If you are going home after your operation for Breast Augmentation (Enlargements), here are some useful guidelines for you to remember:
1. There will be initial swelling around the augmentations which will go down in about two weeks. If this persists notify McIndoe.
2. Pain - The initial, quite severe discomfort, will ease from about four days post-operation. It will be more comfortable by the removal of sutures at ten to fourteen days. DO NOT drive before the sutures have been removed.
3. Activities - Sporting activities involving chest muscles should be avoided for six weeks if the prosthesis are under the chest muscles. If prosthesis is on top of the muscle, chest exercises could be started at 2-3 weeks. Routine household tasks can be resumed after five days or so but must be built up gradually over two to three weeks and a longer period of abstence should be observed if the prosthesis are under the muscles.
4. The wound will have a splash-proof dressing so you may shower but please DO NOT soak in a bath or go swimming until a week after removal of sutures.
5. The chance of wound infection is very small but if it does occur the sign to look out for is redness and localised tenderness in the wound itself. If this occurs please notify McIndoe.
6. After the sutures have been removed the wound may become red and slightly raised after a few weeks. This is entirely normal in some skin types. While the wound is red it should be protected from the sun or a sunbed by the use of Factor 30 sunblock.
7. Bra - Post-operatively your should wear a firm, supporting sports bra or similar design for six weeks. It is advisable to wear this day and night, though after three weeks a lighter bra may be used at night. Avoid bras with wire supports and stays. You will be advised of the approximate cup size but be aware that in the first ten to fourteen days you may be one cup size bigger than eventually achieved.
