Breast augmentation recovery is nothing to fear—as long as you follow your surgeon’s instructions! This blog discusses the major healing milestones after breast augmentation surgery, including helpful tips for preparing for recovery.
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Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Guide
Breast augmentation is a procedure that can significantly enhance a woman’s confidence and self-image. This procedure does more than just enhance the size of your breasts: it can increase roundness and cleavage, correct asymmetries, and restore drooping breasts after volume loss.
However, just like all plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation requires a recovery period during which you’ll need to follow your surgeon’s instructions and care for your healing breasts. Below, we’ll discuss what you can expect from each major healing milestone.
First 24–48 Hours
Immediately after your breast augmentation, you’ll feel groggy from the anesthesia. You’ll be discharged into the care of a friend or family member who will drive you home and stay with you for the first 48 hours. You will also be wearing a light surgical bra and perhaps an elastic band, which helps position your breasts as they heal.
You’ll need to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated during this stage. Your body will have just gone through some trauma, so you’ll be tired as it is expending most of your energy on healing. Expect to tire easily for at least the first week.
Prep Tip: Before surgery, prepare your recovery space. Set up a comfortable place to relax with plenty of pillows and blankets. You should also stock up on books, magazines, movies, etc., to entertain yourself during this time. Physical activity will be limited for a while.
The First Week
Most pain and swelling peaks around day three post-op, but the first week is usually the most difficult for patients. Discomfort is usually mild after breast augmentation and can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications. Some bruising and swelling may appear during this time as well and will subside as you heal. You will also have a follow-up appointment scheduled during this time, so be sure to ask Dr. Mabourakh any questions that arise.
Continue to rest as much as you need, but you should start to feel stronger toward the end of the first week. As soon as the first day, get up and walk around your house little by little. This helps induce blood circulation, which helps reduce blood clots and also speeds the healing process—but always listen to your body and rest when you’re tired.
Prep Tip: Eating healthy is key for breast augmentation recovery, but it might be difficult for you to cook during the first week. While takeout might be ok once in a while, you need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. We suggest preparing healthy meals before your procedure, freezing them, and keeping them on hand for when you need them. Meal replacement shakes can also be helpful, especially in the first few days after surgery if you experience nausea from the anesthesia.
Weeks 3–6
These are key healing weeks, and you’ll likely be cleared to resume regular activities. Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the physical demands of their jobs.
Now, you’ll likely be noticing the aesthetics of your breast augmentation. While you can tell you’ve increased the size of your breasts in early recovery, it’s not until bruising and swelling dissipate that you can start to see the details. However, it can take six months to a year for final breast augmentation results to become apparent. At this time, your breasts may look a little high on the chest and may be slightly square. This is because the tissues and muscles around the implants are in shock and likely swollen, which can constrict the implants and affect their shape. Give it some time, they’ll gradually relax and soften.
6 Months Post-Op
Typically, around month six, the final results are clear. The breast implants will likely have undergone what’s called the “drop and fluff,” where the body has relaxed, allowing the implants to settle into a more natural position on the chest wall and to soften to the touch.
Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Sacramento, CA?
Breast augmentation is a fantastic procedure for women who want to increase their breast size, as well as their confidence. Dr. Shahriar Mabourakh is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing complex breast procedures with patient safety and satisfaction in mind. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Mabourakh:
Call Folsom Plastic Surgery at (916) 984-8585 for the Folsom, CA, location and (209) 464-5656 for the Stockton location. You can also complete our online contact form to get in touch.
