What to Expect After Breast Augmentation Day by Day

Posted September 03, 2024 in Breast Procedures

Female resting in the bed in pink under garment

In 2023, over 300,000 patients chose to enhance their figure with breast augmentation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’ve been considering undergoing the procedure yourself, you are likely in the process of determining if you meet the criteria and if you can commit to several weeks of recovery. Because breast augmentation typically requires six weeks of recovery, some of the most common questions potential patients ask revolve around what they can expect day to day as they heal and when they can get back to work and other activities. In this blog, we’ll detail what you can anticipate from the first days after your breast augmentation to three months after surgery.

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Preparing for Breast Augmentation Recovery

True downtime is required for the first couple of weeks after breast augmentation surgery. Limited movement and lots of rest are crucial to ensure you heal properly and with the least amount of discomfort. As such, you’ll want to have a dedicated recovery space prepared for when you return home after your procedure. Some of the items you’ll want to have within reach include:

Pillows and blankets to keep your upper body elevated and comfortable
Prescription and over-the-counter pain medications
Water bottle(s) and healthy snacks
Electronics, including your phone, tablet, and television remote
Chargers for your electronics

You will also want to have loose, comfortable clothes available that you can put on and remove without lifting your arms above your head, as well as any medical supplies you may need to care for your incisions.

Now that you know how to prepare for recovery, below, we discuss what you can expect from your breast augmentation recovery.

Day One After Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure, so you’ll spend some time in recovery after surgery and then be turned over to a responsible adult to take you home. You’ll still be groggy and drowsy from the general anesthesia, so be sure that you have someone to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

Your incisions will be covered with bandages, and you’ll have a compression garment on to help support your new breasts, reduce swelling, and promote proper healing. Compression garments are an important part of your recovery, as they help minimize postoperative swelling and provide support for your newly augmented breasts.

Your only goal on day one is to rest, so get comfortable in your recovery area. You will need to sleep on your back for the next several weeks, and you may find that elevating your upper body is more comfortable. Elevation also offers the added benefit of helping to minimize swelling, so use all the pillows you need to prop yourself up.

Days Two and Three After Breast Augmentation

Now that the anesthesia has worn off completely, you may start to feel some discomfort. Take your prescription pain medications as directed, and be sure to drink lots of water. Your breasts may feel tight and firm due to your implants and swelling, but this is normal.

While resting is still your main priority, it is also important to engage in gentle movement. Short, slow walks around your house every hour or so are recommended to encourage circulation. Increased circulation helps stave off blood clots and speeds up healing.

Days Four Through Seven After Breast Augmentation

As the days progress in your first week after surgery, you may notice your pain levels diminishing from aching to discomfort. Continue to take pain medications as needed, take short walks, and keep your upper body elevated. Your breasts may still feel swollen and tight, but this will also diminish over time as your body adjusts to its new shape.

You will probably have a post-op appointment during your first week of recovery so Dr. Hadeed can check your incisions, remove the surgical drains, and assess your overall healing progress. This appointment is an important part of your recovery, as it allows Dr. Hadeed to ensure everything is healing as expected and to provide any necessary guidance for the next phase of your recovery. Continue to follow his recovery instructions, wearing your compression bra and resting as much as you need.

By the end of your first week of recovery, you may begin to feel a bit more energetic. You should be able to return to very light activity as long as Dr. Hadeed clears you. Take it easy and don’t overdo it, as overexertion can increase discomfort and swelling.

Week Two After Breast Augmentation

By week two after your breast augmentation, you can slowly begin to increase your activity and, in some cases, return to work (as long as your job isn’t strenuous). You’ll feel more comfortable and have improved mobility, though it is still important to be gentle with your body, especially your chest muscles.

Your breasts will still be swollen and feel firm and tight, and you may notice that they’re sitting higher on your chest than you expected. This is normal, and as you continue to heal, they will gradually soften and move downward into their correct position.

Weeks Three and Four After Breast Augmentation

Once you’ve reached the end of your first month of recovery, most of your post-surgery side effects will have subsided significantly. Swelling will still be present but will continue to decrease, and any bruising and tenderness should also be mostly gone. Your incisions should be healed (or close to it) by now, and you can begin to use silicone scar strips or creams to diminish scarring.

You will notice your breasts softening and taking shape, moving into place on your chest, but you’ll continue to wear your compression garment for support and to shape your breasts. You can gradually work back into a light exercise routine, though you’ll need to continue to avoid upper body exercises and heavy lifting.

Months Two and Three After Breast Augmentation

Reaching months two and three after your breast augmentation surgery means that you are reaching the end of your recovery. At this point, your breasts will have settled into their final position, and the majority of the swelling will have subsided. They’ll look and feel more natural, and you’ll finally be able to see your actual surgery results.

By the time you reach month three, you will likely be cleared to return to all activities and exercise, including more strenuous and upper body-focused workouts. Your scars will continue to fade over time. Protect them from the sun and apply scar treatments to minimize their visibility.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills

When you’re ready to take the leap to improve your body contour and your confidence with breast augmentation, it’s time to contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Josef Hadeed. His skill, experience, and expertise in breast augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA, ensure you’ll receive the gorgeous results you desire.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadeed, call us at (310) 970-2940 or complete our online contact form.