Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation recovery differs from patient to patient based on a variety of factors such as the surgical techniques used, placement, and the implant type and size. Recovery ultimately depends on how well the patient chooses to follow post-operative instructions. In this article, we will cover what to expect during breast augmentation recovery along with a few helpful tips that will make the process easier and somewhat faster.

What to expect after breast augmentation surgery

Immediately following surgery, many patients have reported feeling tightness, pressure, and weight in the chest. This is normal as the breast tissue and pectoral muscle are adjusting to the new breast implant.

Some patients may also experience a bit of the post-op blues following surgery, due in part to the medications and the experience of undergoing major surgery. This is also completely normal and it usually lasts a week or less. In the days after surgery, patients are generally able to walk around freely, though the range of motion in the arms and torso may be limited.

Recovery Timetable

It’s important you take some time to discuss the recovery plan your surgeon has created for you. Swelling, tenderness, extra sensitivity, and tightness of the breast area can be expected during the first month of recovery. Treating your new breasts gently while you’re healing is vital for your body to heal and recover properly, and may help minimize discomfort.

Arrange for someone to assist you at home after your breast augmentation since limited mobility will make simple tasks complicated. If you notice any breast abnormalities or experience symptoms such as fever and excessive irritation, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately.

Pain Management

During the first few days of recovery, most patients experience mild to moderate pain based upon your tolerance for pain. Some patients may feel little to no pain while others may need to take painkillers. Women who choose implant placement below the muscle generally have more pain and a lengthier recovery than those who opt for placement above the muscle

Implant Settling

It’s normal for the implants to feel hard and sit in a high position at first, but they will soften and settle over time to a more natural position. While the breast implants have found their “home” in your chest at this point, remember that they will continue to change especially in the event of pregnancy, fluctuation in body weight, and menopause. By week six your implants should be fully settled.

Scarring

While scarring after breast augmentation is permanent, a skilled surgeon can place the incision in low visibility areas such as the armpit, around the areola, under the breast, and the belly button for Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA).

• Inframammary (under the breast) – This is a popular option since it provides excellent access to the breast, can be used in all procedures, including revision, and the incision is well hidden in the crease of the breast.
• TUBA - This technique involves an incision in the belly button. One of the greatest advantages of selecting this type of incision is a faster and less painful recovery since the incision is much smaller than those used in other methods. The TUBA method is only available to patients who choose saline implants.
• Transaxillary - The incision is made in the armpit. This area of the body tends to heal quickly leaving minimal scarring. Unlike TUBA, both saline and silicone gel implants can be used, though there is limited sizing.

There are clinically proven ways to minimize scarring such as silicone treatments, anti-bacterial creams and softening creams. Gentle massaging is recommended for most patients to help move the implants into position, to keep them soft and flat, lower the risk of capsular contracture, and increase blood flow, which helps the area heal faster. Avoid direct sunlight exposure as UV rays can make the scar look darker.

Types of breast massages

Patients may be instructed to perform different types of massages during the first three to six months following surgery.

• Downward Massage - Using gentle pressure, patients pull the natural breast tissue up while pulling the implant down. Gravity is a great ally in helping muscles stretch, allowing breast implants to find their permanent “seat” on the chest.
• Upward Massage - Patients performing upward massages push the breast implant as far upwards as possible within the pocket, which will prevent the implants from moving too low on the chest due to gravity.
• Medial Massage - This technique requires the patient to move their implants inwards towards each other, allowing for improved cleavage, as well as stretching the pocket in the case of submuscular implant placement.
• Lateral Massage - Patients performing this type of massage push the implant outwards with the palm of the opposite hand. The lateral massage is prescribed to the patient who needs to spread the breasts outwardly usually following the release of capsular contracture.

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?

Every patient experiences recovery differently. Your surgeon will go over details about what you can and can’t do following breast augmentation surgery. If you don’t experience any post-operative complications and your job isn’t physically demanding, you may return to work within 20 days after surgery and engage in moderate exercises, such as walking and aerobics. If all goes well, breast augmentation patients can expect to be fully healed by week sixth of recovery. However, the implants don’t find their final nesting place until about a year after surgery.

Recovery Tips

After the surgery is completed, you will be excited about your new body, yet some worries may also run through your head. This is a completely understandable situation that will bring up some important questions you can ask your doctor. Some helpful tips you can keep in mind to speed up the recovery process include:

• Don’t take pain medications on an empty stomach
• Practice sleeping on your back or with propped up pillows since you will be sleeping like that for a few days post-surgery
• Let your surgeon know of any medications you are taking before surgery such as heart medication, blood medication, etc.
• Do not drink any alcoholic drinks for 24 hours before surgery
• Remove all jewelry and piercings before surgery
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to surgery such as sweat pants and a zip-up sweater with slip-on shoes
• Make sure all the grocery shopping is done for at least two weeks post-surgery
• Leave the house and bed clean before surgery
• A heating pad may be necessary for any back pain you might have after surgery
• Have your medications filled prior to surgery
• Take a pillow with you for the car ride home for comfort
• Take a pillow with you for the car ride home for comfort
• If you have a dog that requires walking, you may want to arrange for someone who will be able to walk the dog for the first couple of days
• Have a good supply of magazines, videos, books, or any other form of entertainment since you won’t be doing much for the first couple of days after surgery