Breast implants - Recovering after breast implant surgery

You will experience some pain, swelling and bruising immediately after breast implant surgery.

Your chest may feel tight and your breathing may be restricted. This is normal and your symptoms will start to improve over the next few weeks.

You will usually rest at the hospital or clinic in a semi-upright position. This will help keep you comfortable and minimise swelling. You will be given painkillers if you need them.

After returning home, you can continue to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, you should not take ibuprofen if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems, or if you've had them in the past.

If you have asthma, ibuprofen may also be unsuitable for you. Check with your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Going home

After having breast implant surgery, you may either be allowed home the same day or you may need to stay in the hospital or clinic overnight.

On returning home, you will need rest to give your body time to recover. Avoid excessive use of your arms and chest area as it may cause irritation and bleeding.

After surgery, your breasts may feel hard and you may experience some painful twinges or general discomfort. These symptoms will sometimes persist for a few weeks.

Aftercare advice

To get the best results, follow the aftercare advice of your surgeon. You may be asked to attend some postoperative appointments so your surgeon can monitor your recovery.

Your surgeon will be able to give you specific advice about any activities you need to avoid and for how long, but generally you should take a week or two off work and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month.

You will usually be able to return to most of your normal activities within six weeks, although you should keep the incision sites out of direct sunlight for about a year because the skin in these areas is more delicate.

Some surgeons also recommend wearing a well-fitting sports bra 24 hours a day for up to three months after breast surgery.

Note your implant details

Make sure you keep a record of the details of your breast implants. You should make a note of the:

• manufacturer
• style
• serial number
• batch number (also known as lot number) 

If your surgeon does not provide you with this information, you should ask for it and keep it in a safe place.

When to seek medical help

Contact your GP or the clinic where the operation was carried out as soon as possible if you have any unexpected symptoms or if you experience severe pain. Possible warning signs include:

• severe pain in your breast(s)
• redness of the skin of your breast(s)
• an intense burning sensation in your breast(s)
• unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling in or around your breast(s)
• deflated breast(s)
• a smelly or coloured discharge from your wounds
• a high temperature (fever)
• any lumps or aching causing you concern

Results of surgery

Although most women are pleased with the eventual appearance of their breasts after surgery, the results can vary and depend on your circumstances.

For example, the appearance of your breasts after the operation may be affected by:

• your age
• your overall health
• your ability to heal
• your existing breasts
• the position of your nipples
• your skin texture

After having breast implant surgery, you may be worried your breast implants look unnatural. This is normal, and to begin with your breasts are likely to feel quite taut or rigid.

You may also experience changes in the way your breasts feel, with different areas becoming more or less sensitive than they used to be. In most cases, any changes in sensation will be temporary, although they may occasionally be permanent.

Your breasts will usually start to look and feel more natural within a few months of surgery, as the breast tissue, muscle and skin stretches to accommodate the implants.

Having realistic expectations and making a considered and informed decision will help ensure you are happy with the results of your operation.

You should expect that the feel and look of your breasts will change as you get older, and implants will not stop your breasts from sagging.