Your Guide to Breast Augmentation Recovery—Week by Week

A woman wearing lingerie, posing by a window (model)

Breast augmentation allows you to take control of your body and feel more confident in your appearance. However, as your surgery date approaches, it’s normal to experience a mix of excitement and nervousness as you prepare for this significant change in your body and life. Knowing what to expect during recovery can help alleviate your concerns and allow you to feel fully prepared for the journey ahead.

When preparing for your breast augmentation procedure, know that Dr. Davidson, a skilled plastic surgeon will employ advanced techniques to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. A typical recovery from breast augmentation can take around 6 to 8 weeks, although this timeline may vary by patient.

This post will outline week-by-week what to expect during your recovery, from the first days of post-operative care to longer-term considerations.

What To Expect During Week 1

Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after your procedure, and be prepared for this first week of recovery. During the first 24 hours of your recovery, you’ll experience swelling and soreness in your breasts. You may also notice that your breasts feet tight and firm and the implants sit high on the chest. This is normal after a breast augmentation, and your breasts will look and feel more natural as you progress in your recovery.

Take the prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication so you can rest comfortably during the first few days. During this first week, focus on relaxing, sleeping, and self-care. Walking and gently moving your body after a surgical procedure helps circulation and promotes healing. Remember to wear your compression garment or surgical bra as recommended.

For several weeks after surgery, you should sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to avoid straining your incisions. You can typically get a good night’s sleep in a reclining chair or propped up on pillows. This position takes the pressure off your incisions and helps avoid fluid buildup.

What To Expect During Week 2

You should start feeling significantly better during week 2, although you’ll still have bruising and swelling. Depending on the activity level of your job, you may be ready to return to work. Your breasts will lose some of their tightness and start to look more natural. Keep moving your body, but refrain from strenuous activities and workouts.

What To Expect During Week 3

You’ll keep progressing in your recovery this week and may notice your breasts settling into an improved position. They’ll continue to change and improve as time passes, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer to see your full results. It’s still too soon to get back into your regular workout routine, but stay active this week and incorporate some light stretching or yoga if possible.

What To Expect During Week 4

You can look forward to resuming more strenuous workouts at the 4-week mark, but only if you feel ready. Start slowly and avoid any exercises that strain your chest muscles. At the 4-week milestone, you’ll be excited to show off your new figure and may have purchased some new outfits. This is a good time to celebrate how far you’ve come during your breast augmentation journey.

What To Expect During Weeks 5 & 6

You’re getting closer to completing the recovery process and should be fully enjoying your new silhouette. You may feel ready to resume your regular workouts as you get closer to week 6 of your recovery, but be cautious when lifting heavy weights. During weeks 5 and 6, your breasts will feel softer and look more natural, although they may still sit slightly higher on your chest.

Don’t be discouraged by the position of your breast implants —they’ll continue to settle and improve with time.

What To Expect After 3 to 6 Months

You should see the full results of your breast augmentation at around 3 to 6 months. Your scars will start to fade and flatten, and any remaining swelling should subside completely by 6 months.

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Take advantage of this opportunity to restock your closet with clothing and lingerie to flatter your new figure. Before you go bra shopping after breast augmentation, read this blog post for helpful tips.

It’s helpful to look at breast augmentation recovery as a step-by-step journey that you must navigate patiently with the help of your plastic surgeon. When women come to me for breast augmentation, I make sure the result is a healthy and positive outcome, as you can see for yourself in these before and after photos of previous patients. If you’re ready to begin your breast augmentation journey, request a consultation or call our Boston-area office at (781) 237-7700 to schedule an appointment. 

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