Breast Augmentation Recovery

A breast augmentation is an extensive procedure that will involve taking some time for your body to completely heal.

While the recovery process can vary from patient to patient, understanding what to expect in the days and weeks after surgery can help you manage your recovery more effectively.

In this blog, we will go through the different stages of recovery, from immediately after surgery to the following weeks.

What to expect straight after your breast augmentation

When you wake up from surgery, you’ll likely feel drowsy as the effects of anaesthesia wear off.

Within the first few days or so, your chest may feel somewhat tight, some swelling and bruising are expected, and you may feel some discomfort around the incisions and surrounding areas. You may be prescribed some pain medication to help manage.

It will also be normal to feel quite tired as your body adjusts to the initial healing stage. Some patients also experience a feeling of pressure on the chest, which is expected while the body adapts to the implants. Rest will be your priority during this time, but light walking is encouraged as soon as you feel able to, as it helps with circulation.

The first week of your recovery

Throughout your recovery, you’ll typically experience changes in sensation, swelling, and some movement restrictions as your body heals.

Most patients take around a week off work after breast augmentation, depending on the nature of their job. If your job is more physically demanding, you may need a little longer before returning.

Swelling and bruising tend to peak within the first few days and will gradually settle. Pain relief may still be needed at this stage, but discomfort should become more manageable as the days go on.

You’ll need to avoid any heavy lifting, including lifting your arms above your head, to prevent strain on the incisions. Many surgeons advise sleeping on your back with your upper body slightly elevated during this stage, as lying flat or on your side could place pressure on the implants and affect swelling.

Your surgeon will provide recovery instructions to follow during the first week and the following weeks of your recovery, and it’s important to stick to these as they will be given with the details of your personalised procedure and individual needs in mind.

Resuming light activities and movement

By the second or third week, most patients feel well enough to resume some light activities. While anything strenuous is still off-limits, gentle movements and walking can usually be increased.

Some patients find that their implants still feel quite firm at this stage, but this is a normal part of the healing process. At this stage, some patients notice minor asymmetry or changes in implant position as the swelling settles. This is expected, as implants often take time to settle into their final position.

Your incisions will still be healing, so you’ll need to continue caring for them as advised by your surgeon. You’ll also need to continue following the personalised recovery instructions that your surgeon will provide.

Increasing activity levels and longer-term healing

Most of the initial swelling will have gone down by around one month of recovery, and discomfort should have noticeably improved. If your surgeon clears you, you may be able to gradually reintroduce more activities, but heavy lifting and high-impact exercise may still need to wait a little longer.

Breast implants take time to settle, and full recovery is a gradual process. For some patients, implants may initially sit higher on the chest before settling into their intended position over time. This process varies from patient to patient and can take a few months to complete.

By this stage, most daily activities will often feel more comfortable, and any residual swelling should continue to subside. However, it’s still important to be mindful of any sudden changes, such as swelling that returns after initially improving, as this could indicate that a possible complication has occurred. If you do notice anything concerning, we recommend contacting your surgeon immediately.

The final stages of healing

For many patients, the final results of breast augmentation become more apparent around a few months after surgery. However, healing and results will always vary from patient to patient, due to a number of factors.

Any lingering tightness or firmness usually continues to soften, and the implants settle into their final position. Swelling can also take a while to subside completely, so it can take some time for the full results of the procedure to show.

Scar healing is another process that takes time. Incisions may initially look raised or red before gradually fading and becoming less noticeable. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions for scar management can help this process.

At the final stages of healing, you’ll typically have made a full return to your normal daily routine, but it will still be important to monitor any changes. Arranging follow up appointments in the longer term can allow your surgeon to ensure that your healing has progressed well and that there are no complications that need to be addressed.

Book your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk

Located on the Sunshine Coast, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Fraser-Kirk has trained as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and obtained years of experience.

Approaching each patient’s case with a supportive nature, he prioritises gaining a good understanding of what his patients hope to achieve and planning the procedure accordingly.

During a consultation for a breast augmentation, you’ll be able to discuss every detail of the procedure and make sure that your expectations are understood. Dr Fraser-Kirk will outline your breast augmentation options and make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to the results that can be realistically achieved.

Part of your consultation process will include discussing preparation and recovery, which will help you plan ahead.

Please contact our team to book a consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk on the Sunshine Coast. You are welcome to ask us any questions so that we can help you feel well-informed and organised.