Breast Augmentation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Breast augmentation is surgery to insert breast implants. This surgery will increase the size and change the shape of your breasts. A breast implant has an outer silicone shell and an inner filling. The filling may be saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Breast implants come in different shapes and sizes and may be adjustable.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You feel something bulge out of your chest and it does not go back in.
- You have pain or swelling in your chest or underarm that does not go away.
- Your incision is draining blood or pus, or has a foul-smelling odor.
- Your shoulder, arm, or fingers feel numb, tingly, cool, or look pale.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have redness, pain, or discharge where the drain was inserted.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest your upper body. Do not lift, pull, or push objects until your surgeon says it is okay.
- Wear the medical support bra as directed. This will help hold the implants in place. You may need to wear the bra all day and night. A lightweight band may also be used.
- Ask about breast massage. Your surgeon may want you to massage your breasts. This will depend on what type of implant was used and where it was placed. Breast massage may help an implant to move where it needs to go. Do not massage your breasts unless your surgeon says it is okay.
- Care for your surgery area as directed. You may need to do a sponge bath for several days to keep the surgery area clean and dry.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
You will need to return to have your surgery area checked and drain or stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
