Patients should start light walking immediately after surgery – nothing strenuous, just short walks around the room or home every other hour. This is good for the circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After two weeks, patients can start more intense cardio such as walking on a treadmill or walking uphill.
You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within a few weeks of your operation but this will vary from person to person and it is helpful to take things gently at first try to avoid strenuous housework such as vacuuming, ironing or carrying heavy shopping for the first 1 or 2 weeks.
Essentially, you'll need to sleep in an elevated position after breast augmentation surgery for at least one to two months (around six weeks for the majority of patients). The reason is that this position helps to reduce swelling, largely by taking the pressure off the incision areas and the implants themselves.
In the first 1 to 2 weeks, you can use your arm normally up to shoulder height for light activities, such as face washing, hair brushing and eating. But avoid lifting your arm above the height of your shoulder. Don't lift anything heavy, but you can use your arm to lift a cup of tea.
Timeline for Resuming Physical Activity
Start by taking short walks around the room immediately after surgery. Climbing the stairs is also appropriate. Early ambulation boosts circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After about two weeks, you can resume moderate activity including brisk walking.
Patients should start light walking immediately after surgery – nothing strenuous, just short walks around the room or home every other hour. This is good for the circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After two weeks, patients can start more intense cardio such as walking on a treadmill or walking uphill.
Rest is essential for a fast recovery after breast augmentation surgery. Therefore, avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects and bending over for at least a week after your surgery would be best.
Too much use of the muscles might result in the shifting of the implant. This will cause an asymmetrical and unnatural shape of the breast as the implant moves outward or downward. It may also contribute to increased swelling, bruising, and soreness. Undesired scar formation can also develop.
Patients should wait at least 1 – 2 weeks after breast augmentation before lifting their arms over their heads. You can, however, move your arms around periodically to prevent any stiffness. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any movement that causes discomfort or pain.
You may comb and blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, etc. -You should try to sleep/rest with your head and chest slightly elevated above the level of your lower body to help decrease swelling for the first few days after surgery.
Your surgical bra should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to insert two fingers underneath.
Sleep is very important after breast augmentation.
Your body has to work hard to heal from surgery, which is why you will likely find yourself feeling fatigued in the days following your breast augmentation.
For the first 4 – 6 weeks following a breast augmentation, patients should be wearing a supportive medical bra around the clock, including while sleeping, to promote proper healing and provide added support. After this time, it may be safe and appropriate to begin wearing a soft, supportive bra of your own.
Be sure to shower, not bathe for the first two weeks following your procedure. You should also take care to blot dry your breasts and the incision area with a clean towel after they get wet.
When you begin showering, take a shower every day to help keep your incision clean. Before entering the shower, remove your bra and the gauze pad covering your incision.
Breast augmentation incisions should be fully closed in 2 – 4 weeks. The scars fade and soften over time. They can take up to one year to fully mature and should be protected from sunlight during this time period.
This is enough time to allow the capsule to form around the implant that keeps it in place. Pushing and lifting before that time can cause the implant to “squirt” out of the pocket that is being created and into the arm pit or below the mass of the breast causing a problem that can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Some of the activities that you should avoid until after at least third week or six weeks have passed include: Lifting anything more than 10 pounds. Pushing or pulling heavy objects. Pullups and pushups.
After your breast augmentation surgery, you'll need to sleep on your back in an elevated position for the first several days. This keeps your breasts in a more natural position, improves circulation, and minimizes swelling. It also makes it easier to get in and out of bed without straining your arm and chest muscles.
Do not lift anything over your head for 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex. You can take your first shower the day after surgery if you do not have a drain near your incision.
Sleep on Your Back
Particularly in the first few weeks after surgery, sleeping on your back, while usually wearing a surgical bra, allows the breasts to heal in a more comfortable and desirable position.
Most of the discomfort will be over after the first two or three days, however, you may have some tenderness and soreness, which could last for a few weeks. After the first two days, you may drive a car if you are not taking pain medication and do light housework, such as washing dishes.
The best position for safe sleeping after breast augmentation surgery is on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. This position, typically achieved by sleeping in a recliner or with a stack of pillows, can reduce breast swelling and soreness.
Aim to walk every 1 or 2 hours during the day. Work with your care team to set goals for walking. You can set a starting goal to walk 1 full lap around your hospital unit. Walk more laps each day.