Breast Augmentation Recovery Time

Posted February 20, 2019 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Surgeries

How Much Time Does It Take to Recover from Breast Augmentation Surgery?

It is normal to experience some pain, swelling and bruising immediately after breast augmentation with any types of implants.

Your general chest and pectoral muscle may seem tight and your breathing may feel restricted. This is completely normal and your symptoms will start to improve gradually over the next few weeks.

Hospital personnel will usually have you rest after surgery in a semi-upright position. This will help keep you as comfortable as possible and reduce the risk of swelling. You will be given painkillers if you and your surgeon feel you need them. Please advise the prescribing physician of any allergies you may have.

After you have settled in at home you should be able to manage pain with over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you have a history of stomach, liver or kidney problems, you should not take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen may not be advised if you have asthma or a history of asthma. Consult your physician regarding the best over-the-counter pain medicine for you.

Time to Go Home After Your Breast Implants Surgery

After having breast augmentation with saline implants or silicone gel implants, you may be allowed to go home the same day or your physician may decide to keep you overnight at the hospital or at the plastic surgery center. You and your physician will determine which is best.

Once you have returned home, rest is vital. You will need to give your body time to heal and recover. You only have one chance to heal properly, so following your doctor’s advice is important. Avoid excessive use of your arms and chest area as it could cause irritation and bleeding.

After surgery, your breasts may feel overly firm and you may experience painful twinges or overall discomfort. These symptoms will come and go for a few weeks. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not be cause for concern.

Aftercare Advice

For best results, follow the home care instructions of your plastic surgeon. He will likely schedule you for postoperative appointments to monitor your recovery progress.

Your plastic surgeon will be able to give you specific instructions regarding any activities that should be avoided and for how long, but the general recovery protocol indicates you should take a week or two off work and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month.

In approximately six weeks you should be able to return to all of your normal activities, although you should protect the incision sites from direct sunlight for about a year because the skin in these areas is more delicate and susceptible to burn.

You may feel more comfortable wearing a well-fitting sports bra 24 hours a day for up to three months after breast surgery.

Keep Track of Breast Important Information

Keep a detailed record of all the important information regarding your breast implants. Specifically:

• The date of the surgery and where it was performed.
• Manufacturer of the saline or silicone gel implants
• The style you chose for your breast implants
• Serial number of the implants
• Batch number or lot number
• Make sure you ask your surgeon for this information if it hasn’t already been provided to you

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

It’s important to contact your surgeon or the hospital/surgery center where the surgery was performed if you experience any unlikely symptoms or experience severe pain.

A list of possible warning signs to be aware of:

• Severe pain in your breast(s) or the general chest area
• Redness of the skin of your breast(s) which may indicate an infection
• A severe burning sensation in your breast(s)
• Unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling in or around your breast(s)
• Deflated or collapsed breast(s)
• A colored or foul-smelling discharge from your surgical wounds
• A high temperature

Results Of Surgery

Most women are happy with the size of their breast augmentation with breast lift surgery. The results can vary and depend on each individual and the procedure they choose. Over time you may experience certain life changes that may affect the size and shape of your breasts after augmentation for both silicone breast implants and silicone breast implants.

These changes could include:

• Breast changes as you age
• Overall health affects breast appearance
• Individuals with compromised healing
• The location of your nipples
• Different skin types and textures

Some women worry that their breast implants look unnatural. This is very common and this feeling will lessen as your breasts start to feel more normal.

Your breasts may feel different than before surgery, with different areas becoming more or less sensitive than they were before. In most cases, any changes in sensation will be temporary, although they may sometimes be permanent. This is a risk that your surgeon would have discussed with you prior to surgery.

A few months after breast implant surgery your breasts will usually start to look and feel more natural. This occurs as the breast tissue, skin, and muscle stretch to accommodate the new breast implants. Having realistic expectations and making a considered and informed decision with the help of your surgeon will help ensure you are happy with the results of your operation.

You should expect that the feel and look of your breasts will change as you get older, and implants will not keep your breasts from sagging. Nature and gravity exist in spite of breast augmentation and implant surgery.