Once your breast augmentation is complete, the healing process begins. While every woman will recover at her own pace, there are a few general guidelines you can follow to help plan your recovery and know what to expect after getting breast implants.
1. You’ll Be Ready to Get Some Rest
After any surgical procedure, you’re going to feel tired and ready for some rest and relaxation. When you get home from your breast augmentation, you’ll want to have a comfy space ready for you to retreat to. This is something you can do to prepare in the days leading up to your procedure.
Get plenty of rest and arrange for another adult to help you around the house for the first few days so you can focus on recharging and taking care of yourself.
2. Know your Surgeon’s Preference About a Bra After Surgery
Your plastic surgeon may ask you to wear a special surgical bra, sports bra or compression garment during recovery after getting implants.
Just be sure you don’t wear an underwire bra, as the wire can negatively affect the positioning and shape of your implants as they settle into place.
Other surgeons feel that wearing no bra reduces any pressure on the breast and also allows the implants to fall into position earlier.
Every plastic surgeon will have different guidelines about what type of post-surgery bra to wear, so follow his or her specific instructions.
3. Some Swelling and Bruising Is Normal
Don’t be alarmed if you notice swelling, bruising and some tenderness in the days and weeks following breast enhancement. These symptoms are normal and should gradually improve on their own. If you have specific concerns about your healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon’s office.
4. Expect to Head Back to Work within a Week
Most women feel well enough to return to work and other light activities within about a week after getting implants. Keep in mind that this will depend on how physically demanding your job is and how you’re feeling, so check in with your plastic surgeon first.
5. Your Implants Will “Drop and Fluff”
It’ll take some time for your breast implants to “drop and fluff,” but you should see gradual changes in the shape, position and size of your breasts as this happens.
Over the next few months, your implants will drop into a lower, more natural-looking position on your chest wall. “Fluffing” refers to the softening and rounding of your implants in the breast pocket.
6. Avoid Strenuous Activity Until You Get the Okay from Your Plastic Surgeon
Even though you may be feeling up to going back to work and light exercise, you should still avoid vigorous activities until your plastic surgeon gives you the green light.
When introducing a new exercise into your workout after breast augmentation, start slowly and listen to your body. Don’t try to push yourself to do too much right off the bat.
7. Results Can Take up to 6 Months to Develop
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see the results you were hoping for right away. Breast augmentation results can take up to 6 months to fully develop. Be patient with your body as you continue to heal over the next few months, and focus on healthy eating, drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest.
Dr. Eric Mariotti, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is known throughout the East Bay for his genuine compassion and the remarkable results he creates. Women and men come to his plastic surgery practice in Concord because he is highly trained and experienced, and has a caring personality. His patients think of him as a down-to-earth guy who happens to be a talented plastic surgeon.
