Recovering From Breast Augmentation: What to Expect

Breast augmentation is the most popular type of plastic surgery. Every year, about 300,000 people in the United States have the procedure done.

At Plastic Surgery Arts Center in Webster, Texas, Dr. Jan Garcia and our team see patients who elect to increase the cup size and change the shape of their breasts. People do this to achieve symmetry between sides, improve confidence and self-esteem, correct a loss in breast size after pregnancy or weight loss, or enhance their appearance after breast surgery for medical reasons.

Choosing to have breast surgery is a personal decision. If you’re going this route, whatever your reasoning, know that recovery is relatively straight forward. Here’s what you can expect. 

Immediately after surgery

Most patients go home the day of the surgery to recover. After having general anesthesia for the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

For about two days, we recommend prescription pain medications. After that, you can use over-the-counter medications as needed for pain. 

Expect to take a minimum of two to three days off work and major responsibilities. Applying ice to the surgical area helps you control swelling and discomfort.

To reduce your risk of infection, we advise you to avoid taking baths, using hot tubs, or swimming for a minimum of two weeks after surgery. You can shower the day after your procedure. 

One week following surgery, you’ll come in to meet with the doctor so he can assess your healing and incisions. 

The next six weeks following surgery

During the first six weeks of recovery, you’ll experience some soreness and sensitivity. 

We ask you to wear a compression garment that helps hold the implants in place as you heal. The team can also recommend the best type of bra for you to wear during recovery. 

You can usually return to a desk job after about five to seven days. If you have a physically demanding profession, you’ll need to wait more like four to eight weeks. 

During the first six weeks, do not do any heavy lifting or exercise. We may clear you for leg exercises at three to four weeks, but nothing involving the chest. We encourage you to walk to enhance circulation. You don’t have to stay confined to your bed during recovery, of course. When you do rest, sleep on your back. 

Two months after surgery

We schedule a two-month postoperative appointment for you. At this visit, you may be given exercise clearance, provided healing is on track and you feel ready. 

By the two-month mark, your pain and tenderness should have disappeared. Your implants may look slightly elevated. They’ll settle into place about three months after your procedure. 

In about six months, you’ll come in for your final postoperative appointment. At this point, you should feel healed and confident with your new look. As with any surgery, you will have scars. But, Dr. Garcia and the team at Plastic Surgery Arts Center are artful in their placement, and the scars fade considerably so that you barely notice them. 

If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, set up a consultation at Plastic Surgery Arts Center today. We can help you evaluate the type and size of implant and your expected results. 

Now is a great time to get your summer body into enviable shape and save 20% on breast augmentation as well as services like Smartlipo, liposuction, fillers, and laser procedures. 

Call our office or use the “book online” button on this website to request an appointment.

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