Recovering Week by Week After Breast Augmentation Surgery
There’s no arguing that a breast augmentation procedure can seriously improve a patient’s confidence.
Yet, one of the more common concerns patients have when considering breast augmentation is what goes into recovery and how long it will take.
To put your mind at ease, we’ll explore what recovery looks like week by week after breast augmentation surgery.
What to Expect Week by Week After Breast Augmentation Surgery
It would be great if we could gaze into a crystal ball and tell you exactly how your recovery will progress. But since every patient is different, it’s impossible to say what your experience will be compared to someone else’s.
There are many factors involved, including how active you are, the status of your health, and what you did to prepare for breast augmentation surgery.
Generally speaking though – and barring any complications – the below timeline will give you a sense of what to expect during your recovery.
First Week After Surgery
As with any surgery, the first two to three days will be the most intense. This will be when you experience the most discomfort. As such, your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication to ease this. You must follow his or her directions to a tee. You’ll also want to avoid aspirin or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised by your surgeon.
Rest is key in the first week. You’ll be asked to keep your shoulders and chest elevated during this time to reduce swelling. Sleeping in a reclined position is usually recommended as it keeps pressure off the breast skin, tissues, and incisions.
You’ll be expected to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to support your new implants, control swelling, and generally aid in healing. In addition, you will need to minimize physical activity in the first week. So be sure to have additional help on hand.
Second Week Post Op
As early as the second week, you’ll likely feel your energy level increase and start feeling more ‘yourself.’ Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, though experiencing some tightness in the chest area is normal.
Keeping the incision areas clean and dry remains a priority at this point. You may also be advised to massage your breasts to ensure that the implants are settling properly into place.
At the beginning of the second week, you can resume some light activities. By the end of the week, your surgeon may give you the go-ahead to do light cardio or lower body exercises. You’ll want to continue avoiding anything that puts strain on your chest or pressure on your incisions though.
It’s also during the second week that most patients return to work if they have a job that is not physically demanding.
Moving Into the Third and Fourth Week
By the third week, there’s a good chance you’ll be feeling much more back to normal. If healing is going smoothly, your surgeon may clear you to introduce more intense exercise at this stage. Again, you’ll need to be conscious about any heavy weightlifting involving the chest.
As you enter the fourth week, the swelling should be almost completely gone. This is also the time when early results will begin to appear. Just keep in mind that the final results will still take a bit longer.
Seven to Eight Weeks out from Surgery
Once you are seven to eight weeks out from surgery, your new implants will likely have settled into place. Most, if not all, of the swelling will also be gone, and you can go back about your life. It’s still important you continue to go to all of your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon though.
It’s always best to play it safe.
Is Breast Augmentation in Your Future?
Now that you have a general idea of how recovering week by week after breast augmentation might play out, are you ready to take the next step?
(Hint: Yes, you are!)
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Star Plastic Surgery in Novi, Michigan. And give yourself that boost of confidence you so deserve!
