The Do’s and Don’ts After Breast a Augmentation

After a breast augmentation, you’re ready to embrace life with a new confidence. While you’ve begun your journey to healing, it’s important to understand when and how you can safely return to your active lifestyle. Returning back to exercising can take a couple of months, but it’s also important to listen to your body. To support you through this process, we’ll outline what to do after a breast augmentation and what not to do after a breast augmentation. This will help you have a smooth recovery.

When Can I Drive After a Breast Augmentation?

DON’T

Don’t rush back into driving immediately after a breast augmentation. After all, your chest and arm muscles will likely be sore. It definitely won’t be the most comfortable journey.

You’ll be limited in movements, reverse parking or emergency manoeuvres will be difficult to perform. Any pain medications you’re prescribed after surgery may recommend you to not drive whilst you take them.. Always follow the specific timeline and recommendations provided by your surgeon.

DO

Generally you should be okay to drive around one to two weeks after a breast augmentation. After this time movement and mobility should become easier for you, but you should take into account your own comfort and mental state. If you’re still feeling uncomfortable or have had a lack of sleep, delay driving for your safety.

How Soon After a Breast Augmentation Can I Drink Alcohol?

DON’T

The simple answer is the longer you can wait to drink alcohol the better. It’s safest to wait two weeks after a breast augmentation to drink as alcohol can slow down your healing process. You’ll likely be advised to stop smoking and drinking prior to breast surgery to minimise any risk of complications after surgery.

DO

Always follow your surgeon’s advice regarding alcohol consumption before and after surgery. While it may be tempting to have a drink, you need to think about your body’s overall health first and foremost.

When Can I Have a Bath After a Breast Augmentation?

DON’T

You may be eager to relax in a soothing bubble bath after a breast augmentation, but it’s important to hold off for a little while. Keeping your dressings dry is essential until you are advised it’s safe to do so by your surgeon. Baths can typically be resumed four to six weeks post-surgery, but always follow your surgeon’s guidance.

Additionally, steer clear of deodorant sprays and bath products with harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin. Alternatively you can use a roll-on deodorant, just avoid applying it on your incision.

DO

You can gently wash around the area using a soft washcloth, but it’s mainly important to not get your dressing wet. Before you go home, your nurse will give you advice about caring for your wounds and showering.

How Long After a Breast Augmentation Can I Fly?

DON’T

If you’ve taken holiday after a breast augmentation, this time should be dedicated to healing. However, If you’ve got a holiday booked or are going abroad soon after your surgery, there are a few things you should consider.

When it comes to flying after breast surgery, usually it’s best to wait two weeks post-op to fly short-haul and 6 weeks to fly long-haul. Flying too soon can increase your risk of blood clots, also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This is because your immune system is focused on healing your wounds and may not be able to fight off other infections.

DO

Let our surgeon know if you plan to fly after a breast augmentation as they can give you the best advice on how to manage your recovery. They will also be able to educate you on the risks of flying. It’s important to wear your post-surgical compression bra for at least six weeks after breast augmentation surgery, even if you’re on holiday.

When Can I Exercise After a Breast Augmentation?

DON’T

If you’re an avid gym goer, you’ll need to take some time off after a breast augmentation. It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least a month. However, even after that, listen to your body and take it slow. Even if you feel like you’re back to your normal self, your breasts might not be ready for high impact activities. Lifting, running and stretching too soon can all slow down your recovery.

DO

Just because you shouldn’t be lifting heavy weights after a breast augmentation doesn’t mean you should remain completely inactive. A gradual return to exercise is ideal to keep your body stimulated. Start with short walks around your room or home, following the advice of your surgeon. After a couple of weeks, you can begin more cardio, such as walking on a treadmill or uphill. However, always prioritise your body’s rest if you experience any discomfort or swelling after exercise.

Breast Augmentation at Suffolk Breast Practice

At Suffolk Breast Practice, we are here to guide you through your breast augmentation journey and recovery. Our team is fully qualified and has years of experience with a variety of breast surgeries. Our leading surgeon Dr Hussein Tuffaha has achieved the following accreditations and awards:

To learn more, visit our breast augmentation and if you have any questions contact us today.

Written by

Dr Hussein Tuffaha