Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure that enlarges or shapes the breasts by placing implants underneath the tissue. This procedure has risen in popularity as it helps patients improve their body shape and strengthens confidence. However, recovery time is often underestimated. A smooth recovery is vital for achieving the best results possible.
For those looking to undergo a breast augmentation, there can be a good amount of fear and anxiety about what comes after the surgery. This recovery guide will highlight the best ways to take care of yourself and ensure that your surgery results are exactly what you want. Recovery will differ from patient to patient, but this timeline will provide you with the general procedures to follow.
Page Topics
Preparation Before Surgery
Preparing for Recovery
When prepping for post-op recovery, you’ll want certain essentials ready when you come back home. Supplies you should have include:
- Loose and comfortable clothing
- Supportive bras (breathable material with good support and cup coverage – no underwires!)
- Ice packs
- Any medications you take regularly
It’s tough to move around within the first 48 hours after surgery, so make sure you have a friend or partner nearby to help you.
Mental Preparation
Anxiety and stress can have direct effects on your recovery. It’s good to have a relaxed state of mind for a healthy recovery. Set the expectation that there will be a lot of downtime and discomfort as you recover. But remember that these are temporary conditions that will steadily change over time. How you look and feel on day one of recovery will not be the same as day 100. Give it time.
Week 1: Immediate Post-Operative Phase
Day 1-2: The First 48 Hours
It’s normal to feel groggy after the anesthesia wears off. Certain prescribed medications can also cause grogginess. If pain becomes too much, tell your plastic surgeon immediately to make the necessary adjustments. If you are provided surgical dressings for your incisions, please follow the instructions given by the surgeon of when you should and should not take them off.
Change your sleeping arrangements to stay comfortable. Use pillows to keep your upper body elevated, which helps reduce swelling. It’s important to keep your feet elevated above your heart as well. Additionally, sleep on a mattress that supports spinal alignment to avoid applying pressure to your breasts.
Days 3-7
It’s normal to feel some tightness in your chest after the first few days. Bruising around the incision site is also normal.
During this period, you’ll want to start performing light exercises. By doing so, you keep your blood circulating, preventing the risk of clotting. Light movements like a walk around the house or slow, gentle arm exercises work the best. Massage your breasts according to your surgeon’s instructions to prevent complications like capsular contracture.
Don’t skip medication and don’t overuse your arms during this period. Any pain should begin to subside after the first week.
Week 2: Transitioning Back to Routine
Healing Milestones
At week two, you should notice reduced swelling and soreness. You may be able to return to your regular job or perform light work at this point, but doing so should always be done with caution. During this period, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
Tips for This Stage
Keep avoiding any strenuous activities or heavy lifting. Actions like these can shift breast implants and cause additional pain. It’s best to avoid raising your arms overhead as this prevents any strain on the chest area.
Continue following your post-operative care instructions from your surgeon. This might include wearing a supportive bra at all times of the day.
Emotional Well-Being
On the mental side of things, it is normal to start feeling impatient or concerned about your breasts not looking the way you want. You may notice problems like uneven swelling or the implants sitting too high. No need to worry, as these issues subside as the recovery period continues. The best things come to those who wait.
Weeks 3-4: Gradual Increase in Activity
Recovery Progress
By this stage, most of the breast swelling and bruising should have subsided, and your overall energy levels are likely improving. As your discomfort decreases, it’s normal to transition away from pain medication and return to your usual routine. However, always consult your surgeon or healthcare provider for clearance before making this change. Just because you feel good enough doesn’t mean you should deviate from your surgeon’s instructions.
Exercise Guidelines
Walking is a great way to get back into an exercise routine. Avoid workouts that focus on working on the chest area as these can directly affect the placement of your implants and irritate incisions. Avoid swimming, push-ups, or weight lifting.
Appearance Updates
If your implants are sitting high on your chest, don’t worry. They will “drop and fluff” as time goes on. This means the implants will gradually settle into a more natural position.
You may notice that the area around your nipples is feeling sensitive and the skin is still tight. This feeling may linger but will gradually improve over time.
Tip: Continue wearing supportive bras and avoid anything with an underwire. The underwire can rub against and irritate the incision areas, risking swelling and infections.
Weeks 5-6: Resuming Normal Activities
Increased Activity
At this point, you’ll have experienced sufficient recovery. With the approval from your surgeon, you can return to more intensive physical activities like certain upper-body exercises. When selecting exercises, make sure to steer clear of movements or exercises like heavy lifting that could cause strain on your incisions or displacing your implants.
Appearance Adjustments
Your breasts should now be settling into a natural position and shape. While this is occurring, it is normal for a small amount of swelling to persist.
Final Incision Healing
The incisions should now be completely healed. To care for your scars, use ointments or silicone sheets. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight, but if in certain circumstances, use sunscreen on the incision area.
Tip: Remember to keep consistent communication with your surgeon. Report any unusual changes that occur during your recovery such as sudden redness or asymmetrical breasts.
Months 3-6: The Final Stages of Healing
Long-Term Recovery
Your breasts should continue through the drop and fluff process, reaching their final shape and position. Most of the swelling from the prior periods should be completely gone, allowing a much more accurate picture of the final results.
Scar Management
It can take a long time for scars to fade—and sometimes they don’t completely go away. But there are ways to minimize them. Regularly massage the area to increase blood flow and apply medical-grade silicone every day. For additional care tips, It is always best to ask for your surgeon’s advice for your specific scars.
Emotional Outlook
Healing is a gradual process that will always vary from person to person. On your healing journey, make sure to celebrate your progress as your augmentation is showing its final results. You have come a long way since the first two days of recovery. It’s always important to remember that this change is just another part of what makes you unique.
Common Concerns During Recovery
Pain Management
During recovery, it is normal to feel certain sensations such as a tightness or sensitivity in your chest. These sensations are normal parts of your new implants settling into their natural position.
Certain sensations do warrant contacting your surgeon right away such as:
- Sudden sharp pain that doesn’t go away with medication
- Bleeding from your incision
- Signs of infection include red streaks from incision or a fever
These instances indicate that your health and safety are at risk so seeking professional medical assistance should be prioritized.
Swelling and Asymmetry
In some cases, one of your breasts may heal faster or slower than the other resulting in unevenness. It’s best to set the expectation that problems like these are only temporary and that your implants will find their natural position in around two months. If swelling persists, contact your surgeon.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Seek immediate medical assistance if you start experiencing issues such as:
- Persistent sharp pain
- Incision bleeding or discharge
- Infection (fever, draining from incision)
- Blood clot (pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or the groin)
- Loosened stitching
These issues indicate that something has gone wrong with your recovery process and should be addressed by a medical professional.
Psychological Adjustments
It is completely normal to feel doubtful or anxious about your breasts during recovery. It’s best to have a good support system for your loved ones around you. Even seeking people in similar circumstances online such as forums or Facebook groups can give you a bigger picture of your journey.
Take On Your Recovery With Dr. Mazaheri
If you are considering a breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mazaheri. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Mazaheri offers a wide range of breast procedures.
With 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon and 1,000+ surgeries performed, Dr. Mazaheri is Scottsdale’s trusted surgeon for any procedure. Not sure if breast augmentation is right for you? Discuss your options with Dr. Mazaheri, including procedures such as breast lifts.
Schedule a consultation online or give Dr. Mazaheri a call at (480) 951-4343.
Dr. Mazaheri is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After more than sixteen years of education and advanced training, Dr. Mazaheri opened his Scottsdale practice in 2003. He is a thorough and experienced surgeon with a strong focus on achieving patient needs. Dr. Mazaheri’s areas of specialty include breast and body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, mastopexy, tummy tucks, liposuction and other body sculpting procedures. He and his friendly staff will only recommend procedures that will help you achieve your desired results. Focusing on your needs both before and after a procedure is Dr. Mazaheri’s top priority.
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