Full healing after breast implant surgery takes several months, with initial recovery lasting 6-8 weeks, during which you can gradually return to light activities and some exercise. But the post-surgery recovery process highly depends on the aftercare routine.
Always apply an ice pack to the surgical site several times daily for pain management. Incorporate healthy habits into your diet, such as eating well-balanced meals and maintaining adequate fluid intake. Sleep properly, getting plenty of rest, avoiding smoking and alcohol use, and staying off social media during recovery.
Stage 1: The Day of Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, most patients can return to normal activities within several days. However, you may feel some discomfort and swelling. We strongly advise following our aftercare guidelines and taking it easy during this recovery period.
Additionally, refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. At this point, continue taking walks as soon as you feel up to it to promote proper circulation and accelerate healing.
Stage 2: First Week After Surgery
At this stage, swelling and bruising should begin to dissipate, and light activities, such as showering, should resume without straining the incision sites. You may also start adding gentle walks back into your routine. Plus, add healthy semi-liquid foods like applesauce, Jell-O, yogurt, and milkshakes into your diet to stay hydrated during this period.
At this stage, you will need to take time off work. Avoid traveling alone. Prepare a bag with medications and snacks that are easy to access during this period. Also, keep extra clothing and undergarments ready, including supportive bras with front clips to promote healing.
Stage 3: One to Two Weeks After
At this stage, the pain begins to diminish as your body adjusts to the surgical site. Swelling and bruising may still be apparent but will gradually fade over time. Many patients find that they can resume light activities, such as taking walks or going swimming, at this point, provided no heavy chest exercises or lifting are involved.
If you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, take your prescribed painkillers as directed and rest. Remember: healing is a marathon, not a sprint! At the end of this first week, follow-up appointments should be scheduled with your surgeon to remove stitches, assess progress, and discuss alternative support measures.
Stage 4: 4-6 Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery
At this stage, most patients start to feel like themselves again. Pain and discomfort should have subsided, but some residual swelling may remain. You should be able to resume regular activities during this period. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and refrain from engaging in more strenuous physical activities, such as lifting weights or high-impact workouts.
Your nipples should now have returned to their final positions and may appear asymmetrical at this stage. This is a normal part of the body’s natural healing process and will improve with time. At this stage, it is also important to focus on scar healing. Utilizing techniques such as scar cream, silicone sheets, and gently massaging your incision sites.
Stage 5: Final Results After Breast Augmentation Procedure
At this final stage, swelling will eventually diminish, and your breast implants after augmentation will settle into their permanent positions on your chest. Your nipple will gradually re-swell and soften; incision lines may take several months or years to fade away fully.
If you have breast implants, they are typically filled with either silicone gel or sterile salt water (known as “saline”). Both materials may cause hardening of breast tissue surrounding your implant – known as capsular contracture – which requires surgery to correct.
Aftercare Instructions for Breast Augmentation Recovery
After breast implant surgery, you may be eager to update your lingerie wardrobe and shop for swimsuits in preparation for increased confidence in bras. However, remember that your body requires time for recovery after this procedure. Here are some aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth breast augmentation recovery time:
Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Instructions
The most essential step of breast implant recovery is listening carefully to your surgeon’s advice, including refraining from engaging in activities and behaviors that could complicate the healing process, such as lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise that might increase the risk of blood clots.
Furthermore, all follow-up appointments must be attended as scheduled, and any prescribed medications must be taken as directed. This careful management is especially important for patients who have undergone breast lift surgery following breast cancer treatment, as their recovery may require additional precautions.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Resting after breast implant surgery is key to a speedy and successful recovery. Rest helps decrease inflammation and allows your body to heal properly. Once cleared by your doctor, you may resume light exercise, such as walking around the house or taking short walks. However, more strenuous forms should be avoided until six weeks have passed post-op.
Limiting upper-body exercise during this period helps minimize risks, such as the implants rippling or flipping over, incorrect incision healing, or developing infections. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines regarding pain medication, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure a speedy and seamless recovery process.
Get Plenty of Rest for Pain Management
Rest is also key during recovery. Getting a good night’s sleep will help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. Hence, it is recommended that you have plenty of pillows available so you can sleep soundly.
Additionally, it is wise to put together a recovery kit. This should include items such as wet wipes to freshen up until you can shower again, as well as a heating pad to alleviate back pain caused by sleeping in an upright position.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol thins blood, leading to more bruising and swelling. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with painkillers, potentially leading to unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and headaches.
Alcohol dehydrates the body and compromises immune system performance, increasing risk of infection at surgical sites and thus delaying healing and increasing scarring.
Before consulting your surgeon about drinking alcohol again after having undergone any type of procedure or recovery plan, it is advisable to abstain entirely.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat well to speed healing from breast surgery! A proper diet includes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support healing processes and speed up recovery time. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and junk food should all be avoided to aid the body’s recuperation processes.
Protein is an essential nutrient for building tissues and repairing wounds, while antioxidant-rich foods may help protect against free radicals, which cause cell damage and lead to inflammation.
Avoid spicy or carbonated beverages, as they can irritate your digestive system after surgery. Instead, drink plenty of non-carbonated fluids, such as water.
Conclusion
Healing after breast implant surgery is not something you can rush. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. So, permit yourself to take it slow, celebrate the small milestones, and look forward to the beautiful results that will last for years to come.
Ready to Start Your Breast Augmentation Journey?
If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, there’s never been a better time to take the next step. Jim Branter, M.D., combines surgical expertise to help you achieve results that look and feel completely natural. Our focus doesn’t end in the operating room. We’re committed to supporting you through every stage of recovery. We believe that breast augmentation is about helping you feel comfortable in your own skin. So, contact us now!