Breast Augmentation Recovery Week By Week
Breast augmentation surgery enhances the size, shape, and fullness of a patient's breast by either inserting a silicone or saline implant above or below the muscle. Breast augmentation surgery typically requires patients to miss roughly 1 week of work (depending on their line of work). Let’s dive into the full breast augmentation recovery timeline and what you can expect during your breast augmentation recovery week by week!
Breast Augmentation Recovery Week By Week
Day 1:
Enjoy a light meal prior to taking pain medications; ie. Soup, crackers, toast.
Pain medications, as directed. No driving while taking pain medications. May take Colace, a stool softener, to decrease risk of constipation, caused by pain medications.
Be sure you hydrate! Alternate between water and Gatorade/Powerade, etc.
Wear compression hose for 24 hours. Walk 10 minutes every hour, while awake, to reduce risk of blood clots.
No strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks, including cardiovascular activity or lifting greater than 5 lbs.
Wear surgical bra for 23 hours/day for 3 weeks.
Sleep with the head of the bed elevated, to decrease pain and swelling for 1 week.
Do not raise arms over head for 1 week.
Week 1:
Post-Operative Appointment: Assess breasts and incisions and review breast compression exercises.
You may sleep on your back at this point, however you cannot sleep on your side yet.
Week 3:
You may wear any sports bra that feels comfortable. No underwire for 6 weeks.
Week 4:
Remove any remaining SteriStrips from incisions.
You may participate in mild cardio at this point, as tolerated; ie. Elliptical, treadmill walking, stationary bike.
Week 6:
You may participate in regular exercise, once cleared at follow up from your surgical team. Listen to your body! If it hurts, don’t do it.
You may resume tub bathing and swimming, once cleared at follow up (No scabs, completely healed.)
You may sleep in any position, as tolerated, once cleared at follow up by your surgical team.
Begin scar care: Silagen recommended and available at HZ Plastic Surgery.
You may wear whatever bra desired at this point.
Week 12:
Recovery Milestone… Should be at full activity levels! 😊
How Long Is Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Typically, patients will need at least 1 week off from work and must avoid any cardiovascular activity or heavy lifting (>5lbs) for 4-6 weeks after their breast augmentation surgery.
Enhancement: Immediate
70% Swelling reduction: 4 - 6 weeks
Full Settling and recovery: 3 months
If you’re interested in booking a consultation with one of our talented breast augmentation plastic surgeons in Orlando, FL, we offer both virtual and in-person consultations where you will receive an evaluation, discuss your goals, ask any questions you may have, and then receive an exact quote along with financing information. To book your consultation, call us at (407) 377-5438 or fill out our online form here and a patient concierge will be in contact with you.