Breast Augmentation Recovery Stages (Updated 2023)

Women considering breast augmentation at our practice in The Woodlands, TX, often have more questions about the recovery process than the procedure itself. Thanks to the advanced surgical techniques I use during surgery, recovery following breast augmentation is more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

Still, it’s important to know what to expect at each stage of recovery. That information helps patients feel confident about their progress and to know if a potential issue should be checked out by their surgeon. In this blog post, I’ll break down the recovery by stages, beginning with the day of the procedure. First, though, I’ll point out what you can do before your surgery that can help you have a smooth recovery without complications.

Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

Preparing for recovery in the weeks and days leading up to your procedure is essential. Here are a few proactive steps you should take to organize your affairs before the day of surgery to ensure you can comfortably focus on relaxation and recovery, free from unnecessary concerns:

• Request time off from work: If you work a desk job that does not require much movement or lifting, you should be able to return to work in a few days.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and home from surgery: Ideally, arrange for a friend or family member to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
• Fill prescriptions ahead of time: You should also gather supplies such as ice packs, gauze, and other recommended items.
• Create a “nest”: Set up a comfortable resting space at home with a recliner or a bed equipped with pillows for support. Ensure you have easy access to things such as a water bottle with a straw, medications, phone, books or other entertainment, remote control, and a waste can or garbage bag for potential nausea.
• Stock your refrigerator and pantry: Have some heat-and-serve meals, healthy snacks, and other items if you don’t have someone who can cook for you.
• Take care of household chores: Coming home to a tidy house can relieve stress during your recovery. Do laundry and dishes, and take care of any other pressing business.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications: These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba and fish oil.
• Stop smoking: This is a great time to quit smoking permanently. At a minimum, you’ll have to stop smoking for several weeks before and after breast augmentation surgery.
• Prepare a small recovery bag to bring with you to surgery: Items might include your ID, credit card, cash, a water bottle, simple dry snacks, chapstick, a change of clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

Post-Op Recovery

My goal is to have patients resume their normal routines—whether that includes working in an office, attending classes, or taking care of children—as soon as possible. That’s why I provide detailed post-op instructions that should be followed closely.

Day of Procedure

Most patients feel a bit groggy and sore when they wake up after the surgery. This sensation takes a couple of hours to wear off completely, and you’ll need someone to drive you home and remain with you overnight.

Day 1

I encourage patients to take short walks around the house within the first 24 hours after surgery. This promotes blood circulation, which is a key to rapid healing. Taking prescription pain medication to manage discomfort helps in the first couple of days.

Days 2 to 7

The first 3 days or so will involve the most discomfort, but many of our patients tolerate it quite well. Most women can begin using over-the-counter pain relief after the first couple of days post-op, and patients with jobs that aren’t physically strenuous return to work within a week. You shouldn’t begin massaging your breasts until after the first follow-up appointment, which is usually scheduled 4 to 7 days after the surgery. Massaging breasts too soon can delay wound healing and cause patients to take pain medication longer than necessary.

The initial bruising and swelling that follows surgery will begin subsiding. You should have support bras to wear during your recovery, which will help reduce discomfort and keep your implants secure.

Weeks 2 to 4

One of the most often-asked questions I hear from breast augmentation patients is when they can resume exercising. Easing back into workouts is OK as long as you avoid exercises that focus on the upper body—specifically the chest muscles. Jarring or strenuous activities, such as running at a brisk pace or horseback riding, should be postponed for at least 3 to 4 weeks. It’s always a good idea to contact your plastic surgeon for advice if you’re unsure about a specific exercise.

Week 5 and Beyond

Most patients feel comfortable doing the same things they did before their surgery at this point. It’s important to remember, however, that your breasts will take time to settle into their final position. Residual swelling can last for several weeks, and you’ll notice that implants tend to rest high on your chest, especially for patients who have implants placed under the chest muscle. The “drop-and-fluff” process often takes 6 weeks or more to complete. Even though it’s exciting to shop for new bras, you should wait until your breasts have settled completely before shopping.

Enjoy Your Results

Here are some before and after photos featuring some of my actual patients:

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Your Choice of Plastic Surgeon

The most important thing you can do to make your recovery as comfortable and quick as possible is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs breast augmentation surgery. If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon in The Woodlands, TX, you can contact The Gill Center using the online form to request a consultation or call us at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.