If you’re thinking of having breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to determine how long the recovery period is and what you can do to make the process go by smoothly. In this guide, we review How To Recover Fast From Breast Augmentation and our top tips for reducing swelling after breast augmentation, including when do breast augmentation stitches dissolve? We’ll also give you some recovery tips so you can get back to your normal activities sooner than expected.
In this guide, we review How To Recover Fast From Breast Augmentation, tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation, when do breast augmentation stitches dissolve, and breast augmentation recovery tips.
How To Recover Fast From Breast Augmentation
Recovery from breast augmentation is a process, but it isn’t as bad as it seems. Ultimately, the goal of recovery is to avoid any postoperative complications and get back to your usual activities as soon as possible. Below are some tips you can follow during your recovery period so that you can have a successful surgery with minimal downtime:
The first couple of days are the hardest
The first couple of days after your breast augmentation surgery are going to be the hardest. You’re going to feel a lot of pain, and you might even have trouble sleeping because of how sore you are. It’s also important to take care of yourself during this time:
- Make sure that you follow all post-operative instructions from your surgeon.
- Stay away from lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous activity for at least four weeks after surgery until your body has healed completely
- Take it easy on yourself! Even if you feel like you want to get up and do more than sit around, remember that recovering takes time; take advantage of this downtime by resting as much as possible
Do what is most comfortable for you
You’ll be in a lot of pain, so you want to make sure that it’s as easy as possible for yourself.
You should use your own bed, pillow and clothes. Make sure that everything is comfortable for you and your needs. Take breaks if you need them and do whatever is most comfortable for you at the time. If this means taking a nap on the couch while watching Netflix then that’s fine! There’s no reason why we can’t be kinder to ourselves during these times of discomfort because we’ve earned it!
The best way to avoid postoperative discomfort is to plan ahead
The best way to avoid postoperative discomfort is to plan ahead. Once you’ve made the decision to have breast augmentation surgery, it’s not too late to start thinking about recovery. As a patient, it’s important that you’re aware of what your body needs after surgery so that you can plan accordingly. If there is any way for you to avoid surgery altogether, then by all means do so—no one should have unnecessary pain or risk their health for aesthetics! But if surgery is inevitable, then consider these tips:
- Make sure your home environment is comfortable and safe for recovery
- Prepare food for yourself in advance (don’t forget about the extra calories needed during recovery)
- Ask friends or family members who live nearby if they’d be able to help out with chores or errands while recovering from your procedure
Swelling and bruising will resolve over time
Swelling and bruising will resolve over time.
It’s normal to experience swelling and bruising after breast augmentation surgery. Swelling can last for several days, but it should improve over the first month post-surgery. Bruising is also normal and typically resolves in about one week or less, but may last longer in some cases. In rare instances, bruising may be a sign of infection or other complications that require medical attention.
It’s important to use a supportive bra 24/7 in the early weeks after surgery
The first step in how to recover fast from breast augmentation is to wear a supportive bra 24/7 for the first few weeks. A good-fitting bra is essential for proper healing and stabilization of your new breasts, and will help reduce swelling and tenderness. The last thing you want is to spend even more time recovering from boob pain because your bra is too tight or loose!
The perfect supportive bra should be comfortable enough that you forget it’s there, but still provide enough support so that your breasts feel supported without any strain on them. It should also stay in place while sleeping—many women have found that sleeping without taking off their bras helps reduce discomfort after surgery. That said, make sure that the band size of your new bra matches up with the one you had before surgery; otherwise this could cause discomfort or even lead to skin irritation/infection due to constant rubbing against clothing (and possibly also pressure).
In addition to finding a great fitting style for yourself now, choose two additional styles: one full coverage version (with no padding) for around-the-house use; another sexy lacy pushup style for when going out at night after all primary healing has occurred (usually three-six weeks).
Don’t be alarmed when your incisions become red, itchy, or irritated
It’s normal to have some redness and swelling at the incision sites. Also, it is not uncommon to experience itching or irritation. Don’t scratch the incisions, as this can make them worse. Instead, apply a topical cream or ointment over them (such as Aquaphor) 2-3 times per day for several days after you get home from surgery.
Make sure you have a good support network in place at home
It’s been a month since your breast augmentation surgery and you’re feeling better, but you still have some lingering questions. You know that it’s important to take it easy, but how will you manage the household chores with one arm in a sling? How can you ask for help without looking like an ungrateful jerk? Is there any way around asking friends or family members for childcare on the days that your husband works late?
The most important thing to remember when recovering from breast augmentation is to ask for what you need—and don’t feel guilty about doing so! It’s normal for people who live with us (like our partners) not only be helpful when we are homebound recovering from surgery, but also offer their assistance when we’re able to return to work and caregiving duties. If friends want to bring dinner over once in awhile during recovery, let them! Having a good support network in place at home makes things much easier on everyone involved.
Breast augmentation recovery becomes easier as time goes on
During the first two weeks, you may find that you have more energy than usual. This is because your body has just undergone an intense surgery and has not yet adjusted to its new state. After that, you should begin to feel like yourself again, but it will take some time for your body to recover from any pain or bruising from breast augmentation recovery.
During this time frame, the experience of recovering from breast augmentation recovery can be challenging because it can be difficult to know what level of activity is safe given all the swelling and pain in your chest area and torso region. Some women find that they have a hard time sleeping due to discomfort at night; others discover that they are able to sleep better than they thought they would while recovering from breast augmentation recovery. This is normal! Everyone heals differently after undergoing such surgeries as plastic surgery procedures (such as liposuction) or other types of cosmetic treatments like rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) procedures or laser skin resurfacing treatments (such as CO2 laser resurfacing).
tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery, also known as a boob job, or breast enhancement, is a cosmetic surgery done to enlarge your breast size and improve your overall shape, contour, and projection. It’s ideal for flat-chested patients or those who want some cleavage to boost their current breast size. Breast augmentation can also effectively help correct breast asymmetry and tuberous breast deformities.
Silicone implants aim to give your breasts both a natural feel and movement and focus on emphasizing your cleavage (upper pole fullness). However, this is not the only reason or type of boob job. Our surgeons also use fat grafting. This involves your surgeon injecting your own fat into your breasts. It’s a natural way to make your breasts larger and can be done either as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with breast implants. However, Fat grafting is not suitable for everyone and you will need a consult to determine whether you are a good candidate.
What to Expect During Recovery from Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation is a procedure that is done under general anaesthesia.
Your first week, especially the first three to five days can be the most uncomfortable. Pain, bruising and swelling is at their peak during this time. This is a natural body response to your boob job. After a week, any sutures or drains (if used) will be removed, and you’ll start to notice that most of the pain, bruising, and swelling have reduced significantly. Most women are comfortable enough to return to office work and light duties at the 7-10 day mark.
In the few weeks following your Breast Augmentation, the pain, bruising, and swelling will decrease. When the time is right your surgeon will encourage you to ease back into your normal daily routine. However, you should hold off on any strenuous activities, jobs and exercise for a minimum of three weeks, if not until you have made a full recovery. Your surgeon will advise you on your situation and healing.
It takes six to eight weeks to fully recover from your breast enhancement, but you’ll be able to enjoy the “perks” of your new breasts a lot sooner.
Why Do Bruising and Swelling Happen After Boob Job?
Any surgery, be it breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift, involves a certain level of breast tissue manipulation. Bruising and swelling are your natural body’s response to any form of “trauma” and you should expect them after your cosmetic surgery.
Bruising after Breast Augmentation occurs as a result of incisions and other adjustments made in the breast tissue. These injuries can damage nearby blood vessels and cause blood to pool out under the skin and into one area, causing the black/purple discolouration you see on your skin.
Swelling (oedema) or inflammation after your Boob Job is also a result of “trauma” done during the procedure. This causes the release of chemicals from damaged cells that increase the absorbency of blood vessels in the area of injury. Fluid accumulated inside the blood vessels, along with white blood cells and other chemicals helps start the healing process.
How Long Do Bruising and Swelling Last After Breast Augmentation?
The extent and duration of bruising and swelling after breast enhancement correlate with the extent of the surgery done, how much tissue is removed, how well you follow your instructions and wearing of garments. For most patients, bruising and swelling reach their peak three days or so following your Boob Job. A significant amount of swelling will start to decrease a week after, and any remaining bruising will dissipate over time along with associated discomfort.
Best Ways to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Breast Augmentation
Bruising and swelling are the major contributors to your overall discomfort following your Boob Job. Unfortunately, they can last up to several weeks after your procedure, despite them waning in intensity with time. Here are some of the best ways to deal with bruising and swelling after breast augmentation:
Compression Garments
After waking up from your Boob Job you’ll most likely notice you are wearing a compression garment – a compression bra. The compression provided by support bras, tapes, or binders/bandages helps accelerate the healing process and is absolutely necessary for the first month or so following your breast surgery procedure. Compression can prevent bleeding and stop blood from seeping out of your blood vessels to underneath your skin, and thus reduces your bruising. It also reduces swelling by promoting blood circulation to vital areas and flushing out chemicals that accumulate near your breast surgery incision sites. This further speeds up your healing process after your boob job.
Cold Compresses
In the first 3 days after your Breast Augmentation, apply cold compresses like towel-covered ice packs or bags of frozen peas on your surgical site to reduce swelling. Do so at 15 minutes intervals, with 20 minutes breaks in between, several times a day. The cold will cause your blood vessels to constrict, limiting fluid and blood leakage. This not only decreases your swelling but also decreases the size and spread of your bruises. Take care to avoid applying any cold compresses directly onto your Breast Augmentation incisions. This can cause severe irritation to your sensitive skin.
Good Night’s Sleep
Having good sleep hygiene is an integral part of any cosmetic procedure recovery process. Good sleep hygiene does not only involve having your eight hours of sleep nightly but also depends on the position you sleep in. In the first six weeks following your cosmetic breast surgery. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you to sleep on your back, with your upper body elevated at a 30 to 45 degrees angle for safe and speedy healing. This position allows your breasts to be in a relaxed position, with minimal straining on your incisional sites. It causes your blood to shift away from your tender new breasts, not only reducing your bruising and swelling in the process but also alleviating any pain or soreness felt post breast surgery.
Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy well-balanced diet is essential for your body’s healing process after Breast Augmentation. This includes restricting your salt intake, which can otherwise cause your body to retain fluid, worsening both your bruising and swelling.
Having a diet rich in Vitamin K is also important, as it encourages your blood to become “thicker”, thus preventing any further bleeding and worsening bruises. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are prime examples of Vitamin K-rich foods.
Hydration
It may come as surprising but drinking lots of water and staying hydrated actually help manage swelling after breast surgery. The more your drink, the lesser the need for your body to trap water inside its tissues. Hydration also enhances your blood circulation, helping nutrients and blood to reach your injured breast tissue for a faster recovery. We encourage patients to drink 2 litres of water daily after their Breast Augmentation.
Medication
After your Boob Job, your plastic surgeon will prescribe you a list of medications and supplements that need to be taken. Other than pain relief medication, this list may include Arnica and Arginaid. Arnica, also known as “wolfsbane” is a herb-derived tablet. It has been shown to decrease both bruising and swelling in the week following your cosmetic breast surgery. Arginaid on the other hand is an oral supplement that contains Vitamin C, E, and Zinc. It is designed to promote wound healing. Coco Ruby offers patients our Rapid Recovery pack with suggested supplements
when do breast augmentation stitches dissolve
Suturing – the closure of a surgical incision or wound – is an area of surgical detail that has evolved a lot in recent years. Surgeons can sometimes deliver microscopic threads for sutures that will leave less telltale signs of an incision, but you must remember that all skin penetrating surgeries will leave a scar of some sort – even when you seek to minimise the scar through certain protocols such as Healite II, lasers or Collagen Induction Therapy. But many people have questions about sutures and if it hurts when you get your stitches taken out (suture removal) after a Breast Augmentation or Tummy Tuck Surgery. The good news is, that getting your sutures removed is often one of the easier aspects of the immediate post-op period of having breast implants or an Abdominoplasty surgery. Even eyelid surgery sutures are typically pain-free when they get taken out by a seasoned Nurse or Surgeon.
When will your sutures be removed after your plastic surgery? Getting your stitches taken out – does it hurt?
If you get breast augmentation using breast implants, or a breast reduction or a tummy tuck procedure, you will have an incision that will need to be sutured securely whilst your tissues heal from your surgical procedure. And you WILL have a post-op appointment when you get your stitches taken out (unless you had fully dissolvable sutures).
Why do you need sutures in the first place?
The incision closure is performed using sutures – or staples as a way of suturing the tissues together – essentially, a surgical version of ‘sewing’ or connecting the tissues that help enable your skin and underlying tissues to heal properly – ideally in a semi-controlled manner.
Having incisions and proper wound care may also help protect your internal tissues from bacteria or infections.
When will your Breast Augmentation stitches be taken out after you get Breast Implants?
All incisions require care. Each procedure is also different and your surgeon will let you know when to return for your post-op visits and have your sutures removed (your stitches are taken out).
Whatever sutures that are used that are not absorbable, they will typically be taken out within approximately 7 days to a few weeks after your procedure (depending on what procedure you chose to have performed by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon).
An example of how sutures help wounds or surgical incisions heal is illustrated below. But there are many different types of suture approaches. It really does depend on what you’re having performed in terms of your surgery procedure, and your Surgeon’s preferences for that type of incision.
Everyone is different, and for Tummy Tuck or Belt Lipectomy procedures, you will have a different type of suture than you might for a facelift or eyelid lift procedure.
Examples: If you have implants, you will have an incision where the breast implant pocket will be created – as well as sutures (known more commonly as ‘stitches’) to help the incision heal and reduce scarring.
If you have a tummy tuck, you’ll have a scar along your lower abdomen area and potentially also near the navel area. The tummy tuck scar may be able to be hidden under swimwear, undergarments or clothing. But yes, you’ll have a scar – and you’ll have sutures to help the wound heal after surgery. Depending on how your body heals, how much swelling you have, what your post-op period is like and how the scar forms, you may be able to see visible marks where the sutures were (this is common) although over time these do tend to fade for many patients.
Cosmetic Surgery – what sutures will they use? Stitches and sutures in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
If you have cosmetic surgery with one of our Specialist Plastic Surgeons, the great news is that you’ll get excellent post-op care including suture removals and scar minimisation protocols at our Hawthorn East or Berwick locations.
Where required for some scars or incision points, a special scar minimisation protocol from your Surgeon’s colleagues at Coco Ruby Skin & Anti-Ageing can make a big difference in how visible the scars are or how rapidly and well they heal.
But some of scar healing is entirely up to you and your body, and will depend on how healthy you are in general and how much you follow post-surgery instructions in relation to caring for your incision area and sutures.
How does Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery and Coco Ruby Skin & Anti-Ageing Team help with scars, if needed?
From Healite II sessions to Dermapen to Fraxel options, there are many ways your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and his skincare team can help you reduce your incision scars, or prepare your skin for the surgery process – or stimulate skin healing afterwards – to help you heal a bit quicker after surgery. Just ask about this during your consultation! Not all surgical procedures require this type of scar minimisation care, but if you have a large scar or a skin type that might benefit from some of the latest minimisation techniques, our top Clinicians at Coco Ruby are available to assist you.
But what about the sutures? What types are there and how are what is good to know about types of stitches and removal of stitches or sutures after a cosmetic surgery procedure?
Suture removal is usually a welcomed part of the surgery process, as getting your stitches taken out means you are well on your way to healing.
That noted, you don’t want to get your sutures removed TOO early – you’ll need to have some patience until it’s time – and you’ll want to follow the specific wound-care and suture care advice given to you by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and the Nursing team.
Read more below about the key types of sutures or stitches used in plastic cosmetic surgery including Breast Surgery (Breast Augmentation/Breast Implants, Removal and Replacement, Breast Reduction, Tummy Tuck and Facelift Surgery).
For the past several decades, new medical techniques and scar minimisation strategies have developed to the extent that Plastic Surgeons can perform very delicate surgeries and treat many different cosmetic issues and scars in ways that are very different to the past.
Cosmetic Surgery Stitches – First of all, what is a suture?
A suture represents the closing stage of your cosmetic surgery procedure. It is the closing of a wound or of a surgical incision (a cut using a sterile and very sharp surgical blade or in some cases, a laser or other method).
Sutures essentially are the ‘thread like’ techniques to “sew up skin incisions.” They can also be used in surgical repairs of different parts of the body, internally as well as the outer layer of your body (your largest organ, your skin). They can also be used to tie off blood vessels to prevent unwanted bleeding and encourage wound healing in some areas.
Sometimes a ‘staple’ type of wound closure is used and at other times, a surgical thread.
Suture(s) using threads can be created with the help of two different components: a surgical suture needle and a surgical type of thread known as a suture or ‘stitch’.
Your Surgeon should also have the skills to consider the healing process of the incision, although there will always be some unpredictable variety in how each individual patient heals. Remember, no two patients are alike.
Three suture classifications for stitches after Cosmetic Surgery Procedures such as Breast Surgery or Face or Nose Surgery
Sutures can be classified based on (a) their usage, (b) type/production, (c) suture size (diameter). Your Surgeon can choose the best way for treating a specific wound or for the closing of an incision from your plastic surgery or plastic cosmetic surgery procedure.
Sutures – types of needles (what needles will your Plastic Surgeon use to stitch up the surgery incisions)?
There are also different sizes, shapes, and cross-sections for surgical needles. Ask your Breast Surgeon or Tummy Tuck Surgeon to show you some of the suture equipment or the early post-op photos of patients who’ve had these surgeries, if you’re really curious about what they look like. They may look very different to what you envision!
The main distinction of types of sutures or stitches is often based on their ability to be absorbed – or not absorbed – by the body.
Absorbable stitches need to be removed by your Surgeon or more likely, by your Surgeon’s Nurse, each with decades of experience performing this procedure of taking out your stitches after your face surgery, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck surgery, breast implant surgery or other cosmetic procedure.
The good news is that for most plastic surgery procedures and for many patients, getting your sutures or stitches removed after cosmetic surgery is rarely uncomfortable.
Removing your stitches after surgery might ‘tickle’ a little bit but it is rarely uncomfortable for most patients. Most patients find it to be one of the easier and more welcomed aspects of their initial few weeks of healing after surgery.
But here’s more to know about the suture types, themselves.
The timetable for the absorption of the suture by your body depends on the material used for suturing although some other factors may have minor impact on this, and each patient may have a slightly different experience – but in general, there are ranges from a few days to a few months.
What are absorbable sutures made of – and are they natural, animal or synthetic (manufactured)?
Some absorbable sutures come from natural materials and others are manufactured.
For example, catgut (made out of the gut of cattle) sutures dissolve in just a few days, vicryl, in a few weeks, and PDS in a few months. Absorbable sutures depend in usage on the location of the wound or incision. For example, for sutures that are placed internally, it is more useful to use this type of material; otherwise, it would mean that the surgeon would need to reopen your external stitches in order to remove the internal ones.
Non-absorbable sutures are not dissolved by the body and will stay with you forever if the surgeon does not decide it is safe, after your incision has healed, to manually remove them. Usually, these sutures are made of synthetic materials and polymers like nylon, or polypropylene.
breast augmentation recovery tips
The results of breast augmentation surgery can be life-changing, making you feel more confident, more self-assured, and more comfortable with your own body for years after the procedure. The highly skilled plastic surgeon, Allan Wu MD, and the medical professionals at MedWeight, Lasers & Wellness Centers in Irvine, California specialize in breast augmentation to increase the size, enhance the shape, or reduce the volume of your breasts.
However you choose to surgically modify your breasts, one thing is certain: you want a smooth operation and an easy recovery. The team at MedWeight and Lasers offers the following tips to speed your recovery after breast augmentation.
Avoid underwire bras for at least six weeks after surgery
Wearing an uncomfortable bra after breast augmentation surgery is probably something you’d avoid anyway, but there’s also a medical reason to avoid underwire. In addition to being uncomfortable against swollen, tender breasts, underwire bras can irritate your skin and cause your incisions to become inflamed. The friction from the wire along your sutures can also add to your pain and inhibit your recovery.
Sports bras, or lightly supportive bras that feel comfortable against your skin without pressure points from wires are a better choice as your body heals. If possible, wait until your wounds heal completely, up to 10 weeks after surgery, before going back to underwire.
Keep your head (and breasts) above water
Submerging your new incisions, whether in a bathtub or a swimming pool, should be avoided until your wounds are fully closed. Water from the bath or pool can introduce bacteria into your newly sutured skin. This can lead to infection, causing complications and impeding the healing process. A warm shower is a better option, as it decreases your risk of infection while relaxing sore chest muscles.
Avoid drinking and smoking as you recover
Just as you were advised not to smoke or drink before breast augmentation surgery to ensure that your body was in optimal health before undergoing anesthesia, it’s a good idea to continue avoiding alcohol and nicotine until you fully recover.
Smoking inhibits oxygen-rich blood from efficiently reaching your incisions where it promotes healing. Alcohol can dehydrate your body and increase your risk of bleeding, infections, and drug interactions.
Sleep on your back
After breast augmentation surgery, it’s best to sleep on your back, especially if you’ve had implant surgery to enlarge your breasts. Sleeping on your stomach or side can cause your implants to shift or droop; plus, it’s not very comfortable immediately following surgery as your breasts and nipples may be extremely tender.
Sleeping on your back also allows your incisions to remain free from irritation, which can interfere with healing.
Avoid strenuous upper body exercises and heavy lifting
For the first six weeks after breast augmentation surgery, avoid picking up anything over 20 pounds, including children. Heavy lifting and strenuous upper body activities increase your risk of bleeding and the formation of hematomas, blood vessels that leak into the surrounding breast tissue. Keeping your blood pressure below 100 also helps your body recover more easily from surgery.
The team at MedWeight and Lasers provides you with specific instructions before and after surgery to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Planning ahead to take extra care of yourself after breast augmentation surgery, including eating right, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest, goes a long way toward a smooth recovery process. And, if you need assistance, the team is just a phone call away.