How Bad Is Recovery From Breast Augmentation
Recovering from breast augmentation surgery can be a lengthy process that requires patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. It is important for individuals undergoing this procedure to understand that the recovery period can take several weeks, and that they may experience slow improvements over time.
During the recovery process, it is crucial for patients to follow all instructions provided by their surgeon. These instructions are designed to help facilitate a smooth recovery and prevent complications such as infections. By following these guidelines, patients can ensure that their body heals properly and that they can return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
One of the key aspects of recovery from breast augmentation surgery is managing pain and discomfort. Patients may experience some level of pain and swelling in the days following the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and rest. It is important for patients to listen to their bodies and take the necessary time to rest and recover.
In addition to managing pain, patients should also be mindful of their physical activity during the recovery period. It is important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery, as this can put strain on the healing tissues and potentially lead to complications. Patients should gradually increase their activity level as they feel comfortable, following their surgeon’s guidance.
Proper wound care is also essential during the recovery process. Patients should keep their incision sites clean and dry, and follow any specific instructions provided by their surgeon for dressing changes. It is important to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site, and to contact their surgeon if any concerns arise.
Overall, the recovery process following breast augmentation surgery requires patience, diligence, and adherence to post-operative instructions. By following these guidelines, patients can ensure a smooth recovery and a successful outcome from their procedure. It is important to remember that every individual heals at their own pace, and that slow improvements over time are normal and to be expected. By taking care of their bodies and following their surgeon’s guidance, patients can achieve the best possible results from their breast augmentation surgery.
How Bad Is Recovery From Breast Augmentation
The breast implants recovery stages involve some pain, although it is generally “manageable” with the right pain management treatment. The first 2-3 days require the vast majority of medications, particularly those used to control post-op discomfort.
Instead of relying solely on narcotics to control pain during the first few days of recovery, some surgeons recommend pain pumps or pain injections for additional comfort.
Pain pumps resemble a small balloon that carries numbing medications, which slowly “drip” through a catheter and into the breast area for 2-3 days when pain management system is the most needed.
However, some plastic surgery experts prefer pain injections (e.g., Exparel) at the very end of surgery. Pain medications whose effects can last up to 14 hours are directly injected into the implant pocket without the “inconvenience” of carrying pain pumps.
About 3-7 days after surgery most patients are off their strong pain medications, particularly narcotics. Ideally these drugs should be discontinued once postop discomfort becomes more “manageable” or more tolerable since their prolonged use is linked to constipation, lethargy, and even longer recovery.
Should the patients wish to continue their pain medications after 5-7 days, most are advised to shift to non-narcotics such as Tylenol.
Instead of actual pain, some patients have more “issue” about the tightness and cramping that may not just affect the breast area, but the shoulders, neck, and back as well. These symptoms are generally controlled by muscle relaxants such as Valium, although these should not be taken together with painkillers—at least taken one hour apart—to avoid lethargy and drowsiness.
Most patients can return to their desk-job work 5-7 days after surgery, although it remains in their best interest to avoid rigorous workout, particularly if it involves the upper extremity, for at least three weeks. Nevertheless, light exercise such as 3-5 short walks throughout the day is highly ideal to improve healing.
While breast-related discomfort typically goes away within a few days, back and shoulder pain are frequently experienced as well. Doctors believe that the abrupt shift in body mass and perhaps the patient’s propensity to shrug her shoulders forward to “guard” her breasts are to blame for this. Light stretching and posture awareness, however, are typically sufficient to alleviate these problems.
The breast implants recovery stages may differ from patient to patient, thus it is critical to stick to one’s doctor’s specific recommendations.
How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Within a few weeks, you will be fully recovered, but your breast shape and scars will continue to refine over the next several months. It can take up to 8 weeks for the swelling to completely subside. It can take 3-6 months for the breast muscles to completely relax and stretch out, which allows the implants to come forward. Chest muscles following surgery are tight, causing them to push the implants into the ribs. This can make the breasts appear flat and wide. Different patients have varying degrees of tightness based on muscle mass and genetics. Over time, the muscles relax and the implants will come forward and feel softer. Nerves in the breast area also take several months to heal. As they do, increased or decreased sensation in the nipple will normalize.
What to expect after a breast augmentation
24 hours post-op
Following the procedure, you can feel tightness in your chest, discomfort, fatigue, nausea, and either an increase in or a decrease in breast sensitivity. Bruising and swelling may also be present, but these will go away with time.
After the surgery, you will be required to rest for a couple of hours in the surgical postoperative room until the anesthesia fully wears off. It is crucial you have a ride home from a trusted family member or friend who will continue to help and take care of you a few days post-op.
During the first 24 hours, you may feel extreme pain and discomfort. Taking over the counter pain relievers as directed, like acetaminophen is recommended. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxers so help keep you comfortable.
5 to 7 days post-op
After the first week, you may continue to feel mild pain or discomfort. However, the intensity of pain should have decreased. At this stage, you may be able to return to normal activities, if directed by your surgeon.
However, you should refrain from strenuous activities such as lifting your arms above your head, which can result in irritation and bleeding. At this time, your breast implants will begin to settle in place. It is important to follow any post-operative advice, such as massaging the breast tissue to help relax the muscles and reduce swelling.
3 to 4 weeks post-op
At this stage, you should feel little to no pain or discomfort. Swelling and bruising in the breasts should have reduced and faded. However, it is normal to still have bruising depending on the type of surgery and if there were any complications.
Your doctor may start to encourage you to engage in light exercises but refrain from strenuous activities. Continuing to wear a post-surgical bra and front closure bras can still promote healing at this time.
4 to 6 weeks post-op
Usually, at this point, most patients have fully recovered and can resume regular activity. Your breasts should look and feel more natural. Patients are advised to make an appointment with their surgeon for a full evaluation of the breast implants.
Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Painful
During breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon inserts an implant beneath the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to increase the breasts. A soft silicone shell containing a gel or saltwater solution is called an implant. Following the procedure, you will most likely feel weak. You can have a lot of edema and be in pain for two to three weeks. The area around your breasts may feel stretched or pulled. You might require pain medication for a week or two, but you should feel better and stronger every day. You may have less energy than normal or become fatigued easily. After surgery, this could continue for a few weeks.
If your doctor used detachable stitches to close your wounds, they will come out in seven to fourteen days.
You might notice that your breasts appear fuller and feel firmer. It’s possible that your breasts’ skin is numb. It should improve over time. You might have some long-term nipple loss of sensation.
Conclusion
Although recovery times might vary significantly based on your health, the specifics of your treatment, and your aftercare, there is a general timeframe that frequently applies to breast augmentation.
According to board-certified plastic surgeon Karen Horton, MD, of San Francisco, who is also an ASPS member, “recovery can be three weeks (with subglandular augmentation, which is my preference) or three months (with submuscular technique, which is much more painful and involves cutting your pectoralis major muscles and stretching them over an implant).”
