How long after a breast enlargement can I fly?
It is advised that you don't fly short haul for 4 weeks and long haul for 6 weeks following a breast augmentation, as this can cause ruptures and (deep vein thrombosis) DVT.
If you have any concerns about flying after a breast augmentation, we recommend you check with your surgeon or clinic nurse before flying after your surgery.
This is the case for both saline implants and silicone breast implants.
How long after a breast enlargement can I go abroad?
You are advised to wait at least 6 weeks before going on holiday abroad. You will need to discuss holiday plans with your surgeon and MYA clinical team who will be able to give you specific advice before you plan to travel.
How long after a breast enlargement can I run?
You must avoid strenuous activity following surgery.
High-impact running too soon after a breast augmentation can negatively impact the results and the drop and fluff process. It's recommended you stick to lower-impact exercises, like walking, until advised otherwise by your surgeon.
How long after a breast enlargement can I swim?
You will not be able to swim - including bathing and going in hot tubs - until you are advised it is safe to do so by your MYA surgeon and clinical team.
This is to help avoid infections from developing on and around the implant scar. If this does happen, it can impact the result, and in extreme cases, could require revision surgery.
How long after a breast enlargement can I drive?
As rest is an essential part of your recovery, driving is not recommended for up to 2 weeks following surgery.
Pain medication prescribed after breast augmentation surgery can cause drowsiness, and due to the swelling and stitches, you will have reduced movement. These factors can cause slower reactions, which can be extremely dangerous when behind the wheel.
If you have any concerns about the effects of pain medication after surgery, please contact your surgeon.
How long after a breast enlargement can I get bigger implants?
With any type of breast augmentation surgery, you must be completely healed and signed off by your cosmetic surgeon before undergoing any further surgery.
It takes up to 12 months for breast implants to fully settle on the chest and for scars to fully heal.
After this, you can undergo further breast surgery to enhance or reshape the breasts to your desired shape.
How long after a breast enlargement can I wear a normal bra?
After breast enlargement surgery, you're advised to wear your post-op bra for a minimum of six weeks. This doesn't just protect the scar tissue but also provides support and compression for the breast tissue.
However, after breast augmentation surgery, we recommend wearing a supportive bra until you're fully healed. In fact, most women wear their post-op bra or a sports bra months after they get signed off, as they prefer the added support, especially if they've had breast enlargement surgery.
It's important to be aware that after breast surgery, the breasts can change shape and size over the 12-month recovery period, so it's likely your bra size will change, too.
Check out our post-op bra size guide for more information.
How long after a breast enlargement can I go braless?
We're all about freeing the nipple here at MYA!
After breast implant surgery, your breasts will start to 'drop and fluff' over time. This can start at around 6 weeks, but takes up to 12 months for the final result to reveal itself. We recommend speaking to your surgeon if you have any concerns with going braless, and they'll be able to examine your breasts to make sure they've dropped and fluffed correctly.
Once your new boobs have settled and you feel comfortable going braless, we say go for it!
After all, if you've got it, flaunt it.
How long after a breast enlargement can I lift weights?
We understand that resting for so long after surgical procedures can get a bit boring, but it's vital you take it seriously for effective healing.
Getting back into the gym is great for physical and mental health, but it's important you take it slow to start with.
During your recovery, you will be advised to go on short, low-impact walks to get the blood flowing after the first few weeks. However, after around 6 weeks (and the advice of your surgeon), you'll be able to get back into a fitness regime.
Start with lighter weights than you're used to - like you're starting from the beginning. This can be frustrating, but after 6 weeks off, we doubt you’ll want to dive in headfirst anyway!
How long after a breast enlargement can I sleep on my front/side?
After breast enlargement surgery, you'll be advised to sleep upright for as long as you can, while your breast implants settle.
However, we know this can be frustrating if you're a side or front sleeper. So, after 6-12 weeks, your surgeon will be able to tell you if it's safe to do so.
If you sleep on your front or side too soon after the procedure, it can not only be painful, but it can also affect the final result.
How long after a breast enlargement can I get a mammogram?
A mammogram is a breast cancer screening given in the UK to women over the age of 50.
If you've recently been invited for a mammogram screening, it's recommended you wait at least 6 months before attending. We recommend you notify your doctor of your surgery so they can recommend a suitable date to make an appointment.
Many breast implant patients are often worried about whether they can get a mammogram with breast implants. Luckily, with newer technology, those with breast implants can have effective breast screenings.
How long after a breast enlargement can I tan?
When the sun's out, it's only natural you'll want to show off your new breasts, but you need to be careful.
Exposing the scar tissue to harmful sun rays can increase the pigmentation of the scar, making it appear darker - and in some cases, thicker. Covering up can help to prevent this, and also stop the skin on your chest from ageing prematurely, maintaining a firm and youthful look.
To protect your scars in the sun, make sure to wear a high, broad-spectrum sun cream (no less than SPF50) on your scars and cover up when you can. We recommend a sunblock stick for easy yet thorough application.
Take a look at our blog - Life after surgery: How to enjoy the sun safely - for more information.
Note: this is not an exhaustive list; your Surgeon and healthcare team at MYA will provide you with further information about your pre and post-operative care and advice.
