Recovery form Breast Augmentation Surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, you will most likely be drowsy and sore for a day or two so it is a good idea to have a friend or relative drive you home and help you for a couple of days until you feel a bit better. Although you should be up and around after about 48 hours, there may be some side effects which can last for a couple weeks to a month so you should follow your surgeon’s instructions closely during this healing period.

You can be quite swollen and bruised after surgery and your implants may seem too big or hard, but this is normal. Your breasts may also be quite sensitive and tender for a few weeks.

You will usually be sent home with bandages and a surgical bra, which will be removed after a couple of days. If you haven’t had absorbable sutures then your stitches will also need to be removed after seven to 10 days. You will then need to wear a sports/support bra and refrain from exercise or any other strenuous activity for at least four weeks but should be able to return to work after a week, but for some people it may be longer. Don’t attempt to rush your recovery however as it may have the reverse effect and prolong things. If you need to take more time off work, do it.

Your scars will look quite pink and raised in the weeks following surgery but should fade. The position of your scars will depend on how the implant was inserted. They will never disappear completely however a skilled surgeon will be able to hide them well so they will not be noticeable. To make sure your scars heal as well as possible, make sure you stick religiously to the recovery instructions given to you by your surgeon.

It will take up to a couple of months for your implants to settle down so you need to be prepared for them to feel a little odd for a while. You will not really be able to judge the final result until then but if you have any concerns about the look and feel of your implants, discuss this with your surgeon.

To find out more information about breast augmentation benefits and to see some before and after photos, visit our educational pages.