If you dream of fuller, shapelier, and more proportionate breasts, a breast augmentation can make your dream come true. However, you may be concerned about what to expect during recovery. Our team is happy to provide you with helpful information so you can better understand the breast augmentation recovery process.
What To Expect After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation recovery will not be the same for everyone, but you can expect some general recovery milestones. Read on to find out what a typical recovery looks like.
The Day of the Procedure
Once you return home after your breast augmentation, you will likely feel groggy from the anesthesia. Plan to spend the day resting as needed, but you can stand up and walk around every few hours to keep blood circulating. You will wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 weeks.
Discomfort during the first few days is common, so make sure to have your supply of pain medication handy. Applying lightweight ice packs to your chest helps relieve swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Days 2 to 4
The morning after your surgery, you may wake up feeling very sore and stiff. Getting up and moving around will help. You can begin showering again at this point; just remember to thoroughly and gently pat your incisions dry afterward.
You may notice that your breasts feel tight and sit unnaturally high on your chest. This is partially due to post-surgical swelling, which will peak around Day 3 or 4. Continue to take pain medication and apply cold compresses as needed. Your plastic surgeon will also recommend sleeping on your back to minimize fluid buildup and to put less strain on your chest area.
Days 5 to 13
You should be feeling more like yourself by Day 5. Swelling and bruising decrease during this time, although your breasts will still feel tight and compressed. If you have stitches, your surgeon will remove them around Day 7. You might notice some itching or a burning sensation, but this is completely normal. Try to take short walks during this first week, but be on alert for any increase in discomfort or swelling.
While it’s a good idea to move your body every day to help with blood circulation, refrain from lifting heavy objects or even lifting your arms above your head. Lifting objects over your head may strain your incisions and cause bleeding or irritation.
Most people can return to work at this point.
Day 14
You have reached the 2-week mark and hopefully starting to see the results of your breast augmentation. Your incisions should be healing nicely, and your breasts will start to feel softer and more natural. Typically, you should not have much swelling or bruising after the 2-week mark, and you can stop wearing the surgical bra to bed at night.
You may notice some asymmetry in your breasts as one breast might start to “drop and fluff” faster than the other. Don’t be anxious; this is a common part of recovery and should improve as time goes by. You can resume low-intensity exercises like biking or lower-body workouts. Just make sure to avoid any activities that involve your chest muscles.
Day 30
You have reached the 1-month mark, and it’s time to show off your new figure! Your breasts should look and feel natural, with just a bit of firmness on the sides. You should feel much better and only experience the occasional twinge or shooting pain. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if you need to keep wearing a support bra.
After the 1-month mark, you should be ready for the pool or hot tub, provided your incisions are completely healed. You can also resume sleeping on your side, but sleeping on your stomach should wait a little longer.
Day 60
You are not fully healed yet, but you are on your way! After the 2-month mark, your surgeon will probably clear you to resume strenuous activities and upper body workouts. Get ready to show off your new breasts in a sundress or bikini! Any breast tightness and asymmetry should have significantly improved at this point.
If you want to read more about how breast augmentation works, check out this previous blog post.
Will I Have Scarring After Breast Augmentation?
Scarring is an inevitable part of breast augmentation, but there are ways to reduce the appearance of your scar. Typically, your breast implant scar will be determined by the placement of your incision. An inframammary incision follows the natural crease underneath your breast. The scar resulting from this type of incision is easily hidden under your clothing.
For more on how your choice of incision impacts your breast augmentation scar, check out this blog by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Other strategies to minimize scarring after your breast augmentation include:
- Sun protection
- Silicone scar creams and strips
- Diligent skin care
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of liquids
Following a healthy lifestyle before and after your breast augmentation can help with recovery and accelerate the healing process.
The recovery process for breast augmentation can be challenging, but with a supportive team behind you, you can navigate it like a pro! Women who come to our practice are thrilled with their breast augmentation results, as you can see in these before and after photos. If you want full and shapely breasts, request a consultation or call our Las Vegas practice at (702) 450-0777 to schedule an appointment.
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