How Long Is Recovery from a Breast Augmentation

If you have decided to undergo breast augmentation, you are probably excited about taking this step but wondering how much the recovery phase will disrupt your life. 

Breast augmentation is a popular procedure at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. Our aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Fred Coville has significant experience performing breast augmentation and delivering aesthetically pleasing results. 

Dr. Coville uses modern surgical techniques that require less recovery time after breast augmentation. So, how long is recovery from breast augmentation? 

What Is Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size and symmetry of the breasts. Increasing the size of the breasts has traditionally been done using implants filled with medical-grade silicone gel or saline. Breast implants are available in various sizes, shapes, and textures. 

Dr. Coville also performs fat transfer breast augmentation, or natural breast augmentation, using fat harvested from another area of your body. The thighs, belly, and buttocks are the typical donor sites. 

How Long Is Recovery From Breast Augmentation?

Generally, full recovery from breast augmentation takes about 4-6 weeks. However, each patient’s experience is different as various factors can affect the speed of recovery. Most patients with a desk job can return to work after about 7 days. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks. 

The type and size of the breast implants can affect the duration of the recovery period after breast augmentation. 

The placement option chosen is another factor that can influence the recovery timeline. Breast implants may be placed under the breast tissue and over the chest muscle (subglandular) or under the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular). Recovery takes a little longer with submuscular placement since the muscle is affected during surgery.     

Your overall health and how you heal will also impact the speed of your recovery after breast augmentation.

What to Expect During Recovery

It’s normal to feel some amount of pain and discomfort in the first few days after breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Coville prescribes pain medication and antibiotics to ease the discomfort. You may also experience soreness, fatigue, and tightness in the chest in the days immediately after surgery.

Wearing a recovery bra will help to reduce pain and accelerate healing. The bra will also stabilize the implants during recovery. It generally takes 2-3 weeks for the breasts to take shape after breast augmentation. However, it may take several months for them to settle into their natural position.

It is essential to get plenty of rest in the days immediately after surgery. You can start light exercise after about seven days and then slowly resume your usual routine.

Tips to Speed up Recovery After Breast Augmentation:

• Arrange for a friend or relative to assist you in the days after surgery
• Wear your post-operative bra as required
• Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water
• Follow the post-op instructions of your plastic surgeon

Take the Next Step

Related Posts