Breast Augmentation Recovery Process

Breast Augmentation Recovery Process

Recovering from your breast augmentation surgery consists of a post-surgical breast augmentation recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an added reduced-activity duration of a few weeks.  Most patients are up and moving around hours after their surgery and able to move relatively well by the next day.  There is very little if any required “bedrest” after a simple augmentation.  You will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks.  Pain medication may be needed for the first few days after the procedure, but rarely for longer than a week.

Workouts and typical daily activity can resume at the direction of your cosmetic surgeon but in general can resume without limitation by 6 weeks. Your surgeon may request you avoid certain exercises that involve the chest muscles if the implants are placed behind the pectoralis muscle.   In time, post-surgical swelling will subside and the implants will settle which could take 6 months or longer.  Incisions will usually fade but may take 1-2 years to completely fade to a thin line.

You will be given specific directions that may possibly include the following:

How to look after your breasts following breast augmentation recovery, medicines to apply or take orally to assist healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with your surgeon.

Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect throughout your breast augmentation recovery process.

• Where will I be taken after the surgery is over?
• What medicine will I be provided or recommended after surgery?
• Will I have bandages after my surgery? When will I get them off?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I return to my daily routine and normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or uncommon heart rhythm, look for clinical attention instantly. During the first few days, bleeding or a hematoma can develop which needs to be addressed immediately.  Infection is a rare occurrence and usually will take at least 5 days to develop symptoms which include pain, redness, fever, or unusual drainage from the incision.  Should any of these complications happen after breast augmentation, you may need hospitalization and extra treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgical treatment is not an exact science. Although good outcomes are typical, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it would not be possible to accomplish optimum augmentation with a single surgery and another surgery would be needed.

Follow your doctor’s orders
Following your doctor’s instructions about breast augmentation recovery is key to the success of your procedure. Breast augmentation recovery tips is necessary that the surgical incisions are not subjected to abrasion, excessive force, or motion during the time of healing. Your physician will give you specific directions on ways to take care of yourself.

Breast Augmentation Post Operative Instructions