Breast augmentation is a very personal decision, which women often consider for years before deciding to proceed. Now that you have made your decision, chosen your surgeon and everything is ready for your surgery, please also take the time to plan for your recovery.
When choosing the date for your cosmetic surgery, plan for a sufficiently long recovery period after the procedure. Breast augmentation is a real surgery, and your body needs to heal afterwards.
In this article, we will share some breast augmentation recovery tips to make your journey easier. Remember: arrange everything in advance; after your procedure, you should focus on healing and rest!
How long will I take to recover?
There is no exact timeline for recovery, as each body is unique. You should plan for at least a week and up to several weeks until full recovery. Your surgeon will be able to provide a more precise evaluation according to your personal characteristics and planned procedure.
The B-Lite® Lightweight Breast implants [[link]] may have additional advantage in shorter recovery times and reduced post-operative pain1.
The reduced implant weight will directly reduce the stress on your breasts, potentially improving your comfort over time.
During your follow-up session with your surgeon, he can assess your healing progress and clear you to resume all normal activities – usually by the two-months mark post-surgery. Different activities may be resumed at different times.
Make sure to follow the post-op instructions by your surgeon.
What can I expect from my recovery process?
In the first few hours post-surgery you may still experience the effects of the anesthesia, and may feel disoriented and even nauseous. You will need someone to drive you home and stay overnight with you.
The first few days may be less comfortable. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication for the first 72 hours, after which most patients manage with over the counter pain medication, if needed. Your arm movements may be limited, see below tips to help you through this period.
After the first week patients usually resume light exercise and their daily routine. Please consult your surgeon before resuming more rigorous activities or strenuous exercise such as running or labor-intensive work.
Tips for easier recovery:
What should I wear?
In the first few days you may experience soreness and some swelling – that is normal. Special recovery bras can support your breast during movement and increase your comfort during this period. They are available in different styles and fabrics – consult your surgeon on what he recommends for you.
Comfy clothes with a front zipper can be more comfortable in these first few days.
Caring for others
In the first week after the operation, you may experience difficulty with physical tasks and in taking care of your family members – or even your pets. Lifting even young children should be avoided in the first 1-3 weeks. Prepare in advance with adequate support, and also with explanations (bear-hugs or jumping to greet you may be less comfortable in this first period!)
Have everything within easy reach
Prepare in advance to make your first few days easier:
- have your kitchen and bathroom utilities at eye level or within easy reach.
- You can ask your surgeon and purchase any meds needed in advance.
- Also, have water, snacks, phone charger, entertainment materials and everything you might need – within easy reach.
Take it easy and relax!
Take advantage of your downtime to relax, read those long-anticipated books, magazines or watch the new season of your favorite series.
We hope our tips will help you be more comfortable during your recovery period and have you ready to enjoy your new physique!
1. Reduced Pain and Accelerated Recovery Following Primary Breast Augmentation With Lightweight Breast Implants, Orel Govrin-Yehudain, MD,1 Yossef Matanis, MD,2 and Jacky Govrin-Yehudain, MD3,4, Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Sep; 38(10): 1092–1096.
doi: 10.1093/asj/sjy071