RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT
As per any surgical procedure, recovery and aftercare are crucial for good outcomes.
The recovery and post-operative course are much the same as that for a primary breast augmentation surgery. Some basics are listed below.
It is important to know that everyone has a different experience after surgery from negligible pain to significant discomfort. As a general rule, breast implant replacement surgery is far less painful than primary breast augmentation surgery.
When you wake up from surgery:
- You have at least one drip in place to give you intravenous fluids and pain control medication and antibiotics.
- You will also have nasal prongs or oxygen mask designed to give you supplemental oxygen.
- You will be fitted into a surgical bra. This may help control the swelling and reduce discomfort.
You will be discharged from the hospital once you have been medically cleared by the staff, at which stage your carer will be called to pick you up. You cannot legally go home without a carer.
When you leave the hospital, you will be given pain medications and antibiotics – please take them as prescribed.
It is recommended that you have someone with you at home for at least the first few days for general day-to-day care.
You may experience different sensations and feelings in breasts, chest, armpits, and arms including numbness, pins and needles, shooting pains, tightness or burning sensations – most of these will gradually resolve over the first 6 weeks. It is normal to experience permanent patches of numbness adjacent to the scars.
It is common for the nipples to be highly sensitive or have no sensation after surgery. The sensation usually returns to normal/pre surgery state within the first 12 months. However, at least 10% of patients will end up with permanently altered nipple sensation.
After surgery expect a lot of swelling. A significant amount of the initial swelling will be gone in the first 1-2 weeks. The amount of swelling can differ slightly from one side to the other; if there is significant difference between breasts you must contact the clinic.
With breast implant replacement surgery, the amount of swelling is usually far less than that which is experienced with primary breast augmentation surgery.
If you have also had a breast lift, then you may also have a flat or “tight” appearing underboob. Do not stress as this will settle over the first six months and typically requires a fair amount of scar massage to help the settling process.
Reducing the risk of blood clots (DVT’s)
- During your surgery, and if you are remaining in hospital overnight, you will also have special massage devices on both legs which promote blood flow and is designed to minimize the chance of any clots developing in your leg veins.
- Whilst in hospital you are encouraged to do simple foot exercise such as tapping your feet or wriggling your toes. This is designed to activate your calf muscles and encourage blood flow and is another vital measure to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Mobilising regularly and remaining well hydrated at all times is also recommended.
All your wounds are covered using waterproof dressings. The wounds are stitched using several layers of internal dissolving sutures. You may have some visible sutures – these will be removed at your 1-week post-op appointment.
Bloating and Constipation is very common after surgery. This is because you have just had surgery, you are less mobile and taking strong pain medication which causes slowing of the bowels. You are encouraged to have plenty of fluids, a high fibre diet and some gentle laxatives such as Movicol to help restore your normal bowel habits.
When you get home gentle mobilisation is important to help prevent any post-operative complications. However, do not expect too much of yourself.
When you get home, you will be able to have quick showers. Leave any dressings intact and ensure you pat them dry.
DO NOT have baths or go swimming until at least 3 weeks after surgery.
Leave your dressings intact until your first post-operative appointment. Your first op appointment will be with the practice nurse where your wounds will be inspected, your post-op treatments to optimise recovery commence, and your dressings changed.
Sleeping – There is no recommended sleeping position, sleep whatever position you are comfortable in. Most patients will find sleeping on their back slightly elevated or in a recliner chair for the first few days after surgery to be the most comfortable. You may need assistance getting up and down for the first few days.
Walking – You can mobilise gently from day 1 after surgery – be guided by your body and keep it short. At 2 weeks post-op you can do basic cardio training including walking on a treadmill and stationary bike work but avoid any weighted workouts (including lower body workouts).
Driving – You should not consider driving for the first week after surgery. After this time, you should only drive if you feel safe doing so.
Returning to work – You will be able to return to a light office or desk work environment no sooner than 1 week after surgery. Light hospitality work may be possible at 3 weeks. Any employment that involves heavy lifting or straining must be avoided for at least 4 weeks.
Returning to normal – At 4 weeks post-surgery you can gradually return to normal training and physical activities.
Consider the first 4 weeks after surgery as RECOVERY, and after 4 weeks consider all activities as REHABILITATION. Undertake any physical activities that you wish to do and be guided by your comfort and strength which will slowly improve.
Bras – You will need to wear your surgical bra, or a similar fitting bra, continuously for the first six weeks. Of course, you can take it off for showering and on certain other occasions for brief periods of time. After six weeks, once most of the surgical swelling has resolved, you can be formally fitted for new bras.
When Will You Feel Fully Recovered – It will take at least 6 months before you are feeling “normal” and able to do all the things you could before surgery.
