After having your breast implants removed or replaced, it is important to recover well. Your body needs time to heal, and you will notice that recovery takes place step by step. On this page you can read what to expect and what to look out for in the first few weeks after the operation. Are you having surgery with us? Then you will receive extensive information from us in good time, so that you know exactly what to expect from the recovery period.
Pain relief
Immediately after the operation, you will receive painkillers from us. The pain that is still present after a day is often described as muscle pain. This pain can generally be suppressed well with paracetamol (maximum four times a day 1000 mg). Use the painkillers for a maximum of seven days, unless otherwise advised. If necessary, you will receive an additional prescription from the anaesthetist.
The first days after the operation
After the procedure, you will remain in the clinic for a few hours for observation. As soon as you feel well and the doctor and nurse consider it safe, you can go home. You are not allowed to drive yourself, so make sure someone picks you up.
The first few days it is important that you rest. It can be nice to have some extra help at home. You may take a short shower after one day, but do not soak the wounds - bathing, swimming or sauna are only allowed after six weeks.
The breasts may feel tense or strange at first. This is normal and will go away over the weeks. The scars may look a little red or fiery at first. This is part of the healing process.
Sports bra
You will receive a supportive sports bra from us that you should wear day and night for the first 4 weeks. This supports the breasts and promotes recovery. After the first 4 weeks, you may replace the sports bra at night with something that you feel comfortable in. It is important to wear the sports bra during the day for another 2 weeks.
Work and daily activities
After removing or replacing breast implants, it is important to give your body enough rest and not to put unnecessary strain on the chest area. You may not notice it much after the first few days, but your body is still recovering. It is therefore important to adhere to the following rules of life:
- You should not put any (heavy) strain on your body for the first two weeks. This means: no heavy physical exertion, no cycling, no driving and no (heavy) housework. After the first six weeks you can resume this at a leisurely pace. Build up your activities slowly and listen carefully to your body.
- For the first two to three weeks, do not lift your arms higher than shoulder height. This prevents tension on the wound and stitches. You can dress and comb your hair yourself, but do not lift your arms higher than necessary. Also avoid sudden or large arm movements for two to three weeks.
- You should not do any heavy lifting or intensive sports for the first six weeks. Do you do running, fitness or other physically demanding exercise? Then you should wait six weeks. After two weeks you can start with light exercises, such as gentle stretching or relaxed cycling. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure whether something is already possible.
- Do you have a sedentary job? Then you can return to work relatively quickly after the operation. Many patients take about a week off and then return to work.
- Do you have a job that requires physical exertion? Then discuss with your doctor when you can return to work.
To sleep
For the first few weeks, you will need to sleep on your back, with your upper body slightly elevated. You can achieve this by placing 1 or 2 extra pillows under your back or using an adjustable bed. This sleeping position helps to reduce swelling and prevents pressure on the chest area.
Usually you can carefully sleep on your side again after the first few weeks, but many patients indicate that they do not yet find this comfortable.
Scars
During the operation, the plastic surgeon will use the old scars as much as possible. After the operation, these scars need time to heal. They may be red for the first few months, but this will fade over time. The scars will increasingly take on the color of the skin and will eventually be barely visible, because they fall into the breast fold.
Protect the scars well from sunlight – cover them or use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50) for up to one year after the operation.
Control appointments
- After 2 weeks Please come back for a wound check.
- After 3 months follows the final check-up with your plastic surgeon.
Leave the adhesive strips in place until your check-up appointment – they will then be removed if necessary.
When should you contact us?
Recovery from this procedure is usually smooth, but watch out for signs of complications. Contact us immediately if:
– Severe swelling or bleeding;
– Fever above 38.5 degrees;
– Redness, pus or an unpleasant odor from the wound;
– Severe pain despite the use of painkillers.
Because we are a subsidiary of OLVG, you have 24/7 access to the best care in case of emergency. So you will not only find the advantages of a small clinic, but also the advantages of a large hospital.
More information
The recovery period is the final phase of the treatment process. Would you like to know more about the consultation and the operation? Then read here further.
Doctors
During the no-obligation consultation, you will discuss your wishes and the treatment with the plastic surgeon. We understand that a procedure can be a significant step, so the surgeon is happy to take the time to tell you all about it. Our specialized surgeons are:
