When you have lipofilling breast augmentation done, your body needs time to recover. The average recovery period is 6 weeks, but the final result often takes a little longer. We often get questions about what to do and what not to do after breast augmentation and how to promote recovery. Here, we’d like to explain to you what the Do’s and Don’ts are after breast augmentation.

The first day after surgery, your breasts will feel a little sore and perhaps painful. You usually have the most discomfort – pain and stiffness – in the areas where liposuction was performed. Only after about three months do you see the final result.

After surgery, you can usually go home the same day. We check that everything is fine with you and after our plastic surgeon’s approval, you may go home. Your breasts will feel somewhat sore and tense but that feeling lessens after a few days. In order to obtain the best possible result and speed up your recovery, we recommend the following: (unless expressly stated otherwise by the plastic surgeon.)

DON’T: DRIVE YOURSELF HOME

One thing you should not do immediately after surgery is get behind the wheel yourself. So make sure there is someone with you who can drive you home safely. The advice is not to drive a car for 2 weeks.

DO: REST A LOT

For the first 10 to 14 days after your breast surgery, you should take it easy. This means you should rest a lot and avoid doing (heavy) household chores. Is there someone who can cook delicious meals for you, help you get dressed and undressed or occasionally get up for you? After surgery, you may have trouble getting up and so it’s nice to have someone around to help you. Note! Resting too much and too long is not good for your body either. Stretch your legs occasionally during a short walk to reduce the risk of thrombosis or embolism.

DO: WEAR PROPER CLOTHING

A camisole, or a bra that gives light support to the breasts, may be used. Too much pressure on the breasts can prevent the fat from being absorbed properly. Consult your plastic surgeon about this.

You’ll receive compression garments for the liposuction site. Compression garments should not be worn near the breasts.

DON’T: PHYSICAL EXERTION

For the first 2 weeks after surgery, you should take it easy and put as little strain on your body as possible. This means:

• No pressure on the breasts!
• Do not lift or stoop
• Reaching no higher than the shoulder with your upper arms
• Not pushing yourself up with the arms
• Don’t run, bike or engage in other sports activities
• Walking and gentle movements with the arms are allowed

DON’T DO IT RIGHT AWAY: SHOWERING AND BATHING

If you don’t have drains, you may shower again 24 hours after surgery if you feel the need. If you do have drains, then you should wait to shower for a while anyway. Better wait 2 days before showering again. Of course, you can freshen up your body with some warm water and a washcloth. However, you should not bathe for the first 6 weeks!

DO: TAKE PAIN MEDICATION

If you feel lousy or your breasts are very painful, you may always take paracetamol and any additional painkillers prescribed by the doctor. When problems occur at home, such as a lot of pain, increasing swelling or tension on one side, you should contact us.

DON’T: SLEEP ON YOUR STOMACH OR SIDE

It probably won’t occur to you so soon after surgery, but for the first six weeks after your breast augmentation with your own fat, you absolutely must not sleep on your stomach or side. Belly sleepers need to take a break. It’s best to sleep on your back with an extra pillow supporting your back so you lie a little more upright.

DON’T: SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

Don’t use alcohol in the first week after treatment because of the risk of post-treatment bleeding.
The results are better if you also stop smoking after the procedure. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and interferes with wound healing. This also applies to the use of nicotine patches and gum. In addition, smoking has a detrimental effect on the ingrowth of fat.

DO: SPORTS

Two weeks after your breast augmentation

After about 10 to 14 days, you’ll feel a lot better! After two weeks, you’ll come for a check-up at MOOI Clinic.

SUTURES

After two weeks, the stitches will be removed and the assistant will give you instructions on aftercare and/or massaging the scars.

Two weeks after your breast augmentation, you’re allowed to do a little more again, but by no means everything!

YOU MAY DO THIS AGAIN:

• Driving
• Depending on your occupation, you may start working again
• Walking and gentle movements with your arms
• If your recovery goes well, you may fly again after 2 weeks

YOU MAY NOT DO THIS YET:

• Sports
• Putting pressure on the breasts
• Heavy lifting
• Sunbathing, bathing or tanning

Six weeks after lipofilling

After 6 weeks, you’re usually well recovered from the surgery. The swelling has gone down considerably and the scars are healing nicely. Most people can fully resume their normal lives after 6 weeks. However, it is important to protect the scars from UV rays.

Final check-up and result

After about 3 months, you’ll come for a final check-up at MOOI Clinic. The periods of recovery mentioned are averages and can vary greatly from person to person. In general, you will experience the beneficial effects of breast enhancement fairly quickly.

Do you have any doubts about your situation, as to whether or not you’re allowed to do something? Then contact us!