Recovering from breast augmentation surgery is an essential phase that allows your body to heal and adjust to the changes. While the decision to undergo breast augmentation is exciting, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for recovery.
Following proper care can enhance your healing process and achieve optimal results. Below, you’ll find a list of answers to some of your most pressing questions and gain valuable tips to help you navigate your breast enhancement recovery journey successfully.
Will I experience pain after the procedure?
Following your breast enhancement surgery, you can expect to experience mild to moderate discomfort, for which you will be given prescription pain medication. You will have periodic follow-up appointments with our highly trained and experienced nurses to ensure that your breasts are healing properly. You can be assured that you will be able to have direct contact with our professional staff if you are experiencing any concerns or discomfort. They will try their best to assist and comfort you immediately.
How long does it take to heal after breast augmentation surgery?
The average post-operative recovery period for breast enhancement surgery is two to four weeks. However, this can vary from patient to patient. It is dependent upon the unique healing capacity of each patient. Although the initial results of your breast augmentation will be visible immediately following your procedure, you will continue to improve over the next few weeks as any residual bruising and swelling subsides.
Will I experience swelling after the surgery?
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery. It will usually subside within two to six weeks.
Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising, and duration may vary depending on the patient and the extent of the augmentation. To reduce swelling, you might be told to apply cold compresses to the chest area, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting, stay hydrated, and get lots of rest. With the proper-post operative care and by following Dr Sinno’s instructions, the swelling will gradually subside over time.
When Does Tightness Go Away After a Breast Enhancement?
Can I go home after the surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery generally takes one to two hours, after which you will remain in the recovery room while being monitored by a highly skilled nurse until you are stable and ready to be discharged. This usually lasts two to three hours. You may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery.
When can I remove the bandages after getting breast implants?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed, and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
Bras with metal underwires should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
When can I shower after breast augmentation?
The bandages are usually removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno or the medical team. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
Non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
What Position Should I Sleep in After Breast Enlargement Surgery?
You should avoid sleeping on your side for the first few weeks after surgery. The best position is to sleep on your back with your head and upper body elevated to minimize swelling and discomfort. Read our tips on how to sleep after breast augmentation surgery.
Can I drive after surgery?
It is recommended that patients do not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the breast surgery.
When can I exercise after breast augmentation?
What Happens if I Lift Something Heavy After The Surgery?
To promote proper healing, it is crucial to refrain from lifting heavy objects for the initial 3–4 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. Excessive lifting can place strain on the incisions, potentially leading to complications such as incision opening, increased swelling, and delayed healing. Allow your body time to recover properly before engaging in strenuous lifting activities.
3 Exercises to perform post-breast augmentation
Around the six-week mark after surgery, it’s not uncommon to notice that your implants are still positioned slightly higher and further apart, which may give the appearance of lower nipples. Rest assured that this is a normal phase of the healing process.
However, specific exercises recommended by Dr. Sinno can aid in encouraging the implants to descend and come closer, creating a more natural-looking breast.
These exercises are NOT a substitute for medical advice.
Exercise 1: Enhance Implant Position and Cleavage Definition
To encourage the implants to come closer together and create better cleavage definition, use the tips of your fingers, hold the base of each implant with the opposite hand and gently push the implants towards each other and hold.
Remember to focus on bringing the implants together and not compressing the breast tissue. Hold this position for 2 minutes and repeat twice a day for 2 months.
Exercise 2 : Bring Your Implants Closer Together
Another exercise to help bring your implants closer together involves targeting your pectoral muscles. Start by stretching your pectoral muscles by gently bringing your arms and shoulders back, keeping your arms at a 90-degree angle.
Place the base of each hand at the base of the implants on each side, targeting the implants specifically and not the breast tissue. Push the implants together while maintaining this position for 2 minutes, and repeat this exercise twice a day.
Exercise 3: Help Implants Drop and Settle for Symmetrical Breasts
This exercise is effective in helping the implants settle, resulting in a more natural-looking breast shape. Begin by placing the opposite hand on your breast as close to the nipple as possible. Lift the nipple as much as you can while gently pushing inward towards your chest wall. You will feel the implant being pushed downward and may experience pressure near the inframammary incision.
With your other hand, apply pressure on the incision and ribs to encourage the implant to drop and settle into place. Hold this position for 2 minutes twice a day.
View these three breast implant exercises that Dr. Sinno suggests his patients do. These exercises should only be performed IF the patient feels the need to do them. This is NOT a medical recommendation.
