Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
By Dennis Hurwitz on November 14, 2013
One of the most popular surgical procedures around the world is breast augmentation surgery. By undergoing breast augmentation, you can have your curves enhanced and improved, even from just a subtle change in cup size. The possibility of achieve dramatic results even from minor aesthetic adjustments has enticed plastic surgery patients the world over.
Many patients have questions regarding the nature of breast augmentation recovery. We'd like to take a few moments right now to consider these matters, providing you with a general sense of what happens during different stages of breast augmentation healing.
About Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of breast implants in order to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. Incisions are made on/around the breasts themselves, or they can be hidden in the armpit or belly button. The exact incision method for the patient will be determined during the consultation process.
How long does the recovery after breast augmentation surgery take?
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery generally takes several weeks, though this can vary from patient to patient. Essentially, patients will be able to return to work after about one week off, and then patients will be able to return to most normal activities after about two weeks. By the end of a month, patients will be able to engage in a number of previously restricted activities, and patients should be totally back to normal by the end of eight or ten weeks.
Here are some breakdowns of recovery expectations by timeframe.
What to Expect Immediately After Breast Augmentation Surgery
After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, grogginess and discomfort are common. It's important that patients return home and rest with their backs slightly inclined in order to ensure optimal healing conditions.
What to Expect In the Days After Breast Augmentation Surgery
In the first days after breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect soreness and swelling. It's important for pain medication to be taken as directed and for patients to refrain from any sort of unnecessary physical activities. Rest and wellness should be the main focus in these first days after surgery.
What to Expect In the Weeks After Breast Augmentation Surgery
After the first week of surgery, patients will have undergone follow-up visits with their surgeons to monitor healing progress. Patients will be able to return to work after the first week of surgery. It's still recommended that patients avoid exercise and other strenuous physical activities until at least two or three weeks after surgery, though this will depend on the activity. Soreness and discomfort will lessen as the weeks go by.
What to Expect In the Months After Breast Augmentation Surgery
By the end of the first month after breast augmentation surgery, many patients will be able to perform light and basic cardiovascular exercises again with their surgeon's discretion. Soreness should be nearly diminished, though patients may notice issues with nipple sensation and overall breast sensitivity that can persist for a few months as a natural side effect of healing.
After about two months to two-and-a-half months, patients should be able to resume heavy lifting and vigorous exercises. Again, it's important that patients follow their surgeon's instructions on what they can and cannot do in order to ensure optimal surgical results.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation surgery and your many other options out there for aesthetic enhancement, be sure to contact our plastic surgery centers in Pittsburgh, Beverly Hills, Chadds Ford, and Sau Paulo, Brazil today. Our team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve all of your goals regarding total enhancement and rejuvenation.
