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Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Week by Week
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries. Fortunately, it also comes with a very manageable recovery—particularly compared to other breast surgeries that remove skin and tissue or more extensive body contouring procedures.
Still, it’s important to understand the recovery period to aid in your healing and help mitigate any feelings of anxiety surrounding the process.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
While most patients feel back to normal within two to three months, others can take four to six months.
Every woman is different.
First Week
Day of Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure—you go home the same day. Because your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, you must make arrangements to have someone drive you home.
It’s also important to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. This is for safety, assistance and comfort. You should also get up and walk around when you feel up to it even on this first day.
Days 2 to 5
In general, most of the discomfort experienced after surgery is within the firt few days. By day four and five, many patients are feeling relatively comfortable. Tylenol is usually the only analgesic needed at this point in time.
Your surgical dressing will be replaced with a surgical compression garment—a supportive, front-clasp bra— around the second or third day. This will provide structural support and greater comfort for your healing breasts. It’s important to wear this day and night for a few weeks after surgery.
It is important to be up and around in moderation as soon as possible following your surgery–for many reasons. Taking short walks or moving around your house/apartment will help minimize the risk of blood clots. You should limit upper extremity activities. This includes not engaging in most household chores live vacuuming, doing the dishes, taking out the garbage, lifing a child or pet, etc.
Weeks 2 and 3
Some patients can return to work after one week if their jobs require minimal movemen–like a desk job. If you work from home, you may even be able to do so after only several days. If you go to school, one week off is generally all that is needed.
At this point, you can increase movement and begin low-impact exercise. Refrain from anything that involves your arms or pectoral muscles, as well as anything that causes bouncing or impact on your breast implants.
By the end of week two to three, you will feel much better, with increased mobility and reduced swelling. Usually after three weeks you can engage in most normal physical activities.
Weeks 4 to 6
Most all patients can return to full, unrestricted activities by four to six weeks. Typically, it is recommended to wait six weeks until engaging in weight training or sleeping on your chest.
Swelling of your breasts can still fluctuate a bit, even between the two sides. There can be some tightness and tenderness of your chest wall muscles.
When Are Your Breasts Fully Healed?
You may think you breast implants are fully healed by two to three months.
They are not.
It takes far more time for the body’s natural healing process to run its course. This involves the gradual decrease of swelling and normal inflammation. Then there is the process of the muscle and skin relaxing over time to accommodate the implants, allowing them to “settle”, and providing a more natural appearance.
By six months, most of this will have run its course. However, it will take up to a year to see what the “final” results are with regard to size, softness and contour.
Interested in Breast Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ?
An important key in getting your dream breasts is choosing a reputable, skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures. Award-winning Arizona plastic surgeon Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub has dedicated his career to providing stunning breast surgery results.
If you want to learn more about breast augmentation, call us at (480) 451-3000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub.