What’s Breast Augmentation Recovery Really Like?

Recovery Tips and Timeline After Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures because it has such a dramatic impact on the way patients look and how they feel about their appearance. Before having their procedure, many patients want to know what to expect from the recovery period after breast augmentation.

Before your breast augmentation procedure is scheduled, our team will give you detailed information about what you can expect in the days and weeks following surgery. And of course we’ll be here to answer any questions you may have, both prior to your surgery and as you recover.

That said, we understand that learning about breast augmentation recovery is an essential part of your research as you consider plastic surgery. To help you feel confident and well-informed about your decision to have breast augmentation, we’ve put together this blog post full of candid information about the recovery process.

Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Step-by-Step

Each patient recovers from surgery at their own body’s pace. The amount of time it takes to recover after breast augmentation will vary slightly from patient to patient, but the general timeline is universal. Here’s what you can expect with each phase of your recovery.

The First Day

Immediately after your surgery, you will remain at our surgery center for a few hours as the anesthesia wears off and your initial recovery is monitored. Soon, you’ll be ready to be driven home. You will be asked not to lift your arms and to avoid unnecessary activity, which won’t be a problem because all you’ll want to do is rest. In between naps, you should get up and walk a little.

It’s normal to feel some discomfort in the first 24 hours after breast augmentation. We’ll prescribe pain medication, and it may help you to know that this will ease soon.

The First Week

Any pain should gradually subside in the days following your surgery, but you may feel some tenderness or discomfort for a few days. Many of our patients are able to switch to over-the-counter pain medication within the first week. You should feel comfortable getting back to some of your normal activities at this time, but will still need to hold off lifting as your breast implants settle into place.

Weeks 3-4

By this time, you should be feeling much better! You’ll be back to most of your normal activities, though your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to engage in activities that significantly impact your upper body. You’ll still be wearing your surgical bra, and may still see some bruising.

Weeks 4-6

This is when you’ll really feel like you’re back to your normal self. You’ll also notice that your breast implants have settled, so your breasts will look more natural. Recovery is mostly behind you at this point, and you’ll be excited to get into some of those new tops we know you bought!

How You Can Optimize Your Recovery

Some discomfort and swelling is a normal part of recovery after surgery. Keep in mind that we are here to help you through the recovery period and any pain will subside shortly. During your recovery there are a few things you can do to help your recovery be as quick and comfortable as possible, while also optimizing your results:

Finally, an absolutely essential part of the recovery process after your breast augmentation is to attend all of your follow-up appointments. These visits are about so much more than examining your breasts and assessing your healing. Face-to-face visits with your surgeon and our care team help reassure you that what you are feeling is normal and expected. These visits are also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and get the personal support and treatment that makes Associates in Plastic Surgery stand out from the rest.