As a board-certified plastic surgeon that has performed thousands of breast enhancement procedures, one of the questions I am asked the most often is, “How Long Does it Take To Recover From Breast Augmentation?”.
While each patient’s recovery journey is unique, I’m here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Understanding what to expect will help to ensure that you have a smooth and successful recovery.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Breast augmentation can be a truly transformative procedure, but it’s important to remember that it is still surgery, and proper recovery is crucial for achieving the best results. Most patients can expect a recovery period that spans several weeks improving over time, though the first few days will be the most critical.
It’s completely normal to experience some tightness, soreness, bruising, and swelling in the days immediately following surgery. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive pain management system that minimizes any discomfort during this time. Listening to your body is key—take it easy, follow your instructions, get plenty of rest, and allow your body to begin heal.
When Will You Feel Ready to Resume Daily Activities?
Every patient’s recovery is different, but most women feel ready to return to non-strenuous work within just 2-3 days and their usual non-strenuous daily activities within a week. I typically tell my patients that if you have an augmentation on a Friday, you can return to a desk or home-based job on Monday, just knowing that you’ll be a bit sore. However, if the job involves physical activity, we may recommend additional time to recover before resuming strenuous tasks.
In general, after the initial recovery phase, patients gradually regain their energy and become more comfortable with their new appearance. We adivse our patients to prepare for one to two weeks of downtime without strenuos physical activities and to follow all our post-op instructions closely in order to ensure a smooth recovery.
Driving yourself can usually safely happen within 3-5 post-op, once no stronger pain medications are necessay, and when the level of soreness has decreased so that quick arm and shoulder movements can be made comfortably.
Light, non-impact workouts can typically resume within 2-3 weeks after your augmentation with a gradual increase in duration and intensity until full, unrestricted exercise usually after 6 weeks.
How Long Until the Implants Fully Settle?
After breast augmentation, it’s common for implants to initially sit high on the chest and to feel firm. This is nothing to be concerned about as it is due to swelling that resolves, softening your result over time. The implants will settle into place over the course of the first 2-3 months and they will feel more natural and appear in their final position at approximately 4-6 months. If you have any concerns during this time, we’re always here to provide support and reassurance. You will send us daily photos to review for the first 10-14 days to assure that you are recovering well, that all is as it should be. Our team will see you in our office at 1 week, 3 weeks, 2 months and 6 months after your procedure to assure that you are recovering well and achieving your best result. Afterwards we will see you every year on the anniversary of your procedure to continue making certain that you maintain the best, most natural result possible.
A Holistic Approach to Recovery
Our practice believes in a holistic approach to breast augmentation surgery and recovery, focusing not only on the physical aspects of surgery but also on the patient’s overall well-being as well as physical and nutritional health. By properly preparing the body, patients can promote faster healing and minimize complications. During the consultation, we will discuss strategies to prepare you for surgery that ensure your most rapid and complete recovery, both physically and emotionally.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Daniel Brown
If you’re considering breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation. During the appointment, we will assure that breast augmentation is the optimal procedure that will give you the result you’re wishing to achieve. We will review your health history, and perform a physical examination and breast measurements to develop the optimal plan for your procedure. Our amazing, professional and friendly staff will take all the time necessary with you to answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.
At the end of the consultation, we will havel develop a customized surgical plan that strategically aligns with your aesthetic goals and sets you up for a successful result and rapid recovery. Our main goal is to help you achieve beautiful, natural results while ensuring a smooth and comfortable healing experience.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation, please call (619) 461-1500. Our two office locations are conveniently located in La Jolla and Carmel Valley. We look forward to helping you on your journey to renewed confidence and beauty.