- The title says it all...
Breast augmentation is a popular plastic surgery procedure where implants are used to increase breast size and enhance shape. During augmentation mammoplasty, silicone or saline breast implants are surgically inserted under the chest muscle or breast tissue through small incisions. Implants come in various shapes, sizes, and surface textures to help women achieve their desired look, whether it’s a subtle increase in size or a more dramatic enhancement.
What to Expect
The surgery typically takes one to two hours under general anesthesia. While risks like bleeding, infection, and implant leakage can occur, breast augmentation is considered relatively safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. The results can significantly boost confidence and self-image in women unhappy with their natural breast shape or size, except those who are very young, as it may interfere with development.
Implants are not lifetime devices and will probably need replacing every 10-15 years. Overall, breast augmentation aims to help women attain their personal breast enlargement goals. However, women need to understand the recovery process fully. What should you expect after your breast augmentation?
Immediately Following the Procedure
During the first week of recovery, expect swelling, bruising, and mild-to-moderate pain and discomfort in the breasts. Take the prescribed pain medications as directed. The discomfort should gradually subside each day.
Wear a surgical bra around the clock for added comfort and support to minimize swelling. Keep the incisions clean and dry to prevent infection per the surgeon’s instructions. Some numbness in the nipples and breast skin is normal, with the sensation returning within a few weeks or months.
Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting over ten pounds. Rest as much as possible. Attend the first post-op appointment so the surgeon can check your progress.
Six Weeks Post-Op
By week six, swelling decreases significantly but may persist for three to six months. Bruising and discomfort continue to diminish each week. Stitches will be removed within two to six weeks.
You can gradually ease back into light activities like walking around the house after two or three weeks. By three or four weeks, gently stretch the arms and resume light housework. At four to six weeks, cardiovascular exercises like biking or swimming can be done as tolerated.
Post-op appointments will monitor healing and clear you for normal activities. Scars will continue to fade over the next several months. Use a scar treatment gel to minimize their appearance.
Six Months Post-Op
Breast sensitivity gradually returns within a couple of months. It may take three to six months for your breasts to settle into their final position and soften to a more natural feel. You’ll be cleared for all activities, including sex and more intense exercises like weight-lifting, by six weeks post-op.
Scars should be visibly faded by 9 to 12 months with continued scar gel treatment. The final results will be fully visible within a year. The breasts’ appearance should remain stable unless significant weight fluctuations occur.
When to Call the Doctor
Many side effects are expected as you recover, but worsening symptoms, especially fever, discharge, or shortness of breath, need prompt medical attention. Bleeding that soaks through the bandages or drainage from the incisions that looks infected should also be evaluated immediately. While unlikely, blood clots, capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, bottoming out, and displacement are possible, so contact the surgeon if you have any concerns.
It takes patience and time for the breasts to heal completely after augmentation. Follow all the plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully during recovery. Report any unusual symptoms promptly. With excellent self-care in the weeks and months after surgery, you’ll be back to normal activities and able to enjoy your beautiful, revitalized figure.