When it comes to breast augmentation, the decision to have the procedure and what kind of result you want from it can be a difficult one. For many women, the decision comes down to whether or not they are happy with their current size and shape. If the answer is no, then there are a number of different options available for breast enhancement.
One option is to choose breast implants over other methods of enhancement such as fat injections, which require more time and effort on behalf of the patient. Breast implants offer a fast and effective way to achieve the results you want without having to undergo invasive surgery or months of recovery time. The procedure itself is simple and only takes a few hours in total, but there are things you should know before making your choice!
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation involves using an implant in order to increase size or correct problems with shape or symmetry. The most common type used today is silicone gel filled shells made out of medical grade silicone gel, which are inserted through incisions made beneath your breasts (or above them, depending on how much volume you want added). The procedure may also involve fat grafting or fat transfer if your breasts aren’t large enough already; this is done by harvesting fat cells from areas like
2 day post op breast augmentation pictures
Patient 1
Details: 330cc silicone implants 2 mos postop
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 6″
Weight: 122lbs
Patient 2
Details: 339cc silicone gel implants Post-op 5 months
Age: 29yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 3
Details: 375cc silicone gel implants, high profile 5 mos postop
Age: 43yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 125lbs
Patient 4
Details: 275 cc Moderate Plus Salines Post-op 11 mo
Age: 18yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 5
Details: 330cc silicone, middle profile, 5 Months post-op.
Age: 28yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5′ 4″
Weight: 133lbs
Patient 6
Details: 375cc silicone gel implants Post-op 4 months
Age: 33yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 10″
Weight: 130lbs
Patient 7
Details: 310cc R / 295cc L Post-op 5 mos
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight: 105lbs
Patient 8
Details: 350cc silicone gel implants Post-op 3 months
Age: 35yrs
Children: 1
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 136lbs
Patient 9
Details: 400cc salines Post-op 6 mo
Age: 37yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 126lbs
Patient 10
Details: 371cc Post-op 4 months
Age: 29yrs
Children: 1
Height: 5′ 4″
Weight: 133lbs
Patient 11
Details: 300cc salines Post-op 3.5 months
Age: 42yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 143lbs
Patient 12
Details: 400cc High profile silicone (Allergan Style 20) Post-op 3 mo
Age: 26yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 115lbs
Patient 13
Details: 310cc silicone gel implants, Post-op 6 mo
Age: 37yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 121lbs
Patient 14
Details: 397cc mod plus profile silicone implants Post-op 3 mo
Age: 28yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 15
Details: 492cc silicone gel implants Post-op 5 mo
Age: 22yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 115lbs
Patient 16
Details: 397cc silicone gel implants (moderate plus profile) Post-op 4 mo
Age: 31yrs
Children: 4
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 140lbs
Patient 17
Details: 550cc high profile silicone gel implants Post-op 4 mo
Age: 29yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 147lbs
Patient 18
Details: 310cc silicone gel implants, Post-op 3mo
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 106lbs
Patient 19
Details: 371cc moderate plus silicone gel implants Post-op 4 months
Age: 30yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’ 3”
Weight: 118lbs
Patient 20
Details: 492cc silicone gels Post-op 7 months
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 6″
Weight: 123lbs
Patient 21
Details: 339cc silicone gel implants Post-op 3 months
Age: 32yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5′ 8″
Weight: 140lbs
Patient 22
Details: 234cc silicone gel implants Post-op 10mo
Age: 55yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 125lbs
Patient 23
Details: 397cc silicone gels Post-op 4 months
Age: 34yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 145lbs
Patient 24
Details: 397cc silicone gel implants Post-op 7 months
Age: 32yrs
Children: 3
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 125lbs
Patient 25
Details: 420cc salines Post-op 1 year
Age: 18yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 100lbs
Patient 26
Details: 421cc Silicone Gel implants Post-op 5 months
Age: 31yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 114lbs
Patient 27
Details: 533cc silicone gel implants Post-op 3 mo
Age: 25yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 178lbs
Patient 28
Details: 375cc Silicone Gels Post-op 2 mo
Age: 34yrs
Children: 3
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 29
Details: 375cc saline implants (Dual Plane 2 technique) Post-op 6 mo
Age: 26yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 100lbs
Patient 30
Details: 371cc Silicone gel Post-op 6 mo
Age: 41yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 125lbs
Patient 31
Details: 457cc silicone gel implants Post-op 3 mo
Age: 45yrs
Children: 3
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 150lbs
Patient 32
Details: 400 cc Moderate Plus Silicone Gels Post-op 3 mo
Age: 24yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 33
Details: 500cc Moderate Plus Silicone Gel Post-op 2 mo
Age: 24yrs
Children: 3
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight: 134lbs
Patient 34
Details: 410 cc Moderate Plus Saline Implants Post-op 10 mo
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight: 148lbs
Patient 35
Details: Moderate plus saline implants 365cc Post-op 3 mo
Age: 29yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 120lbs
Patient 36
Details: 457cc silicone gel implants Post-op 5 mo
Age: 28yrs
Children: 3
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight: 134lbs
Patient 37
Details: 350cc Moderate Plus Profile Gels Post-op 3 mo
Age: 47yrs
Children: 2
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 125lbs
Patient 38
Details: 350cc high profile silicone implants Post-op 4 mo
Age: 26yrs
Children: 0
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 110lbs
what to expect 1 week post op breast augmentation
Recovering from Breast Augmentation: Important Guidelines
In preparing for surgery and recovery, patients can be overwhelmed by all the information given to digest. In the following checklist, we have distilled some of the most important tips and guidelines for you to know in the immediate aftermath of your breast augmentation procedure.
- Following your surgery, you are going to feel very fatigued. You should not plan on doing anything but resting for your first week or so of recovery.
- For the first two or three days, it is crucial that you avoid any activities that could elevate your blood pressure. This can cause bleeding which may necessitate further surgery.
- It bears repeating: You need someone staying with you for at least the first 24 hours, and ideally the next day or two if you have young children, toddlers, or infants. Your support person can help around the house, but also keep an eye open for any unexpected complications.
- You may feel tightness, soreness, or pain in your chest for several days. This is why you will have medication options, both over-the-counter and prescription.
- You cannot shower for the first 24 hours. And, you will want to avoid any still water, such as bathtubs and swimming pools, for at least 2 to 6 weeks.
- Do not plan on traveling for the first week or two.
- Be alert to the common signs of infection: Warmth, redness, and fever. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, call your plastic surgeon’s office ASAP.
- For the first 6 weeks, you will need to wear either a post-surgical bra or other non-underwire bras at all times.
- Avoid bending over, reaching up or across your body, and do not lift anything that weighs more than 5 pounds.
- Due to the medication and anesthesia in your system, you may have constipation for your first few days of recovery. Be prepared for this with Colace or other over-the-counter constipation medications.
- Do not sleep on your stomach. Ideally, you should lie on your back with your head slightly elevated.
By sticking to these basic tips and guidelines, you will be well on your way to a smooth, fast, and safe recovery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery: Timeline
One of the most common questions that patients ask before breast augmentation is how long is it going to take for them to feel fully recovered.
There is no simple answer to this question as all patients are different. Your recovery time can vary depending on the type of implant and the type of incision, as well as your healing progress. Adherence to your surgeon’s post-op instructions will help you to recover more quickly.
For some patients, it takes just a few days to a week before they are able to resume most of their daily non-strenuous household activities. For others, it may take more time. Even if you have a perfect recovery, you should wait at least 3 to 6 weeks before returning to the gym or engaging in any strenuous exercise, and always check with your surgeon when in doubt.
With that said, here is what you can expect in terms of a general timeline.
The First 24 Hours
Breast implant surgery will usually take less than one hour to complete. After surgery you will be taken to a recovery room, where your condition will be monitored for another hour then you will be cleared to head home with a caregiver.
When you first wake up, you will likely feel some pain and soreness in your chest. Your movement will be limited, and you may also have some minor dizziness and fatigue.
Once you get home, you are just going to want to rest. Follow your doctor’s orders with regard to painkiller use.
The First 48 Hours
You will likely need pain medication for the first 2 or 3 days. Hang in there and remind yourself that this is temporary. You will soon begin to feel quite a bit more normal.
You may experience varying levels of pain, swelling, and bruising. Use your pain medication as directed by your surgeon, and make sure you stay consistent with your antibiotic use.
One thing to keep in mind: Some patients develop a very mild fever during the first couple of days. This is not necessarily a sign of infection. If the fever worsens or persists, let your surgeon’s office know.
Do not shower until cleared by your surgeon. Remember to avoid still water, including baths and swimming pools.
The First Week
For the first 4 to 7 days, you should stay home from work and continue resting as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity of any kind. By the end of the first week, you should notice your energy coming back to you and your pain and soreness lessening quite a bit.
Another important note about the first week is that your incision will still be covered with gauze bandages and/or surgical tape. Follow your surgeon’s instructions with regard to changing and checking your dressings.
Your implants may appear to be too high, especially if placed under the muscle. This is normal and will take weeks to months to settle into the correct position.
Weeks 3-6
Fast forward to week three: By this point, any pain, discomfort, or soreness should be significantly abated. At this juncture, you are free to resume most of your regular physical activities, except high impact activity or upper body exercises including yoga, pilates, and golf unless cleared by your surgeon.
Continue to wear your support bra, or a sports bra, to ensure that your breasts are supported, especially during high-impact activities.
First Two Months
Once you move out of the initial recovery phase, your plastic surgeon will let you know when it is okay to stop wearing a support bra. Additionally, after two months or so, most patients will be cleared by their surgeon to resume all of their normal activities, including vigorous workouts and other physically strenuous endeavors.
When Can You See Results from Your Breast Augmentation?
When you first start thinking seriously about getting breast implants, it is natural to feel excited about seeing your new figure. However, it is important to realize that you are not going to see the final results immediately from your breast augmentation. There will of course be some swelling and bruising. Swelling in the area of the sternum is common which may make your cleavage look less pronounced. This is normal.
It may be about two full months or more before you can truly, clearly see the outcome of your breast augmentation, and really assess the change to your body. Our advice: be patient and do not be discouraged. It can be frustrating to go through surgery and not see a perfect outcome immediately. Scars should begin to slowly fade until they are only faintly visible. Keep in mind that it takes 12 to 18 months for scars to fully mature so be patient during this transitional process.
Dealing with the After Effects of Breast Augmentation
During your recovery period, you can anticipate some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and more. Your plastic surgeon can provide you with some practical remedies. In the meantime, here are some general thoughts on handling these common side effects.
Dealing with Discomfort
The most common side effect of breast augmentation is physical discomfort. Patients describe the pain as being either mild or moderate in nature, and it usually takes the form of tightness, or a feeling of pressure, in the chest. Symptoms of pain may last for up to two months.
Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you a painkiller that you can use as needed and also direct you to the best over-the-counter remedies. Just remember that any discomfort is temporary and that rest and time will help.