Preparing for Breast Enhancement

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL

Please follow these instructions before and after your breast augmentation.

Preparing for surgery

To help your surgery go safely and support a smooth recovery, follow these instructions in the weeks leading up to your procedure:

  • Stop taking any blood-thinning medications, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Talk to your prescribing physician before stopping any medication.
  • Stop smoking cigarettes at least 6 weeks before surgery for your best chance of a healthy recovery.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight on the day of your surgery. This includes food, coffee, gum and mints. You may have clear liquids for up to two hours before your hospital arrival time.
  • If you have been instructed to take medications, take them with a small sip of a carbohydrate drink (sports drink or juice) or water.

Day of surgery

On the day of surgery, you will meet with the surgical team. You can discuss any last-minute questions or concerns you may have before surgery.

You will be taken to the operating room and receive anesthesia. Your surgical team will be with you throughout the procedure.

Once your surgery is finished:

  • You will spend 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room.
  • Your surgeon will meet with your family in a consultation room to discuss your surgery with them.
  • As you wake from anesthesia, you will be moved to a regular room. Your loved ones may be able to visit you for a short time before you go home. You can view current visitor policies at nm.org/visitors.

Post-surgical instructions

Pain and swelling management

  • Take your post-surgical medication as prescribed by your doctor.
  • If your doctor says it is OK, use a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel to help reduce pain and swelling. Only leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, then remove it for at least 20 minutes. You may damage your skin if the cold pack is left on too long. Repeat this as often as needed until the swelling starts to improve. Do not fall asleep with the cold pack on.
  • Swelling and bruising are normal following surgery. It will improve over the coming weeks and months. It may take a full year for all swelling to resolve.

Positioning and movement

  • Do not raise your arms over your head for the 1st week.
  • Sleep with pillows to keep your torso upright and reduce surgical swelling.
  • Do not sleep on your stomach/front for the first 2 months after surgery.

Hygiene and incision care

  • You may shower 48 hours after your surgery.
  • Do not swim, soak in a bath, use a hot tub or do other activities that cover your incisions with water until they are completely healed.
  • Once the Steri-Strips are removed by your surgeon, wash your incisions with soap and water. You may apply a petroleum-based ointment, such as Aquaphor or Vaseline, to the incisions.
  • If your provided surgical bra becomes dirty, you may wear a supportive bra. The bra should be supportive and not press on your implants. It is usually easiest to wear a bra that zips in the front.
  • Do not start scar care, such as silicone sheets, massage or scar creams, until 4 weeks after surgery.

Exercise and activity restrictions

  • Avoid vigorous activity and exercise as directed by your care team.
  • For the 1st 2 weeks, do not lift, push or pull more than 10 pounds.
  • Walk once per hour during the daytime to help prevent blood clots.
  • Talk to your doctor about light exercise, such as walking, that you can do until you are fully healed. On average, you should be able to return to full exercise without restrictions around 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery.
  • You may begin driving once you are no longer taking any prescription pain medication and can safely drive your vehicle.

1 week after surgery

You will meet with an advanced practice provider to check your healing progress. We will help you with any surgical needs, such as changing bandages, cleaning the incision site and managing your stitches.

2 weeks after surgery

You will meet with your physician to check how you are healing. You might have stitches and/or drains removed if needed, and your physician will give you care instructions. Your physician will also determine the timeline for your next follow-up appointment.

When to seek help

Call your physician right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • A temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher for 2 readings in a row taken 2 hours apart
  • New redness or swelling, increased pain, bad-smelling drainage or a large amount of bleeding
  • Severe pain or nausea
  • Unable to pee or poop
  • Pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your leg

Call 911 immediately if you have extreme chest pain or trouble breathing.