What to Expect for Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

Posted October 22, 2020 in Breast Augmentation

Getting breast implants is a major surgery, and like every major surgery, there will be a recovery period afterward. The details of recovery after breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient, but most patients can expect a similar overall experience. Here is what to expect for your breast augmentation recovery with Dr. Taleisnik.

Recovery Timeline

Surgery Day

After your breast augmentation surgery is over and you have awoken from the anesthesia, you will be discharged home (a friend or family member will drive you). That day, you may experience some nausea due to the anesthesia and should limit your diet to clear liquids and light, tolerable foods like soup or toast. Avoid operating heavy machinery, driving, and drinking alcohol of any kind during the first 24 hours.

Days 1-3

These three days are typically the worst phase of recovery, and pain and discomfort are common. You will also begin to experience post-surgical swelling which will last for several weeks. You may need to wear a compression bra to minimize swelling and help the healing process. Any pain can be controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Alternating heat and ice packs can also help with discomfort. Sometime around the second or third day, your bandages will be removed.

Days 4-7

Your follow-up appointment with Dr. Taleisnik will be held sometime between the third and fifth day after surgery. Dr. Taleisnik will evaluate how you are healing and recommend how to proceed resuming normal activities. Most patients are ready to resume moderate work that is not labor-intensive within four to seven days after surgery. You should continue limiting your physical activities to walking and get as much rest as you can. Continue taking your medications and wearing your compression bra according to constructions. As your incisions begin to heal, your scars may at first appear dark and red but will eventually fade.

Days 10-14

By the second week after surgery, you should be ready to return to work. You may also be ready to resume limited, low-impact exercises after about 10 days. It is best to reintroduce physical activity slowly and according to your doctor’s recommendations so that you minimize the risk of tearing, infection, or implant dislodgement. You should continue to avoid heavy lifting and high impact sports such as running, jumping, pushups/chest exercises, etc. until approximately six weeks after surgery.

Weeks 3 to 5

By this time your swelling may begin to subside. You should be feeling mostly back to normal, and better and better every day! Talk to your doctor to get clearance on when it is safe for you to resume more intensive physical exercise.

Months 2 to 3

By the second or third month after your surgery, your sutures will be fully absorbed. You will be able to gradually reintroduce all physical activities, a little at a time. Your implants will settle, and by about halfway through the second month (usually six weeks after surgery) you can expect to see your final results.

Recovery Dos and Don’ts

During breast augmentation recovery:

• DO check in with any questions. Dr. Taleisnik and his staff are here to help ensure you have a good recovery experience.
• DO take medications as instructed. Pain medications and antibiotics aid in recovery and reduce the risk of infection.
• DO Limit exercise according to your doctor’s orders.
• DO eat a healthy diet. Essential vitamins and minerals will hasten the healing process. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid high-salt foods to minimize swelling and fluid retention.
• DO sleep on your back in a semi-reclining position.
• DO wear a comfortable sports bra (no underwire) until you have fully healed.
• DO wear loose, comfortable clothing and button-up shirts.

Also during breast augmentation recovery:

• DON’T wear a push-up bra or bra with underwire until you are cleared to do so.
• DON’T go swimming or take baths for at least two weeks. After showering, gently pat dry or blow dry your incisions. To prevent infection or damage to your incisions, do not submerge them in water until your doctor indicates that it is safe to do so.
• DON’T wear tight clothing or clothing that must be pulled on over your head for at least two weeks.
• DON’T overdo it. Exercising too soon can lead to complications and uses the energy your body needs to heal.

Dr. Taleisnik cares very much about helping you have the best experience possible with breast augmentation. He will be happy to answer all your questions about breast augmentation and the recovery afterward. Call (657) 294-8375 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with Dr. Taleisnik today.