Frequently Asked Questions: Breast Augmentation
1. My implants feel high and tight: This is very normal, at first the implants are high and
tight and swollen. Some patients will even say they look square instead of round right at
first. It takes about 4 weeks for the swelling to go down, your skin to relax and the
implants to settle down into the pocket.
2. How long do I have to wear the band: When you come in for your 1 week
appointment, Dr. Rose will tell you how much longer you need to wear the band. In most
cases, you will be able to discontinue at that visit.
3. How long do I have to wear the surgical bra: You need to wear it for about 4 weeks.
You can take the bra off to wash it. It’s okay to wear other bras that fit similarly to the
one you go home in. At your 4 week follow up appointment, we will fit you for a bra and
recommend that you then start to wear a full coverage underwire bra.
4. When can I take my Steri-Strips off: Leave the tape on until it falls off, about 3 weeks.
If you have redness, itching or blistering around the tape, call the office as it may be an
allergic reaction.
5. When can I shower: You can shower 2 days after surgery. Make sure to pat dry the
Steri-Strips before putting your bra back on. Don’t scrub around your incision.
6. Should I ice: Yes, icing can help with pain and swelling for the first 48 hours after
surgery. Make sure to only ice when you are awake and to rotate the ice on and off
every 5 minutes. Keep the ice on the top portion of your breasts and not near your
incision.
7. I feel a sharp shooting pain: After an augmentation, people will sometimes feel
shooting pain that usually lasts a few seconds. This is normal and is from the nerves
being stretched. It will resolve over time.
8. One breast looks bigger than the other: Sometimes one side might be more swollen
than the other, typically because Dr. Rose had to do more work on one side. But, if
there’s a definite difference between the two sides, if one side continues to swell, or
there’s a lot more pain on one side, then you’ll need to call our office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Rose immediately.
9. Do I need to do implant exercises: If you have smooth implants, our office will teach
you massage techniques on your first post-operative visit. If you have textured implants,
you will not massage them, arm lifts only (similar to that of a jumping jack). Our office will
go over either of these on your first visit post surgery.
10. When can I start lifting and/or exercising again: For the first 2 weeks, you shouldn’t
lift anything over 20 pounds. After 2 weeks, you can start getting back into your exercise
routine, starting slowly at first and only low impact activities (Stationary bike, Eliptical
without the arm movements, walking on a treadmill).
11. What is the recovery: Usually patients are feeling pretty good 1 week post surgery and
are back to feeling normal 2-3 weeks post surgery. Final results are not seen for up to 3
months post surgery.
12. How long do I take pain medication: The average patient takes pain medication for 35 days post surgery. After the 3-5 days, patients should only take pain meds as needed.
You can switch to Tylenol when pain meds are no longer needed, but NO Ibuprofen for 2
weeks post surgery.
13. When can I drive: Once you’re completely finished taking your pain medication, and
you feel alert and back to normal.
14. Do I have to take the muscle relaxant: No, if you find that it’s not benefiting you and/or
it makes you feel sick, abnormal or sleepy, you can discontinue using.
15. I feel constipated/bloated: There are 3 over the counter items you can take for relief;
Colace (stool softener), Dulcolax (suppository laxative) or Magnesium Citrate (drink one
dose, and if you still haven’t had a bowel movement within 24 hours, call our office). If
you’ve tried all three and are still unsuccessful at having a bowel movement, you will
need to do an emena which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
16. What if I start my period right before surgery: You’re good to have surgery.
17. When can I start taking Ibuprophen: 2 weeks after surgery.
18. Is it normal to feel numb or over-sensitive: Yes, the feeling is normal and usually not
permanent. It should resolve on its own with time.
19. I have what looks like 2 cords under my breasts: This is normal. After surgery,
superficial veins can become inflamed. This will resolve with time.
20. Is it normal to hear a squeaking noise in my breast: Yes, this is normal and will
resolve with time.
21. How many follow up visits will I have: 3; one week after surgery, one month after
surgery and 3 months after surgery. If you have any concerns, we will have you come in
between those time frames also.
22. Do I have an implant warranty: Yes, the company (Sientra or Allergan) will help cover
some of the surgery center fees associated with a ruptured implant and they’ll cover the
full cost of the implant. The implant warranty is good for 10 years. After 10 years, the
patient is responsible for paying all surgery center fees, anesthesia, or surgeon fees.
23. When can I sleep on my side or stomach after surgery: We recommend sleeping on
your back with pillows under them like a beach chair. Upper body elevated. After the first
week, you can try sleeping on your side if it is comfortable. Dr. Rose doesn’t recommend
sleeping on your stomach, as this can cause the implants to displace under your arms.
24. When can I go swimming or take baths: 4 weeks post surgery. We would like you to
shower only (standing), no baths for the first 4 weeks. No chlorinated water, and no
soaking in the tub. Doing so could cause infections and also cause your tape to fall off
too soon.
25. When can I resume intimate relations: You can resume after one week post surgery,
as long as you’re very careful and you’re not feeling pain during.