Post Operative Care: Breast Augmentation

AFTER SURGERY

BREAST MASSAGE: Once the initial surgical pain has decreased, moving (massaging) the implants within the breast pockets may decrease the possibility of capsular contraction. The nursing staff will demonstrate how this is to be done.

POSITION: During the first week, attempt to sleep on your back instead of on your side. We want your implants to stay in a perfect position during the initial healing process. This is not a “life and death” issue, however. If you cannot sleep on your back, sleep in another comfortable position.

ACTIVITY: Avoid heavy lifting and straining for two weeks minimum. You may however do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can do or not do.

DRESSINGS: The bra acts as a “dressing,” holding the breasts and implants in perfect position. Try to keep the bra “even.” If the bra feels too tight or hurts, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. A bra that is too tight can cause ulceration of the skin – DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! We want you to wear a bra at all times for two weeks. After 2 weeks, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for 4-6 weeks after surgery. It is probably more comfortable not to wear underwire bra.

SHOWERING AND BATHING: You may shower the day after your surgery. If you prefer to bathe, do not allow the incision lines to soak for more than a few minutes in the bath water. Leave the adhesive strips (steri-strips) on your skin. (Do take your bra off while you bathe.)

SUTURES: Dr. Zubowski will remove the sutures below your skin 10-20 days after surgery.

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT: Scars take at least one year to fade completely. During this time, you must protect them from the sun. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and can cause damage. Wear sunscreen with the skin-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 at all times when in the sunshine. Be extremely careful if areas of your breast skin have reduced sensitivity.

EXERCISE: You may take gentle walks within a few days. Do not run aerobic exercise for 3 weeks.

DRIVING: You may drive when driving does not cause pain. This usually occurs in 4-6 days if you have a car with power steering.

LONGER TERM

ACTIVITY/SPORTS: We want you to avoid straining or any aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Do not resume strenuous exercise for 3 to 4 weeks. Dr. Zubowski will give you clearance to increase your activities according to the progress of your recovery.

DRIVING: You may resume driving when you feel you are able, but wait at least 2 days after surgery. Keep in mind that you must have full use of your reflexes. If pain will inhibit them, then don’t drive!

SEXUAL ACTIVITY: you may enjoy sexual activity as your body allows with the following restriction: please reread Activity/Sports above and apply the same concept to sex.

SUN EXPOSURE: If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade. Sunscreen can help. Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb – you might not feel a “sunburn” developing!

WORK: Follow whatever plan you and Dr. Zubowski have agreed upon.

“I am in my 76th year. Anything you see that does not look 76, is because Dr. Zubowski is a perfectionist. He takes his time and you feel so at ease. I felt very confident that whatever he would do would be perfect for me. To say I recommend Dr. Zubowski is an understatement.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“Dr. Zubowski and his team CHANGED MY LIFE! I never thought in a million years I would be this confident with my body, but here I am, loving myself! I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“Recommending Dr. Zubowski is a no brainer for me because he doesn’t treat just the issue you’re going to see him for, he treats your entire you. The entire person.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“I highly recommend Dr. Zubowski if you want to see someone who is experienced, who is easy to talk to, and who does great work.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski for over 15 years. Every procedure I have had, big and little, they have all been unfailingly caring and I’m very happy here.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“They’re wonderful. You’re just in great hands. From reception, to beauty, to Dr. Zubowski, it’s amazing.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“Dr. Zubowski said to me, ‘The skin on your face, the fat placement on your face is still very good, but your neck is not going to snap back because of your age and it lost elasticity,’ so right then and there, I said, ‘Okay, let’s do a facelift.’”

– Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo
Read the Page Six article

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski’s for several years and very happy with the procedures I’ve had with him. Professional, honest and careful to impart information so expectations are realistic. The staff puts you at ease and care is top notch.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“The facilities at the Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic Surgery are absolutely beautiful. It was very reassuring and impressive to see such a beautiful place. Everyone was so comforting, reassuring, and kind.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“Dr. Zubowski is an artist, he’s changed my life. Whatever he tells me, I value his opinion and I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“I continue coming back to Dr. Zubowski because everything he’s done in the past was exactly how I wanted to feel at the end result. Dr. Zubowski is obviously a very talented surgeon, but he’s also very personable.”

– Monika
Patient for 25 years

“I’ve been coming to The Robert Zubowski Center for over 10 years. I drive more than 2 hours because they are worth it. I’m thrilled with my surgical results and the continuous skin care. I would never consider switching to another practice.”

– Beverly
Patient for 10+ years