Most Frequently Asked Questions after Breast Augmentation

This blog features some of the most frequently asked questions following breast augmentation surgery.

When can I return to work after breast augmentation?

This will depend on your job.  Most patients will take about 1-2 weeks off work following their procedure.  This is usually enough time for most light jobs such as office or retail work. We recommend no heavy manual handling for at least 4-6 weeks postop.

When can I go back to the gym or workout after breast surgery?

You should avoid any strenuous activity for 6 weeks.  You can do light walking after 1-2 weeks but we do not recommend any exertion.  This can raise blood pressure and increase the risks of bleeding.

When can I have sex after having breast implants?

We recommend avoiding sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks. This can raise your blood pressure and risk bleeding.

When can I use a sunbed following breast enhancement?

We generally do not recommend using sun beds as this can increase your risks of developing skin cancers.  The main problem with UV or sun exposure is the scars may remain or become red following your procedure.  You should therefore cover the scars if you are being exposed to UV or sun. You can use fake tan once the scars have healed after about 2-3 weeks.

What can I do to help the scarring after my boob job?

The scar usually takes about 2 weeks to heal but its full strength takes about 6-8 weeks. The scars are usually red initially but with time they should become more pale.  Scars can take up to 1-2 years to fully mature.  After 2 weeks, you can start applying some silicone scar creams or tapes to help improve the scar outcome.  The silicone helps fade the colour of the scar and make them flatter.  This treatment should be used for about 3 months as a minimum.  If your scar remains raised or red for a longer time then you have a hypertrophic or keloid scar.  If this is the case then you may need additional treatments such as steroid injections.  This is often due to the way your body heals and it can be more common in darker skin types or in those with a history of keloid scars.

When can I drive after breast augmentation?

We recommend you do not drive for the first 2 weeks following your procedure.  You should not drive if you still have discomfort and do not feel you can safely drive or perform an emergency stop.  You should also discuss with your insurer as some may have differing rules or guidance as to when you can drive after a procedure.

Is it normal for one side to hurt more than the other following my operation?

Yes, it is very common for one side to have more pain or discomfort compared to the other.  It is normal for one side to be slightly more swollen but if the swelling is significantly more than the other side then you should contact us. This may indicate a haematoma which is a collection of blood around the implant.  The breast with a haematoma is generally much larger than the other side and often there is a sudden onset of swelling. This may need investigation and drainage either under a scan or return to theatre. 

Is it normal for some parts of the breast and nipple to feel numb after my surgery?

Yes, it is very common to lose some sensation following a breast augmentation procedure.  When we create the pocket for the implant some of the sensory nerves may be cut resulting in reduced sensation.  Some sensation may come back but this usually takes several months for this to happen.  In some, there may be continued loss of sensation which is permanent.  Some patients may also experience hypersensitivity which means that the skin or nipple becomes very sensitive.

Why do I get shooting pains in certain areas?

This is usually due to the recovery of the nerves that may have been disturbed during the procedure.  We normally recommend massaging these specific areas to help de-sensitise the nerves.  In most patients, these shooting pains settle with time but it can take several months to a year or so.

Why does the shape look funny or square following my breast implant surgery?

Some patients may notice that the breast looks a funny shape initially especially when implants are placed under the muscle. The muscle is initially tight and contracts causing the implant to ride higher in the pocket.  This makes the breast look very full in the upper pole and empty in the bottom.  The breast band is used in the first 2 weeks to help prevent the implants riding too high.  The implants will gradually begin to descend into the pocket.  This process is sometimes referred to as the drop and fluff.  It can take several months up to a year or so for the breast implants to fully settle.

When can I remove the dressings after my breast surgery?

You will have dressings on when you leave the operating theatre.  These will remain in place until you have your first dressing check at one week with the nurse.  Sometimes, the nurse will replace the steristrip tapes and these can be removed after another 5-7 days by yourself.  The wound should be fully healed at this point and you can start applying the silicone gel or tapes.

When can I sleep flat or on my side?

For the first 4-5 nights we suggest you sleep with the a few pillows under you to stay about 45 degrees up.  You can probably lie completely flat after the first week. We try and suggest that you avoid sleeping on your front or your sides for the first six weeks.

When can I wear a normal bra after breast implant surgery?

You will be able to wear a normal or underwired bra after 6 weeks following your breast augmentation.

Do I have to continue to wear the support bra?

We recommend wearing a sport bra particularly if you had larger implants as the support bra will help take and reduce the risk of the implants dropping or the breast becoming ptotic with time.

When can I go on holiday after having breast surgery?

We recommend waiting for about 4 weeks for short haul and 6 weeks for long haul flights.