remain below shoulder level.

If you feel ready to increase activity, this can be discussed at your 1-month follow-up appointment.

Signs of infection may include:

• Increasing redness around the incision
• Worsening pain
• Increasing swelling without increased activity
• Fever
• Milky or white drainage from the incision

Pain related to infection is often near the incision and may occur on one side, though this is not always the case.

Signs of a hematoma may include:

Increasing bruising (bruising should not worsen significantly after day 1–2).

Rapidly increasing swelling on one side of the chest.

Swelling that feels tense or hard.

Significant or worsening pain.

You will be provided with specific post-operative communication channels as part of your discharge and post-surgical documentation.

If you are unsure which channel to use or need a reminder, please contact your patient coordinator, who can guide you appropriately.

Please notify the clinic if you are admitted to a hospital within 10 days of your procedure.