If you have ever wondered how long it takes to recover from breast augmentation, continue reading to get an idea of what to expect during postoperative breast augmentation care.
After the surgery, you will need to wear a surgical bra that provides compression and support for your breasts. The type of bra will depend on whether or not there was an incision in the fold under each breast (inframammary). An inframammary incision requires wearing special bras with pockets for bandages and ice packs; whereas no incisions require just a regular supportive sports bra. Postoperatively, it is important to keep pressure off of wounds by limiting heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity until completely healed – which can take up to six to eight weeks depending on how comfortable you are feeling. However, any activities that don’t put stress on your chest should be fine so After the surgery, you will be required to rest for an hour in the surgical postoperative room until the anesthesia fully wears off.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Time
Please note that recovery time can vary depending on the extent of your surgery and your medical conditions. You should also keep in mind any activities you typically enjoy doing. If they put pressure or stress on your chest, then this will likely delay healing. However, if they don’t involve as much physical exertion as normal (such as walking), then it will be okay to do them after a few weeks postoperatively – just consult with our office prior to returning to these types of activities for guidance.
During the first 24 hours, you may feel some pain discomfort. Taking over the counter pain relievers as directed, like acetaminophen is recommended. Your doctor will provide you with general instructions on how to take care of your surgical site during this time. For example, they may recommend that you wear a sports bra or other type of supportive garment for the first week following surgery in order to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your incisions and allow them to heal properly. They might also instruct you not to do any strenuous activities (such as running) until after few weeks postoperatively, just make sure it is okay with our office before beginning these types of activities again when instructed by our staff.
During recovery, we generally advise patients against doing anything which could cause physical stress on their chest such as: carrying heavy objects over 5 pounds.
5 to 7 days post-op
You should have less swelling and bruising, but there will be some remaining. As your incisions heal, they may itch or feel tender to the touch. To avoid any unnecessary pressure on your incisions and allow them to heal properly, you might want to wear a sports bra for support that has an optional shelf built in so it doesn’t put direct pressure on the area where you had surgery.
3 to 4 weeks post-op
At this stage, you should feel little to no pain or discomfort. Swelling and bruising in the breasts should have reduced and faded. You should be able to go back to work, but depending on your job and how you feel it is advisable not wear anything too tight or constricting.
You might still experience some skin sensitivity in the breasts as they continue to heal. If this happens, avoid wearing clothing that will rub against the area where surgery was done for a while longer until it has gone away completely.
Your doctor may start to encourage you to engage in light exercises but refrain from strenuous activities. Continuing to wear a post-surgical bra and front closure bras can still promote healing at this time.
This is a list of activities that you should avoid during the first few weeks after your surgery:
Strenuous exercise
Excessive weight lifting and carrying heavy items (nothing over 5lbs)
Activities such as contact sports, where there is risk of injury to the breasts or chest region in general.
Avoid any activity that will put pressure on this area for at least four weeks. This includes going to gym classes like yoga and pilates, using weights machines, playing rowing machine, racquetball or squash.
A full recovery from breast augmentation can take up to six months - so it's best not to rush! It takes time for your body and mind to heal fully post procedure.
4 to 6 weeks post-op
Usually, at this point, most patients have fully recovered and can resume regular activity. Your breasts should look and feel more natural. Patients are advised to make an appointment with their surgeon for a full evaluation of the breast implants at six weeks post-op to make sure that they are healing well.
12 months or longer?
Recovery time varies and depends on how your body reacts to the surgery, but most patients will be able to return to working out at around 12 months past their procedure date; it just takes some patience! By this point, you should feel back up for a full range of activity and ready for life's challenges with newfound confidence.
The recovery period can vary depending on many factors - such as what type of implant was used in the breast augmentation (saline versus silicone) and if you had any other procedures done while under general anesthesia. However, there is no set timetable because everyone recovers differently.