Merchant City Medical Group offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, from our state of the art clinics throughout the UK & Europe.

Breast Implants Aftercare

Following your breast implant surgery at Merchant City Medical Group, we provide clear aftercare guidance to support your recovery and help you understand what to expect. This information offers general advice suitable for most patients; however, recovery times vary, and your consultant’s personalised instructions should always be followed.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

Before you leave the hospital

MEDICATIONS

You will be provided with painkillers before discharge. These will usually include strong painkillers such as dihydrocodeine.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS FOR DRESSING CLINICS

You will be handed a card with details of your first follow-up appointment and contact details for the ward if you have any concerns once you get home. Have someone to take you home and a responsible adult with you for the first night.

Breast Augmentation instructions

  • Have someone drive you home after surgery.
  • Get plenty of rest to aid your recovery.
  • Discomfort and pain are common in the first few days, especially if implants are placed under the muscle.
  • Temporary numbness, soreness, tightness, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity around the breasts and incision sites are normal.
  • One breast may feel different or more painful than the other; this is usually not a cause for concern if breast size is similar.
  • Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
  • Light blood staining on dressings during the first week is not unusual.
  • Mood changes can occur during recovery and are normal.
  • Swelling and bruising typically settle over 1–2 weeks.
  • Begin gentle walking as soon as possible to help reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots.
  • Maintain a balanced diet, increase fluid intake, and include fibre-rich foods to help prevent constipation.

When Can I Return to Work?

If your job is office-based or non-physical, returning to work may be possible at the start of the second week after surgery. For more physically demanding roles, it is usually recommended to wait until the end of the second week. Your consultant will provide personalised advice based on your recovery and the nature of your work.

Wound Care Instructions

You will have a nurse appointment at the end of the first week to remove the outer dressings. The nurse will check your wounds, ensure your recovery is progressing well, and answer any questions you may have. The paper tapes (Steri-Strips) covering the incisions are usually left in place, and you may continue to shower with these on.

Begin moisturising your incisions using a plain moisturising cream such as Aveeno or E45, or a product like Bio-Oil, as advised by your clinical team.

You may start using micropore tape (e.g. 3M Micropore), available from most pharmacies, to support scar healing. The tape can be worn while showering.

Apply the tape for 3–5 days, then remove it and moisturise the scars for 1–2 days before reapplying the tape. Continue this cycle—tape for 3–5 days, moisturise for 1–2 days—for at least four months.

If the micropore tape causes any irritation, discontinue its use and continue with moisturising alone.

Activities After Ear Correction Surgery

You may shower, but avoid soaking your dressings. If the outer dressing comes off, don’t worry; the Steri-Strips over your incisions will stay in place and can get wet.

Sleep on two or three pillows for comfort. Avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least three weeks. After that, you can sleep in any position that feels comfortable.

 

Wear loose, easy-to-remove clothing and avoid tight tops. A support bra is essential for proper healing.

 

Avoid smoking for at least two weeks, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

 

Refrain from alcohol while taking pain medications. It’s also advised to avoid alcohol for up to three weeks post-surgery, as it can contribute to fluid retention and swelling.

It’s best to wait at least 4–5 days before driving, especially if you are still on pain medication.

Limit arm movements for the first two days. Do not use your arms to lift yourself or any heavy objects. Avoid strenuous activity or anything that increases your blood pressure for 3–4 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for at least two months.

Check with your airline and insurance provider before flying, as regulations and flight durations may impact your ability to travel. For medium to long-haul flights (3-12 hours), wait at least two weeks post-surgery. For short-haul flights (under 3 hours), you may fly around one week after surgery. To reduce the risk of DVT, drink plenty of water, wear TED stockings, and move around during the flight.

Follow-up

You will attend a specialist nurse clinic one week after surgery to have your outer dressings removed.

A follow-up appointment with your surgeon will take place six months after surgery to assess the outcome and address any concerns you may have.

 

If you have concerns before your six-month appointment, feel free to contact us. We’re often able to assist you by phone or email. If you prefer an in-person consultation, you can book an additional appointment at no extra cost before your six-month follow-up.

When to Call

  • If you experience increased swelling or bruising that isn't settling.
  • If you notice swelling in one or both legs, or feel short of breath (this could indicate a clot in your veins or lungs, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism).
  • If you notice increased redness along the incision (may indicate infection).
  • If one breast becomes significantly more swollen than the other.
  • If you notice increased redness along the incision, which may indicate infection.
  • If you experience severe or increasing pain that isn't relieved by medication.
  • If you have side effects from medications, such as a rash, nausea, headache, or vomiting.
  • If your temperature rises above 38°C.
  • If you notice persistent yellowish or greenish discharge from the incisions.
  • If you have any concerns, please contact the hospital where your procedure was performed.
If you are concerned, please contact the hospital where you had your procedure performed.

Excellence Record

Merchant City Medical Group is proud to be one of the leading providers of Hair Transplant Surgeries and Medical Aesthetics within the UK and Europe. With our extensive team of expert surgeons, nurse practitioners and consultants, you will be met with the utmost dedication and compassion throughout your journey with us.
  • 30+ Years of combined experience
  • 10 + Experts
  • 1000 + Satisfied Patients

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