Showering After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation or ‘boob job’ is a popular cosmetic procedure. Patients who choose this procedure often do to feel more comfortable with their breasts. Others do it to boost their confidence. Whatever your reason for having the procedure, post-surgical care knowledge is vital. Showering after breast augmentation can help you to feel normal after surgery; here’s how to do it safely following the procedure. 

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Augmentation mammoplasty, or breast augmentation, increases the size of your breasts through implants. The breast implants are inserted under the breast tissue. It ends up changing their shape or increasing their size. Breast augmentation is also done to correct breast unevenness. 

What Happens in Your Breast Augmentation Recovery?

After the procedure, your breasts will have visible scars that should fade over time. You will also experience bruising, swelling and soreness for the first few weeks. Normally, recovery after breast augmentation takes about 6 to 8 weeks. This, however, differs depending on how the body heals and your health in general. 

As you are recovering, you will need to wear a compression bra or bandage. It ensures that the implants don’t shift as you heal and reduce the swelling. Your surgeon might also prescribe some medication to help with the pain and swelling. For the best results, you must follow all your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. 

Breast Enlargement Recovery Time 

Breast Augmentation Recovery Week by Week

For the first two weeks, avoid engaging in very strenuous activities. Avoid also any activity that might raise your blood pressure or heart rate. Don’t lift heavy objects as well until your doctor says it’s okay. If you don’t have a very demanding job, you might be in a position to resume work in a few weeks. 

Breast Augmentation Recovery Stages Pictures 

Before and after breast augmentation 340cc ERSD Motiva subfascial
Before and after breast augmentation 375cc RSF Motiva + doughnut breast lift

How Painful is Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Breast enlargement using implants is a significant surgery. You can expect to feel the most discomfort in the first few days following your procedure. Your chest and breasts will likely feel sore as the anaesthesia wears off. The swelling and feeling of tightness typically worsen in the first 3 days, then starts to stabilise. Over the next couple of weeks, it will start to go down. You should expect most swelling to go in a couple of months. 

Sometimes the plastic surgeon may insert drainage tubes or absorbable sutures. These need extra care and follow-up appointments. If you notice any redness or your breasts feel warm to the touch, it could be a sign of an infection. You should see your plastic surgeon immediately. 

Call them if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath during your recovery. If you follow all your post-operative instructions, your breast should heal just fine.

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery: Showering After Breast Augmentation

The biggest concern that most people have is when they can go back to normal activities like showering. All breast surgeries including augmentation mammoplasty require incisions. How well you heal will depend on how well you care for these incisions. Caring for the incisions reduces your chances of developing visible scarring. There are several ways you can do that.

The first thing you need to make sure of is that your incisions don’t get wet or dirty. It means avoiding bathtubs, swimming pools or other water bodies. 

After your procedure, the incisions take about 48 hours to close completely. During that period, even showering is not recommended. This is because showering after breast augmentation too soon could open up the incisions. It increases your risk of infections. 

If the incisions open before healing begins, you also risk developing thicker scars. As such, you are better off holding off showering for at least 48 hours.

You can shower after 24 hours, but 48 hours is ideal. After the first 24 hours, you can remove the dressings except for the steri-strips or skin tapes the surgeon uses to cover the incisions. 

How to Shower After Breast Augmentation Surgery 

Showering will be one of a handful of times that you remove your post-operative bra. Before you jump in the shower, remove the bra. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to wash properly. It’s a good idea to have someone help you, especially in the first few days. If possible, put a stool in the shower so that you can sit if necessary. 

Make sure that you remove the dressing before you take a shower to reduce your infection risk. Gently wash over the stitches and steri-strips. After showering, blot your breasts dry with a clean towel. The reason for this is to avoid disturbing the incisions. 

Although it’s tempting to dive into a hot and relaxing bath, it’s important that you allow your incisions to heal a little more. It’s essential that you only shower for your initial recovery and keep the temperature to a tepid level, nothing too hot. Always make sure that you blot dry the breasts after washing. 

It’s best to avoid complete submersion in a bathtub until 4-6 weeks. The general guideline is to wait to have a bath until your wounds have been assessed and your doctor gives you the green light. The same applies to swimming, jumping into a jacuzzi, or heading to the beach. It’s important to wait for your incision sites to heal before fully submerging them in water. On average, you can expect to wait at least one month before doing anything that involves submerging in water. 

After one month, you should be able to resume normal activities like easing back into light exercise and taking a bath. Full recovery from breast augmentation takes about 6 weeks. Your doctor will advise on what you can and can’t do based on your individual recovery

Breast Augmentation London at The Harley Clinic

Knowing what to expect after your breast augmentation surgery will be vital in your recovery. Talk to your plastic surgeon so that you are better prepared for the recovery process. And when you have the procedure, make sure you follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter.  

Book a consultation today at The Harley Clinic to start your breast augmentation journey. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to prepare for your cosmetic surgery consultation

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *