How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Breast Augmentation?

Recovery from breast augmentation often varies from person to person. This is due to the unique nature of each patient's body, how fast they heal and their natural tolerance for pain. Other factors like the size of the implants used, where they are placed and the type of breast implants used can also affect how the recovery process plays out.

Recovering from breast augmentation

Here is what patients should expect after getting their breast implants installed and how to make the recovery process faster and easier:

1. The first three days after the surgery

Most people deal with soreness, swelling and pain for the first few days after getting implants. The pain can be managed with prescription painkillers. The surgeon might recommend using compression bandages or wearing a surgical bra to reduce the discomfort and protect the incisions during this early stage. Some patients might feel nauseated due to the anesthetic used.

Patients should refrain from taking a shower for the first two days after getting implants. Baths should also be avoided at this point.

2. A week after the surgery

By the time a week has passed, the patient should be able to return to work and take part in light activities. They should still avoid physically demanding activities that include lifting, bending or any other strenuous movements. The patient will go in for a follow-up appointment during this period so their breasts and the incisions can be inspected.

3. Two weeks after surgery

Most patients begin to feel like their normal self around this period. They are able to perform most of their daily activities without experiencing much pain. Physically exerting activities, like vigorous exercise, should still be avoided.

4. Four weeks after surgery

At this point, the patient should be healed enough to perform physically demanding activities. However, they should still avoid activities that are performed mostly with the chest muscles.

5. Six weeks after surgery

This marks the completion of the patient's recovery period. By this time, the patient should be able to sleep on their sides and abdomen, exercise without any restraints and wear any type of push-up bra or underwire they want. The implants should be fully settled at this point and the patient should have their desired result.

Managing the pain during recovery

The severity of the pain a patient experiences during the recovery period is often determined by the surgical techniques used and the person's tolerance for pain. Some patient's experience little to no pain afterward, while some require prescription painkillers to cope. In addition, patients who have their implants placed below their chest muscles typically experience the most pain.

The implants will feel hard right after the procedure and they might even sit higher than they should. The breast implants will begin to settle as the patient recovers and they should be fully settled by the time the patient has healed.

Recovery takes up to six weeks

There is nothing complicated about recovering from breast implant surgery. Stop by our clinic for more information about breast augmentation.

Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.

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