Whether you’re in the early stages of planning breast surgery, or you’re all booked in and waiting for the big day of the procedure, it’s a wise idea to think about your recovery. 

From breast augmentation and mastopexy to breast reduction surgery, any form of ‘boob job’ comes with a recovery period. Your body will need to rest and recuperate, and it’s important to take time to adjust to your new appearance, too.
To help you get the best results from your procedure, here are some tips from one of the top breast surgery experts in Newcastle.

How long is the breast surgery recovery period?

Breast surgery recovery time is usually around six weeks. However, everyone is different and recovery time depends on various factors such as your type of surgery, your lifestyle, and your health. This timeline also refers to the incision healing and a reduction in tenderness — scarring can take a couple of years to fade. It’s also important to note that scarring will not always disappear completely. 

For more advice on reducing the appearance of breast surgery scars, please take a look at our breast surgery scar recovery guide.

The do’s and don’ts of breast surgery recovery

From when you can take a nice hot shower to how to sleep after breast surgery, here are our do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Rest, exercise, and activity

• Do book two weeks off work following your surgery if possible.
• Don’t exercise, lift any heavy objects, or carry out any strenuous upper body tasks for at least two weeks.
• Do get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Don’t do an upper body workout for at least six weeks. 
• Do listen to your body and ease back into your usual daily activity level.
• Don’t sleep on your stomach, as this can put pressure on your breasts, which will be feeling tender. It’s best to sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows.

Washing and water

• Do keep your chest and dressings dry for the first week after your procedure.
• Don’t bathe or shower for the first week to two weeks following your breast surgery.
• Do have someone nearby to support you (such as a partner) when you take your first bath or shower and to help with washing your hair.
• Don’t forget to check with your surgeon for advice on when they feel you are ready to resume your usual washing routine.

Food, pain relief and alcohol

• Do make sure you take any pain relief your breast surgeon prescribes as directed.
• Don’t mix your painkillers with alcohol, as this may result in side effects.
• Do stay hydrated, especially for the first few days after your breast surgery.
• Don’t drink alcohol for at least 48 hours after surgery, and try to limit your intake for the following six weeks while you recover.
• Do try to eat healthy, nourishing meals and snacks to help you build your strength as you recover.
• Don’t smoke tobacco for your recovery period — it can delay the healing process.

Clothing

• Do wear a surgical support bra for the first couple of weeks and then switch to a soft support bra for the rest of your breast surgery recovery.
• Don’t wear a regular bra for at least six weeks — it may take longer until you can comfortably wear an underwired bra.
• Do get your breasts measured so you can find comfortable bras for your new bust size.
• Don’t go braless for at least six weeks — your support bras help protect your breasts while the incisions heal and the breast tissue (and implants if you’ve had enlargement) settle.
• Do avoid bras and tops with harsh fabrics or embellishments until you feel fully recovered.

Sun exposure 

• Do layer up with SPF sunscreen if you’re going out in the sun towards the end of your recovery. We generally recommend avoiding direct sun exposure for a minimum of six months after your surgery.
• Don’t forget extra sunscreen on your scars when you do go out in the sun.
  Do avoid sun beds for at least six months after your breast enlargement, reduction, or other form of breast surgery.

Enhanced breast surgery recovery with Adam Critchley

At Adam Critchley, we are committed to making sure every individual’s boob job recovery is as smooth, stress-free, and efficient as possible.

Following your procedure, whether it’s a breast enlargement, implant revision, or any other form of surgery, you will always have a post-surgery review before returning to the comfortable clinic ward. (An overnight stay in one of our private, en-suite wards is included within your boob job price).

We’ll review your progress again the following morning before you are discharged. You’ll also pop back to visit us for dressing changes and follow-up appointments over the next couple of weeks so you can feel confident that your breasts are healing as they should.

Find a breast surgeon in Newcastle

If you’re based in the North East and are considering breast surgery, the Adam Critchley team is here to provide safe, professional, and effective results. Our surgeon has extensive medical training and over a decade of experience as a Consultant Breast Surgeon here in Newcastle. 
No matter what kind of surgery you’re looking for, we offer personalised services to help you feel comfortable and confident. Take a look at our breast surgery procedures, and get in touch to book a consultation.