Recovery from breast augmentation varies by patient. Depending on the parameters of your procedure, you should experience a few weeks of recovery, followed by subtle changes and reductions in swelling in the ensuing months. Most women see the total results of the procedure within several months.
At the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vasdev Rai is dedicated to achieving a safe, healthy recovery for all of his clients.
What to Expect Postoperatively
Immediately after the procedure, you should expect your breasts to be swollen and bruised. Your breasts may look larger than you expected because the breast implants will be positioned high on your chest. The implants will settle into position over the next one to three months. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze when you awake from the surgery.
You will be prescribed narcotic painkillers to help with any discomfort you experience after surgery. Many women take these painkillers for 24 hours and then switch to non-narcotic, over-the-counter medications if necessary.
In addition to more detailed instructions from our office, you can expect to receive information about how to contact us if you encounter any problems during your recovery.
The First Few Weeks
The majority of your recovery will take place during the first few weeks following your breast augmentation. Aspects of surgery, including implant placement, will influence recovery time, but there are some general things you can expect during your recovery:
- You should sleep with your head and chest propped up to reduce swelling.
- Although rest is important, you should move around and go for walks to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Sutures will be removed in five to seven days.
- Most people return to work after a week of resting; although you should not engage in heavy lifting for four to six weeks.
- Avoid excessive physical exertion and strenuous exercise for about two to three weeks.
In most cases, women return to all of their normal activities within four weeks; however, some degree of swelling can persist for a few months. Breast augmentation incision scars will appear pink and raised for about six weeks. Scars are permanent, but after about six weeks the scars should begin to flatten out and become less pink.
In the months after surgery, your breast implants may continue to appear high on your chest. It is also not uncommon for the breast implants to settle at different rates, causing your breasts to look slightly uneven until the implants settle completely. You will need to wear a soft, wireless bra while your breasts heal, and you may need to wear compression garments for a portion of your recovery.
You should see a good indication of the final results within four months, but your breasts may continue to change subtly for several months.
If you live in the Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas areas and would like to learn more about your breast augmentation candidacy, please contact board-certified breast surgeon Dr. Vasdev Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center to schedule a consultation.
