Breast Augmentation Surgery – Recovery Guide

The First Few Days After Surgery

• Rest quietly for the first several days.
• Start with easily digested foods and drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not drive for at least 24 hours, while taking opioid or sedating medication, or until you can comfortably perform an emergency stop and your surgeon has cleared you.
• Sleep with your upper body elevated.
• Walk indoors several times per day to encourage circulation.
• Avoid lifting, pushing, pulling, or stretching movements.

Drain Care

Some patients will have drainage tubes placed during surgery to remove fluid that collects beneath the skin.

• Drains typically remain in place for 1–3 days.
• Empty the drain bulb 1–2 times per day.
• Record drainage amounts as instructed.
• Drain removal timing is determined by your surgeon based on the amount, color, and trend of drainage. Do not remove the drain yourself.

Dressings and Showering

• Do not remove Steri-Strips covering the incision.
• Steri-Strips may get wet and usually fall off naturally after 2–4 weeks.
• You may generally shower 72 hours after surgery.
• Use lukewarm water only.
• Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and hot tubs.
• Pat the surgical area dry gently after showering.

Compression Bandage and Bra Progression

How Breast Implants Settle

It is completely normal for breast implants to appear high, firm, and unnatural during the first several weeks after surgery.

As swelling decreases and the surrounding tissues relax, the implants gradually settle into a more natural position. This process is often called "Drop and Fluff."

• The breasts may appear too high initially.
• The upper breast may look overly full.
• One side may settle faster than the other.
• The final shape may continue improving for several months.

Changes in Breast Shape and Sensation

Temporary changes are common during recovery.

• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Firmness.
• Temporary asymmetry.
• Numbness.
• Increased nipple sensitivity.
• Tingling sensations.
• Occasional sharp nerve pains.

These changes usually improve gradually over weeks and months.

Sleeping Position

• Sleep on your back during the first month.
• Keep your upper body elevated approximately 30–45 degrees.
• Avoid sleeping on your side.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Use pillows to maintain a comfortable position.

Activity Restrictions

Travel and Flying

• Short-distance travel is generally possible after surgery.
• International patients should remain in Korea for recommended follow-up visits.
• Walk frequently during long flights.
• Stay hydrated while traveling.
• Avoid carrying heavy luggage during early recovery.

Supporting Recovery and Reducing Complication Risk

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around an implant becomes unusually firm. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but careful follow-up can help identify changes early.

• Do not smoke.
• Follow all postoperative instructions carefully.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up visits.
• Wear your support bra as instructed.
• Report unusual firmness, pain, or distortion of the breast shape.

Dental Treatment

Evita Clinic generally recommends postponing elective dental treatment for approximately 2 months. If urgent dental care is required, inform both your dentist and surgeon. Do not delay treatment for a dental infection.

When to Contact Evita Clinic Immediately

• Rapid swelling of one breast.
• Severe pain not relieved by medication.
• A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
• Increasing redness.
• Foul-smelling drainage.
• Sudden breast distortion.
• Persistent or worsening firmness, pain, or a change in breast shape.

If you experience any concerning symptoms, contact the Evita Clinic medical team immediately.

Long-Term Implant Care

• Most patients with breast implants enjoy their results for many years without serious problems.
• Although breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, they do not need to be replaced on a fixed schedule if you are comfortable and there are no medical concerns.
• Keep your implant information card in a safe place and continue your usual breast health examinations.
• Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for checkups or imaging based on your implant type, symptoms, and individual needs.
• If you notice a persistent new change in breast shape, firmness, swelling, discomfort, or a lump, please contact the Evita Clinic medical team. Most concerns can be evaluated with a clinical examination or appropriate imaging.