A revision breast augmentation can often be more challenging than the initial surgery for a variety of reasons. The presence of scar tissue from the previous surgery can make it difficult to predict the final results, as the tissue may not respond in the same way as it did initially. Additionally, the elasticity of the tissues may have changed over time, making it harder to achieve the desired outcome. Complications from previous implants, such as capsular contracture or implant malposition, can also add to the complexity of the revision surgery. Overall, these factors can make a revision breast augmentation a more challenging procedure for both the patient and the surgeon.
Having a second breast augmentation can be a smoother process compared to the first surgery, as your surgeon will have already created the necessary incision and pocket for the breast implant during the initial procedure. This can lead to reduced discomfort and a shorter post-operative recovery time, allowing you to get back to your normal routine more quickly. Additionally, having a second breast augmentation gives you the opportunity to further enhance the appearance of your breasts and achieve the desired results. Overall, undergoing a second breast augmentation can be a more efficient and comfortable experience thanks to the groundwork laid during the first surgery.
2nd Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world for years and was the top surgical procedure in the United States last year. Many women report much higher levels of self-confidence and happiness following breast enhancement procedures, and report being extremely satisfied with the results of their surgeries.
Before surgery, however, learning what to expect post-surgery and how long it will take for a patient to feel completely recovered can help patients better prepare for what can be a life-transforming experience.
How long will full recovery take?
It’s important to note that, since every woman’s body is unique, there is no exact timeline for recovery. However, most surgeons agree that a full recovery can take on average six weeks or so, and women may notice that they feel perfectly fine after about a week.
Your surgeon will be able to assess your overall health and give you a more definitive timeline prior to the procedure.
Postoperative recovery stages
Post-operation
Immediately after waking from anesthesia, you will likely feel groggy and sore. It may feel a bit like a hangover, but these effects should wear off in a matter of hours. However, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
The first five to seven days
Typically, the first three to five days are the most uncomfortable. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication, and your surgeon may even recommend receiving a pain injection or pain pump to ease discomfort for those first 72 hours.
After the first few days, most women can manage postoperative discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers. In addition, a majority of women are able to return to desk jobs about a week following surgery.
The next few weeks
After the first week, patients are encouraged to slowly ease back into light exercise and a normal daily routine. The discomfort should be minimal by this point, but doctors advise women to refrain from strenuous or jarring activity like running, horseback riding or rigorous workouts. Heavy lifting is also discouraged until they are fully recovered.
Patients with labor-intensive jobs are recommended to remain out of work for at least three weeks.
Full recovery
During your follow-up appointment, your doctor will be able to assess how far along your healing has progressed.
Generally speaking, after two months, most patients are fully cleared to resume all normal activities.
It’s vital to follow your doctor’s care instructions closely so that your implants heal properly and there are no complications.
Tips for a smooth recovery
There are a few things you should expect in the days and weeks following your breast enhancement.
First, there will be a considerable amount of soreness and swelling. This is normal, and it will naturally dissipate over time. To help reduce this pain and speed up healing, it is strongly recommended that you invest in one or two recovery bras.
These garments are specially designed to maximize post-op comfort, but they also provide implant stability, increased circulation and mild compression to ensure proper lymph drainage. They can be purchased in many styles and fabrics, which means you can choose one that will suit your needs and body best.
Remember that you will be required to wear a bra at all times following surgery, so it’s important to look for features such as breathable fabric, seamless design, adjustable straps and a pressure-free fit. Some styles even have bands that help you comfortably accommodate any post-op swelling that occurs.
Another tip is to prepare your home and wardrobe before the procedure. The first week following surgery will be the most difficult, so it’s wise to have all of your housework, clothes shopping and meal prep done beforehand so that you can fully rest. Some doctors also recommend filling your pain prescriptions the day before your procedure so that you can have the medications on hand as soon as you need them.
If possible, ask a friend or partner to assist you following surgery, especially if you have children. You will not be able to pick up small children for a few weeks while recovering, so plan for assistance as much as you can in the weeks following your procedure.
Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest, and keep your kitchen stocked with healthy foods and hydrating drinks to help speed your healing. Remember that you will be sore and tired, so keeping light, easy foods on hand will help stimulate your appetite.
Enjoying your new figure
Armed with the proper knowledge about what to expect during your recovery, you can go into the procedure with the confidence that you’ll be able to manage your enhanced new profile and the recovery. That said, asking as many questions of or voicing any concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon can only help you have a better overall experience and achieve a better outcome.
2nd Breast Augmentation to Go Bigger
What is normal and what is not after Breast Surgery
So what’s it like during recovery after breast augmentation? That’s a good question to ask during your research into Breast Augmentation surgery.
Knowing what to expect after breast surgery, as well as, understanding that your surgery and recovery experiences will vary from other patients helps you better prepare for the experience of getting implants. The key thing to remember is to check with your Surgeon and Patient Care Team if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period. Plus, be sure you read all the materials given to you prior to having your procedure.
This may also apply to other breast procedures, but this general information only. It is not meant to replace advice from your Surgeon or Medical Care Coordinators.
1. DO TAKE IT EASY AFTER YOUR SURGICAL OPERATION
Relax and let your body heal.
- The more you rest in the first 2 weeks, the quicker you will tend to recover and heal.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, for at least a few weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. Make sure you get your Surgeons all clear before you resume exercise.
- Listen to your body – don’t overdo it or you could compromise your results!
- Gradually increase your level of activity. Be sure to ask your Surgeon when they believe you’re ready to resume your workouts or daily activities.
- If it hurts or causes pain, STOP and consult your Surgeon.
- Please speak to our medical coordinators about what level of gentle exercise you can start with.
2. DON’T IGNORE FEELINGS OF PAIN AND NAUSEA AFTER SURGERY.
Nausea and pain are closely linked post-breast augmentation surgery, and your recovery will be smoother if you manage both well. Always speak to your Surgeon about this to see what is specifically recommended for you. Of course, extreme pain and nausea can be a warning sign. So, always keep your medical team in the loop and seek immediate medical attention if you or your care team is concerned.
3. DO FOLLOW OUR GUIDELINES FOR CARING FOR YOUR WOUNDS.
- Depending on the surgery you have had, you will have an incision that will need to be cared for.
- For the first week, all dressings remain intact.
- We will then take them off and check your wounds at the one-week postoperative appointment.
- Then we will guide you on how to manage and care for these wounds.
- Following instructions is important in order to get the best healing outcome and scar result.
4. DON’T WEAR YOUR REGULAR BRAS AFTER YOU GET IMPLANTS OR A BREAST LIFT. WEAR A SPORTS BRA ALL THE TIME!
Your new chest needs different support as you recover from your surgical procedure, and from the point of surgery forward to best maintain your breast enlargement results over time.
- Our surgeons will recommend special medical garments for you to wear that will; speed recovery time, reduce swelling and help make you more comfortable as you heal.
- It is important you wear the garments we provide. DO NOT wear underwire bras for the first 12 weeks.
- Wear a sports bra all the time to keep your breasts supported for the best long-term breast augmentation surgery results.
- For special occasions, you can wear a fancier bra or lingerie – but think SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT!
- Follow your Surgeon’s instructions for caring for your ‘new’ breasts after breast augmentation surgery.
5. DO EAT A BALANCED DIET AND DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS.
- Nutrition is crucial to good healing and a quick recovery.
- A balanced diet with plenty of fluids is the key.
- Zinc may also be important during your healing.
- Be sure to get your Zinc levels tested if you think you’re low on this important trace element.
- There are also some special mineral and vitamin supplements that have proven benefits to recover from surgery and other experiences which impact the body.
6. DO EXPECT PREGNANCY, BREASTFEEDING OR WEIGHT CHANGES TO IMPACT YOUR BREAST SURGERY RESULTS
Also, be sure you ask about factors that often have significant impacts on the longevity of your results. If you; get pregnant, breastfeed, lose or gain a lot of weight, don’t wear the right support bras or go through other significant events your results are very likely to change over time.
We can give you advice on how to best maintain your new breasts after surgery, but only you have control over the day-to-day and year-to-year choices. Your choices can significantly impact the longevity of your results and your satisfaction with your results over time.
Our reminder: Be sure you wear a great support bra at all times after your breast enhancement surgery – especially if you’re doing any high-impact activities.
Don’t get back on the horse too soon after your breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to ask your Surgeon when it’s appropriate for you to get back into your favourite exercises, fitness classes and sporting competitions. Furthermore, follow your Surgeon’s post-op care instructions. By following instructions exactly through your recovery period you have the best chance for a great outcome and minimal complications.
Tips for Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Reading and asking questions help you know what’s likely to be a normal recovery response and what’s not.
- Remember, identifying a potential concern or surgery complication EARLY is crucial to successful treatment.
- Ask questions BEFORE and AFTER Surgery and follow your Surgeon’s post-op instructions precisely.
- Don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you feel you need assistance.
- As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry” so DO contact your Surgeon immediately if you have any concerns.
- Choose your Surgeon carefully
- Breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
- It is considered to be a well-tolerated surgical procedure in healthy patients with no contraindications. But, the skill and expertise of your Surgeon and what you do in the post-op period ALL count towards having a positive experience and a pleasing result.
- However, all surgery has risks and it’s important to know what’s normal or not normal.
- You need to have an understanding of what symptoms or healing responses might need additional treatment. You need to understand what to look out for in case of; wound infection/wound breakdown, or a hematoma (bleeding under the skin) after surgery.
Finding out about recovery after breast augmentation surgery may help you better prepare for your surgery experience and your post-op period.
- Remember, however, that everyone is unique when it comes to recovery after breast augmentation surgery.
- Your surgery and recovery experience can vary tremendously from another patient’s experiences or results.
- DO expect a degree of variability. You’re an individual and will have a UNIQUE experience.
- Be sure you DO your reading/homework.
- Feel free to ask your Surgeon and Surgery team any and all questions you have about your procedure, healing time and recovery. It’s important you ask these questions before surgery, as well as after surgery so you know what to expect.
Normal Pain after Breast Augmentation Surgery
- There’s a lot your Surgeon can do to minimise any post-surgical pain. However, having manageable discomfort and disrupted sleep for a few days or weeks after your breast surgery is usually common/normal. Read our blog on How to Sleep Better After Breast Surgery.
- Recognise that SOME patients feel a lot of discomfort whilst others will hardly feel any. This partially depends on your genetics and your individual responses to discomfort, and partially on pain management strategies.
- Severe pain, redness/heat and extreme swelling or bruising will need immediate investigation; as will any other symptom that has you feeling concerned.
- Some patients may have unexpected complications which can delay healing and recovery or lead to re-operation.
- Be sure you choose your Surgeon carefully so that you know you’re in good hands throughout the surgery AND during your early recovery process.
BREAST SURGERY RECOVERY: PATIENT SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY – IT SHOULD BE YOURS AS WELL.
- Breast surgery is considered to be safely performed for suitable candidates, but that does not mean it has no risks.
- Like all surgeries, elective or otherwise, breast surgery carries both minor risks, such as treatable skin infections (not uncommon), as well as major risks, which are fortunately rarer.
- Yet breast augmentation surgery is still a major surgical procedure and should never be taken lightly.
- Find out WHAT type of Surgeon is going to be operating on you and WHICH location/facility you’ll be in.
Timeline for Recovery after Breast Augmentation
RECOVERY AFTER BREAST SURGERY – ARE THERE ANY NORMAL TIME FRAMES TO KEEP IN MIND?
- It varies from patient to patient, so these are just general guidelines only.
- But most healthy patients who don’t have a complication can go back to work about 2 weeks (sometimes earlier, sometimes later) after surgery.
- It often depends on the physical demands of your job as well as how you heal.
- Ask your Surgeon for details.
- Whatever you do, don’t increase your risks by smoking.
- Allow adequate time to heal.
Many breast surgery patients take at least a week off work. But for some, two weeks might be better, it depends on your job and the type of procedure you’re having.
- Different occupations have different return dates. Read the Best time to have for Cosmetic Surgery – Planning your surgery date.
- Surgery involves between two weeks to several months’ recovery time, depending on the type of procedure you have.
- For breast augmentation as a primary procedure, allow 1-2 weeks away from normal duties (average) but DO ask your Surgeon – you may need more.
- It’s important to realise that adjusting your lifestyle for optimal recovery can take some advanced planning.
- It’s also important to realise that surgery recovery can feel like an emotional roller coaster at times. Read the Common Emotions & Feelings After Cosmetic Surgery.
As part of your planning for surgery, it’s good to recognise that you may not be cleared to exercise again. This can take several weeks (or months).
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER
It’s also helpful to know that you’ll need to wear special post-op garments and support bras at all times; this includes at night whilst sleeping – which can improve your chances for best long-term breast augmentation results.
- The GUIDE links above can help you know what to expect – be sure you download them and read them.
- They do not constitute medical advice, however. Every patient is different.
- It’s CRUCIAL that you speak directly with your SURGEON to find out what’s best for YOUR specific operation and recovery.
- Make sure you get your Surgeon’s full clearance BEFORE returning to normal activities, particularly; strenuous exercise, high impact sports or very warm environments such as steam rooms.
Additionally, residual discomfort after having breast surgery – along with breast incision scars – may take many months before they become minimised. Speak to your Surgeon to find out what to expect.
Breast Surgeries have different recovery times and every woman is unique, so your recovery guidelines are simply that – estimated time frames (not guarantees) which can vary tremendously between patients.
Different Breast Operations have different recovery times or time frames.
For example, a Breast Lift without Implants (Mastopexy) will have a shorter recovery time than Breast Implants with a Breast Lift (Augmentation-Mastopexy), or a Breast Reduction Surgery, which are even more complex procedures.
Recovery time frames for breast augmentation and other breast surgeries depend on numerous factors, including unexpected complications and your adherence to post-op protocols.
Follow your unique post-op patient care plan and your Surgeon’s instructions
- Your nutritional intake, your lifestyle, your medical history, your genetics and your healing responses will ALL interact and CAN significantly impact your recovery time.
- Be sure you eat well, rest properly and DO NOT EVER SMOKE.
- How well you adhere to your Surgeon’s post-op requirements including; resting, not exercising too soon, wearing the right SUPPORT BRAS/SUPPORT GARMENTS.
- Taking care of yourself nutritionally not only impacts your healing and recovery but also your long term results!
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons will give you a tailored post-operative care plan depending on the type of procedure you have. Be sure to ask if you have any questions and let us know immediately (or contact your GP or available Medical Service Providers) if you have any post-op healing concerns.
Breast Augmentation and Recovery: Is this normal?
That noted you might benefit from general tips about what to do, look out for and avoid after getting implants or other breast enhancement surgery.
This information is general in nature and should not be considered medical advice. This information should not replace your Surgeon’s specific post-op healing instructions.
SOME COMMON CONCERNS TO BREAST SURGERY PATIENTS ARE:
- How much pain is normal after breast surgery?
- Is it normal for my breasts and nipples to have different sensitivity after surgery?
- Do I need to massage the breasts after having implants?
- What can be done to minimize scarring?
- Do I need to change the type of bra I wear?
Some pain, nausea and discomfort are all a normal part of recovery, but anything that seems alarming to you (or of concern to you, your friend, family or support circle) should immediately be reported to your Surgeon or available medical care professionals.
If you’re concerned at all, contact us immediately for assistance and advice. Or contact emergency medical services or your local GP.
BREAST SURGERY IS A COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK WORKS BEST – EACH OF US HAS A RESPONSIBILITY IN GETTING AN OPTIMAL RECOVERY AND SURGERY RESULT
As discussed in your consultation, Surgery is a collaborative effort between the Surgeon and Patient.
You AND your Surgical team each have unique, individual responsibilities to help provide for optimal surgical outcomes. That responsibility includes your timely reporting of any symptoms or post-op concerns in a timely manner and following the exact advice of your Surgeon for all aspects of your post-operative care – including wearing the right garments, caring for your incision wounds, and not returning to exercise or other strenuous activities until you’ve healed adequately and have been cleared by your Surgeon to do so.
Different Recovery after Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant surgery RECOVERY time frames can VARY from patient to patient. Because NO TWO PEOPLE – not even identical twins – will have the exact same surgery recovery experiences.
In general, however, you’ll need to allow 1 to 2 weeks to fully rest and recover after having a breast augmentation/breast implant surgery procedure.
