What to Expect After Breast Augmentation: Recovery Day by Day

A breast augmentation can make your desire for bigger, shapelier, and more proportionate breasts a reality. You may, however, be anxious about what to expect during your rehabilitation. 

Breast augmentation recovery will be different for everyone, but there are certain basic healing milestones to look forward to. Read on to learn more about a normal recovery.

The first day after the procedure

You may likely feel sleepy after your breast augmentation because of the anesthetic. Plan to rest as required throughout the day, but rise and walk around every few hours to keep blood circulating. For the first two weeks, you will be required to wear a surgical bra at all times.

Pain medication should be kept on hand in case of discomfort during the first few days. Applying lightweight cold packs to your chest can relieve swelling, bruising, and discomfort.

Days 2 to 4

You may feel very uncomfortable and stiff the morning after your surgery. Moving around and getting up will help. Showering can be resumed at this stage; just remember to clean and gently pat your incisions dry afterward.

Your breasts may feel tight and sit abnormally high on your chest. This is due in part to post-operative edema, which will peak around Day 3 or 4. Continue using pain relievers and applying cold compresses as needed. Your plastic surgeon will also advise you to sleep on your back to reduce fluid collection and put less tension on your chest.

Days 5 to 13

By day 5, you should be feeling more like yourself. During this period, swelling and bruising may lessen, but your breasts will still feel tight and compressed. If you have stitches, they will be removed by the physician around Day 7. You may experience itching or a burning feeling, which is entirely natural. During the first week, try to take brief walks, but keep an eye out for any increase in discomfort or swelling.

While it's important to move your body daily to improve blood circulation, avoid lifting heavy things or raising your arms above your head. Lifting anything over your head can put a strain on your incisions, causing bleeding or irritation.

At this point, most people can return to work.

Day 14

You've reached the 2-week mark and should be seeing the results of your breast augmentation. Your wounds should be healing well, and your breasts should feel softer and more natural. After two weeks, you should not have any swelling or bruising, and you can discontinue wearing the surgical bra to bed.

You may detect some breast asymmetry when one breast begins to "drop and fluff" faster than the other. Don't worry; this is a normal component of the recovery process and should improve with time. Low-intensity exercises or lower-body routines can be resumed. Simply avoid any activities that require you to use your chest muscles.

Day 30

You have reached the 1-month mark, and it’s time to show off your new figure! Your breasts should look and feel natural, with just a bit of firmness on the sides. You should feel much better and only experience the occasional twinge or shooting pain. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if you need to keep wearing a support bra.

After the 1-month mark, you should be ready for the pool or hot tub, provided your incisions are completely healed. You can also resume sleeping on your side, but sleeping on your stomach should wait a little longer.

Day 60

You are not yet completely cured, but you are on your way! After two months, your surgeon will most likely release you to resume vigorous activity and upper body routines. Prepare to flaunt your new breasts in a sundress or bikini! Breast tightness and asymmetry should have decreased dramatically by this point.

Check out this previous blog post to learn more about how breast augmentation works.

Conclusion

The recovery process for breast augmentation can be difficult, but with a supportive team on your side, you can handle it like a champ!