the recovery
After surgery our recovery specialists will given post-op instructions. It is important to follow carefully. You will be provided with a script for medication, which you will need to purchase after surgery and instructions on when to take the medication over the days ahead. You will be discharged from hospital when your companion picks you up from the hospital. All patients must have a companion to stay with them for 72hours following surgery.
The first week after surgery you should stick to gentle day-to-day activities. This includes minimal house duties, no lifting, staying home as much as possible and sleeping in an elevated position. Commence postoperative exercise (instructions given post surgery).
In the second week of recovery try not to raise your blood pressure too much and still sleep in an upright position. Patients will also be required to attend a postoperative appointment at our office in week 2. this will be scheduled prior to surgery.
In week 2 patients may:
Commence a light walk
Return to work in week 2 if you have an office job with little physical activity
Avoid sexual intercourse
Start driving provided they are not taking any pain medication. We also recommend waiting 3 days for the medication to be out of your system.
Weeks 3 – 5 patients with more physical jobs can return to work.
In weeks 3-5 patients may:
Start getting into a light exercise routine, using lower body
Start doing more physical household duties
In weeks 6-8 patients may:
Commence normal exercise routine and duties. Please note, do not push yourself into being back into your pre surgery routines.
Swimming, bathing running, yoga, stretching, spin class and Pilates
Stop wearing compression bra (Textured Mentor implants)
At this stage patients are mostly fully recovered and sutures are absorbed. Patients should always wear a supportive bra when exercising or performing physical activity. For all patients with teardrop breast implants we recommend that you do not ever go back to using or exercising chest muscles heavily as teardrop implants can rotate.
In weeks 9-12 patients may:
Contact sport
Boxing and upper body exercise
Stop wearing compression bra (smooth Motiva implants)
What are the risks ?
Breast augmentation is not a perfect procedure and like any surgery, it does carry risks. We want all our patients to make an informed decision about their healthcare and chosen procedures, which is why we are upfront and honest about all aspects of this procedure including risks. At One, we are regularly researching how to minimise the possible risks during the procedure and our methods are now being adopted worldwide. Some possible risks of this procedure:
Capsular contraction is a capsule of scar tissue. This can become thickened and result in breast firmness. The exact cause is unknown but factors that may lead to this complication include seroma (development of extra fluid around the implant), haematoma, infection and smoking. Most cases will need further surgery.
The breast implant can interfere during a mammogram as it can hide suspicious-looking breast tissue, making it difficult to interpret results. At ONE we have a breast implant check clinic that is free to our patient’s post-procedure. Our clinic specialises in breast implant checks post procedure.
Sensation in the nipple can increase or decrease post procedure, it can also be temporary or permanent.
The implant can shift from its initial placement resulting in further surgery required. Breast implants can also rupture, this may result from natural ageing of the implant or excessive compression or trauma. Saline can be absorbed by the body. Silicon implant leaks are either intracapsular or extracapsular (into the breast tissue). As the gel is now the consistency of thick sticky toothpaste, it often remains in the implant even with a rupture.
Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
Fluid accumulation around the implant after surgery
Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
Changes in breast and nipple sensation
Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is pink, raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy. There are several possible sites for the incision. Discuss this with your surgeon
Inappropriate implant size
Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
Calcium deposits in the scar capsule around the implant
Granulomas, or lumps in local lymph node tissue formed by leaking silicone
Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
Reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, since an implant may hide breast tissue (and tumours) during a mammogram
Movement of the implants from their original position
Further surgery to treat complications
Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening