Knowing what to expect during the breast augmentation recovery period is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. Every patient’s timeline for healing may be different, but following the same process and advice post-surgery can help create great results. Proper self-care during recovery is key for an attractive outcome with your implants.
After undergoing a breast augmentation, it’s important to understand the phases of healing after your operation. Before you decide to undergo the surgery, make sure you know how long it will take to recover fully and when you can return to your regular activities. Additionally, learn how to reduce bruising around your breasts during recovery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing implants behind the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase the size and shape of the breasts. It can also be used to restore volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss, mastectomy or aging. The implants are made of either silicone gel or saline solution and come in various sizes and shapes.
What You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation Recovery
Different people may have different recovery times after breast augmentation, but the general advice for patients to follow remains the same. We use a holistic approach and take steps to prepare our patients two weeks prior to their procedure for a successful recovery.
The typical recovery period after a breast augmentation is six to eight weeks, although this timeline can vary significantly depending on the person. Certain techniques, such as holistic healing and organic supplements, may help speed up recovery time and reduce bruising.
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Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
Based on your case, your surgeon will give you more detailed information on how long your recovery will take. Generally, here is what to expect in the recovery process following surgery:
Immediately Following Surgery
Shortly after your breast implant procedure, the effects of the sedatives you were given will still be noticeable. You will awaken from surgery in a recovery space where you can slowly return to consciousness under medical oversight. You may feel tender or off balance, and you may experience musculature stress. As your muscles rest and extend, the tightness will abate, but you should still make certain to tell your recuperation nurse if you experience pain.
A Few Hours Following Surgery
After your breast augmentation surgery procedure, you should plan to spend a couple of hours in the recovery room before being discharged. You will need someone – a friend or family member – to drive you home. You must have a guardian to take custody and stay with you for the day upon release.
Your doctor will provide support for your chest area by applying a supportive bra or an elastic band. Before you leave, your doctor will explain the proper after care needed to ensure optimal recovery.
Day One and Two Post-Surgery
Following surgery, it is important to relax and allow your body to recuperate. To help with recovery, go for short walks or do light activities to get the blood flowing every few hours, but avoid strenuous arm movements, heavy lifting or excessive physical activities.
Three to Five Days Post Surgery
After surgery, you may feel a bit of pain and soreness in the area where you had the procedure. We can recommend medication to help with this discomfort. Keep in mind that some minor bleeding around the incision is normal. If you have any concerns, always call your surgeon.
After One Week of Recovery
By the fifth day of recovery, you will feel a decrease in pain and can switch to over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. After a week, some patients may receive permission from their surgeon to return to light activities.
One Month into Recovery
At the final phase of the post-operation recovery, individuals will likely be allowed to return to half of their usual activity. During weeks two, three and four after surgery, you could still feel slight discomfort and puffiness, but the most difficult portion has passed. Keep on abstaining from physically challenging activities, particularly those that involve lifting heavy things. If you have a very hands-on or physically demanding job, anticipate taking as much as three weeks of time off.
Two Months Post-Recovery
You should be reaching total recuperation between six and eight weeks after your medical procedure. At this time, the implants will have settled into their correct position and a new “envelope” of tissue will start to form around the implants beneath the breast and muscle tissues. Advise your physician if you still feel incapable of resuming normal activities after two months. Every person’s body repairs itself at a different rate, and your specialist will inform you when you can take on everyday activity again.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to set up a consultation!
