Breast Augmentation Recovery Week-By-Week
Breast augmentation is a popular surgical procedure that can improve confidence and appearance. Many people turn to breast implant surgery to increase their size or make their breasts more symmetrical. If you are considering breast implants, you may wonder about the recovery process. Here’s what to expect from breast augmentation recovery week-by-week.
Week 1 of Recovery
You can expect to feel moderate pain during the first 24 hours after your surgery. You may alleviate your pain by taking prescription pain medication as your surgeon recommends. You may also find that simple over-the-counter pain meds effectively minimize your discomfort.
You’ll probably see some bruising and swelling on and around the treatment site. This is normal and nothing to cause alarm. Some people also feel nauseous and don’t have much of an appetite within 24 hours of their procedure. Your surgeon will most likely tell you to restrict your arm movements for 48 hours or longer after surgery. This means you shouldn’t drive or lift your hands over your head during this time.
During the first week of breast implant recovery, your surgeon may instruct you to perform at-home massages. Doing so will help you obtain the most natural-looking results possible. It will also prevent capsular contracture. This occurs when the tissue around the treatment site becomes hard and thick.
Week 2 of Recovery
Pay close attention to your surgeon’s breast augmentation recovery week-by-week instructions. Your surgeon will likely give you a list of allowed activities. Most people can resume some low-intensity activities during the latter part of their second post-op week. Slowly resuming gentle physical activity is an important part of breast augmentation aftercare. Be careful, though. Your surgeon will most likely forbid you from doing any intense activities or heavy lifting during this stage of recovery.
Week 3 of Recovery
If all goes well during weeks one and two, your doctor may allow you to ease into slightly more vigorous activities during week three. However, most surgeons give instructions to avoid upper-body exercises at this time.
Weeks 4-6 of Recovery
During this period of breast augmentation recovery, you shouldn’t need painkillers anymore. Your breasts will start to take on their final shape during this time as the swelling goes down. This is the fun part of the process because you can finally begin to see the result of your procedure! At around the 6-week mark, surgeons often approve patients for upper body exercises and running.
For most people, breast implant recovery takes several weeks. Everyone is different, so your recovery experience may differ from someone else’s. It doesn’t hurt to ask for breast augmentation recovery tips from people you know who’ve had the procedure. But remember that your surgeon’s directions always take precedence over any outside advice you receive. Your surgeon will give you careful breast augmentation recovery week-by-week instructions to follow.
How to Relieve Nerve Pain After Breast Augmentation
Nerve pain is a common side effect during breast implant recovery. Nerve pain may feel like a burning, itching, or tingling sensation. To relieve this pain, follow these breast implant aftercare tips:
- Keep your breasts from moving around too much. Your surgeon will give you a surgical bra or elastic bandage to keep your breasts in place. This will help reduce nerve pain.
- Use a pain pump. This is a device that can minimize pain in the treatment area. It is often used in combination with pain medications. Only use it with approval from your surgeon.
- Inquire about Botox. Some research suggests Botox injections may help with breast augmentation recovery. Botox may prevent spasms in the pectoralis major muscles. It may also lower the risk of capsular formation by decreasing implant movement.
- Perform light exercises and stretches as recommended. These may help relieve pressure on the nerves in the area and reduce your pain.
How to Sleep After Breast Augmentation Surgery
No breast augmentation recovery week-by-week guide would be complete without mentioning sleeping troubles. Low-quality sleep is one of the most common complaints after breast implant surgery. It can be difficult to get comfortable when you can’t put any pressure on your breasts. To help you sleep better after your surgery, here are some helpful tips.
- Wear your special, surgeon-prescribed bra or wrap every night to keep the breasts still and reduce swelling.
- Take your prescribed medications close to bedtime instead of earlier in the day so you can sleep more soundly.
- Take a warm shower before bed (as long as your surgeon says it’s okay).
- Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon or evening.
What to Wear After Breast Augmentation
The breast augmentation recovery week-by-week process will go much better if you dress as instructed by your surgeon. You will most likely need to wear a special bra or wrap. Since you’ll need to restrict your arm movements for 48 hours after your procedure, you should also wear button-down shirts.
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Leesburg, VA
If you’re ready to improve your appearance with breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Tajkarimi can help. Better Body MD is a provider of safe, effective breast augmentations in Leesburg, VA. We look forward to giving you a well-deserved confidence boost by dramatically changing the appearance of your physique. To reap the benefits of this popular surgical procedure, call to schedule a consultation at 703-337-3353.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery
What Symptoms After Breast Augmentation Are Normal?
It’s normal to feel pain, swelling, and bruising after breast implant surgery. Take pain medication as recommended by your surgeon to alleviate any discomfort. It is not normal to experience extreme and sudden swelling, fevers, or foul-smelling discharge. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Drive?
Generally, patients should wait about a week before driving. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s ok to drive again.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Work Out?
Your surgeon may approve of some low-intensity exercises that don’t involve the arms or chest as soon as week two of recovery. But you shouldn’t engage in vigorous exercises for at least 6 weeks after recovery unless your surgeon directs you otherwise.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
Schedule by phone at (703) 337-3353 or fill out the consultation form below
by submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
Schedule by phone at (703) 337-3353 or fill out the consultation form below
by submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email.
Each of our patients is unique. This is why we customize skin tightening treatment plans to address specific concerns. With that said, the final cost can vary. Factors that determine the price include:
- Aesthetic goals and desired outcome
- Number of treatments needed
- Treatment area(s)