Alternate Names
Breast augmentation - discharge; Breast implants - discharge; Implants - breast - discharge; Breast lift with augmentation - discharge; Breast reduction - discharge
When You Were in the Hospital
You had cosmetic breast surgery to change the size or shape of your breasts. You probably were under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). Or you had local anesthesia (awake and pain-free). Your surgery took at least 1 or up to several hours, depending on the type of procedure you had.
You woke up with a gauze dressing or surgical bra around your breast and chest area. You may also have drainage tubes coming from your incision areas. Some pain and swelling is normal after the anesthesia wears off. You may also feel tired. Rest and gentle activity will help you recover. Your nurse will help you begin to move around.
You may spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital, depending on the type of surgery you had.
What to Expect at Home
It is normal to have pain, bruising, and swelling of the breast or incisions after you get home. Within a few days or weeks, these symptoms will go away. You may have a loss of sensation in your breast skin and nipples after surgery. Sensation may return over time.
You may need help with your everyday activities for a few days until your pain and swelling decrease.
Incision scars may take several months to over a year to fade.