Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the United States and life-changing surgery. As breast augmentation is major surgery, it’s important to know what to expect during the recovery even as much as the procedure itself.
While there is no exact timeline for breast augmentation recovery, it can take six to eight weeks on average to get fully cleared to resume all normal activities. It’s important to follow your surgical team’s instructions closely to heal properly and avoid complications. Here is a general timeline of the recovery stages:
The first 24-48 hours after surgery
You will feel groggy and sore one you wake from anesthesia, but the grogginess should wear off after a few hours. You will want a friend or partner to take you home and stay with you for the first night at the very least. It is a good idea to plan for help for the weeks following your procedure as you are not allowed to do heavy lifting or strenuous activity such as picking up small children.
The first week
You will feel the most discomfort for the first few days post-surgery, so rest is imperative. Be sure to fill pain medication prescribed by your surgeon and/or have your over-the-counter painkillers on hand to take care of discomfort from pain and swelling and reduce the risk of infection. Consider investing in one or two recovery bras, as they provide implant stability and mild compression to ensure proper lymph drainage.
The next few weeks
Discomfort begins to subside after about a week, you can slowly ease back into your routine and light cardio at the direction of your plastic surgeon. Many women will find they can return to work after a week, but those with strenuous jobs should not go back for at least three weeks. You mustn’t subject the surgical incisions to excessive force or motion during this time of healing.
Follow-up with surgeon
Your surgeon will assess your healing and advise you on normal activities during your follow-up. Should any complications or issues arise during the recovery period, do not wait for your appointment and contact the surgeon’s office immediately.
Are you ready to take the plunge and consider breast augmentation? Call (718) 608-1111 to get a comprehensive consultation in one of our offices in New Brunswick, NJ, Staten Island, NY, and Brooklyn, NY.
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