Recovery from Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation procedures have been widely popular for several decades now and there’s no sign of that trend slowing down. In fact, breast augmentations topped the list of most requested surgical procedures in 2018. This is largely because breast enhancements help women feel more confident about themselves and boost overall self-esteem. If you’re on the fence about undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, learning more about what to expect can help you make up your mind.

How Much Recovery Downtime is Involved?

The total recovery time varies from person to person, so it’s important to discuss this issue with your own surgeon. However, you may be fine and able to resume many normal activities within one week. On average, the full recovery process can take six weeks.

What Happens After the Surgery?

The Post-Op Experience

As the effects of the anesthesia wear off and you awaken, you’ll still be left feeling tired and lethargic. Although these sensations will wear off by the end of the day, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Be sure to arrange for a ride.

The First Week of Recovery

The first three days will be the most discomforting and you may need pain medication to help you manage the experience. Through these first few days, you may need to take pain medication via injections, or you may be given a pain pump. After getting through this initial period, you’ll be able to control pain with nonprescription pain relievers. By the end of the week, you should be feeling able to resume your normal daily activities.

Don’t Overdo It

Over the next three weeks, your body will still be recovering, so you should gradually ease back into your lifestyle. While you may return to work, participating in strenuous manual labor should be avoided. You can engage in some physical activity, but consult your surgeon ahead of time and plan on participating in light-intensity exercises. Any type of heavy lifting or high-intensity activity should be avoided for a minimum of three weeks.

Keep Your Follow-Up Appointments

It’s necessary to continue seeing your surgeon as recommended, so he can evaluate your progress. He will examine you to see how well you’re healing, which will help him determine when you can resume all of your normal activities. While the recovery process varies from patient to patient, most people are cleared to resume full active lifestyles within two months. You can keep your recovery time down to a minimum by following your surgeon’s instructions as precisely as possible.

Things You Can Do to Help Your Recovery

You may be fitted with a compression bra to wear during the initial recovery period. These are bras that fit the breasts snugly to help reduce swelling and discomfort. They can also help the breasts heal in a rounder shape by stabilizing the implants and promoting better blood circulation.

Ahead of the procedure, you should plan for your weeks of recovery. This involves making sure you can take the necessary time off from work and ensuring your home is clean. If you have children, try to enlist the help of loved ones in caring for them. Also consider doing your grocery shopping before the surgery, so you won’t have to worry about it later.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about getting a breast augmentation, contact Taylor Plastic Surgery at your earliest convenience. Our friendly staff will help you set up a consultation with Dr. Robert Taylor. Your initial consultation will help you decide if this type of procedure is right for you, while also helping answer any additional questions you may have about the process.