Breast augmentation has helped millions of women across the globe achieve their desired curves and enhance their body contours. It offers a boost to their self-esteem and self-confidence as well. Just like any other surgical procedure, the most crucial part of a breast procedure is the recovery period. Once you know what to expect during the recovery, the surgery itself will be successful and satisfying. Whether you have just undergone the procedure or considering it as a future body contouring treatment, you must be aware of the recovery time period.
The first week of your breast augmentation recovery
Your surgeon will advise that you spend the first 2 days resting, with minimal movements. You will feel a soreness in your muscles, and you may feel a tightness as the body heals your injured tissues. Even small chores may interfere with your healing and it is recommended that you have family or friends to help you in these crucial 48 hours after your breast augmentation surgery.
You will also become aware of any side effects of your surgical procedure at this time. Some of the expected side effects include discomfort, swelling, bruising, and nipple sensitivity; the severity of these differ for different patients. You can use an ice pack to the area for about 15 minutes every 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers to deal with the discomfort, but some patients find that over the counter medicines are too strong. Your surgeon will advise to not wear anything too tight around the breasts, it helps decrease your recovery time, lessens the side effects of your surgery, and decreases any risks of multiple complications. By the end of the first-week post augmentation, you will see a considerable reduction in the pain and bruising as well as any swelling would have subsided. By this time, most women are able to return to their desk job and normal routine where activities do not cause any physical stress. It is important to always consult your surgeon before you make any decisions.
The next few weeks of your recovery
By the third week of recovery, most of the side effects of the surgery would have diminished and only a slight soreness and swelling might remain. Undoubtedly, you will feel re-energized and want to return to your previous schedule right away. It is important that you continue to avoid any strenuous activities and only indulge in light walks that will help with circulation. This is important since any other activities will put pressure on your pectoral muscles and raise your heart rate too.
Weeks 4 to 6 you will find that the swelling is almost gone. This is the time when you will begin to see your final breast augmentation results. The implants would have settled in their final intended place even though the breasts will still take time to completely recover and adjust to the implants. Most of your skin, tissue, and muscles should be healed by now but you must still consult with your surgeon before resuming physically strenuous activities.
A few months after your breast augmentation
The first few months, the tissue around the implants will continue to heal. If you were still feeling any tightness in the area, it will be completely gone by now. Any leftover swelling will also subside by this time. Other changes to the shape or texture of your breasts will be realized at this time so now you can see what your breasts will look like. The scarring from your augmentation will start to fade by now as well and these will continue to be less visible with time. Now, you can start to see the realization of your aesthetic goals.
