When Does Swelling Go Down After Breast Augmentation
After breast augmentation, the first several months are the most crucial time that it is good to watch yourself carefully. Breast implants can cause some chest inflammation and swelling that may persist for several weeks after surgery. Here we offer tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation, how much swelling is normal after breast implants, and drop and fluff timeline.
In this guide, we find out When Does Swelling Go Down After Breast Augmentation, tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation, how much swelling is normal after breast implants, and drop and fluff timeline.
When Does Swelling Go Down After Breast Augmentation
Swelling after a breast augmentation is normal, but it’s important that you know when the swelling will go down. Swelling can last for up to six weeks after the surgery, and it’s not uncommon for some swelling to be present even longer than that.
Swelling Takes Time to Go Down
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after surgery. It can take up to three months for swelling to go down, but it varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including:
- The type of implant you choose (gummy bear or saline)
- Your size before surgery
- Where your incision was made
How Long Does Swelling Last?
The amount of swelling you experience after your breast augmentation will depend on many factors, including:
- Your age and activity level
- Whether or not you have had previous surgeries on the breast area
- The type of implant used ( saline or silicone ) and its size
Your surgeon can help you understand how much swelling is normal for each individual patient. However, in general, it’s important to know that some degree of swelling is normal after a breast augmentation procedure; this is part of the healing process and should improve over time. You may also notice that your breasts look worse before they look better–this means that your new implants haven’t yet filled out their final shape under all that excess fluid! If this happens to you, don’t worry: It won’t last forever! As long as ice packs are kept away from any surgical sites (which includes underneath bandages), compression garments are worn correctly (as prescribed by your surgeon), and elevation continues throughout recovery periods between activities such as sleeping/sitting upright during waking hours then reclining flatly during sleep periods every night until full recovery has been achieved…then yes…swelling should go down within 2 weeks post-op date followed by continued improvement over time until normalcy returns at about 12 weeks post-op date.”
How Can I Reduce Swelling?
There are a few ways to reduce swelling. Ice and heat can help to reduce inflammation, which helps to reduce swelling as well.
Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can also help with reducing inflammation and thus, swelling.
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco products like cigarettes or cigars/cigarillos (and other forms of tobacco), and smoking will also help with reducing your risk of developing an infection after surgery that could lead to an increased amount of fluid buildup in your body (edema). Edema occurs when there is too much fluid in the tissues due to injury or disease; this condition often causes pain around joints because there isn’t enough space for all of this extra liquid inside them! To combat edema from occurring after breast augmentation surgery: try not wearing tight clothing; don’t push on your implants too much until they settle into place; keep head elevated while sleeping at night (if possible); avoid strenuous activity until fully healed–which may take up several weeks after surgery depending on how long it takes for swelling & bruising symptoms go away completely
What if the Swelling Doesn’t Go Down?
If you’re concerned about the swelling, contact your doctor. If you’re concerned about the pain, also contact your doctor. And if you’re concerned about how big your boobs are getting (because let’s face it–they probably are), again: call the surgeon!
The good news is that most surgeons will want to see their patients as soon as they can after surgery so they can address any issues before they become serious problems or require additional treatment down the line.
If you’re wondering when your swelling will go down, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. However, there are some general guidelines for how long it takes for swelling to subside after breast augmentation surgery.
According to Dr. William Kuzon Jr., MD–a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Nashville, Tennessee–swelling should be at its peak within two or three days of surgery and may take up to one month before it completely subsides. If you notice that your breasts feel firm instead of soft during this time frame, this could mean that residual fluid is still trapped inside them; however, if there’s no improvement after 24 hours and/or if they’re painful or hard (not just firm), contact your doctor immediately so they can check on things!
tips to reduce swelling after breast augmentation
Global studies have shown that more than 70% of women are unhappy with how their breasts look, and many see breast cosmetic surgery or a boob job as a logical next step.
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries we offer at Coco Ruby. It’s perfect for women who have small or saggy breasts. Not only does a boob job make your breasts bigger, but it can also make them perky and fuller looking. Our surgeons can use either breast implants, fat grafting or both to improve your natural proportions to help give you bigger, smoother, perky and restored breasts.
Breast augmentation surgery is a secure, long-lasting procedure that leaves the majority of patients ecstatic with their final results when carried out by the right plastic surgeon. However, before deciding to undergo any form of cosmetic breast surgery, you should be well aware of the recovery process, and how bruising and swelling are a major part of it. Here are some tips to reduce bruising and swelling after Breast Augmentation.
What is 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.
Tips to Reduce 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
How Much Smaller Do Breast Implants Get After Surgery
Swelling is an inevitable part of recovery after any surgical procedure, including breast enhancement. But many women are surprised to learn how quickly swelling after breast augmentation subsides, gradually revealing their final outcome.
This timeline of the early stages of breast augmentation recovery can give you an idea of when you can expect swelling and bruising to start dissipating, as well as when you might be able to get back to your normal activities.
1 to 5 Days after Breast Augmentation
During the first few days after getting breast implants, you’ll want to take it easy at home. Your breasts may feel firm, tight and tender, and swelling and bruising will be at their peak.
Don’t be alarmed if, at this stage of breast augmentation recovery, your breasts appear to be high on your chest wall and/or square in shape. Over the next few weeks, your implants should begin to soften and settle into place.
1 Week after Breast Augmentation
Around a week after breast augmentation, swelling and bruising should be mild, continuing to improve as you move into week two of recovery. Your breasts will likely still feel firm and tight at this point, though their shape may begin to round slightly.
Many women are able to resume their regular work schedule around one week after getting breast implants.
2 to 3 Weeks after Breast Augmentation
Most signs of swelling and bruising should be gone around 2 to 3 weeks after breast enhancement, though your implants will likely need more time to fully “drop and fluff.”
You should be able to resume mild exercise around week three after your procedure, waiting until six weeks out to get back to more strenuous physical activity.
For more information about breast augmentation or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mariotti, contact us online today or call our office in Concord at 925-685-4533.
drop and fluff timeline
At the same time, the implants will begin to fill in the lower area of the breast below the nipple. This is the “fluff.” The timing of this process is variable and depends on the patient. Generally speaking, implants begin to drop and fluff after a few days, approach their final position after six weeks, and settle entirely after three months.
At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to know exactly what to expect after breast enhancement. It’s important to be aware that the healing process can take several months. Understanding the specifics of implant drop and fluff will help prepare you for your procedure with confidence.
What to Expect During The Drop and Fluff Process
Immediately after placement, your implants will likely sit higher and look flatter than you had anticipated. This can be a source of surprise for patients unaware of the settling process. However, it’s completely normal.
Implants are initially elevated due to post-surgical tightness in the pectoralis muscle. Tight skin can also contribute to lifted implant position. As the muscle relaxes and the surrounding tissues loosen up to accommodate the implants, gravity takes over to help them settle and fill out the tissue pocket. At this point, you’ll be able to enjoy a more aesthetic implant placement as well as improved fullness in the lower portion of the breast.
How Drop and Fluff Varies By Patient
The drop and fluff process is the same across implant fill materials and shapes. Saline and silicone implants, as well as round and teardrop implants, all go through these subtle changes in position after placement.
However, factors such as implant size and texture can affect drop and fluff timing. Larger implants weigh more and therefore tend to drop faster. Meanwhile, textured implants, which we don’t place at our practice, often drop slower and less far than their smooth counterparts. This is due to friction between the implant and surrounding tissues. Additionally, implant placement — either above or below the muscle — can determine the settling time.
Individual characteristics, such as breast size and chest muscle development, also play a role in this process. Talk to our board-certified plastic surgeons about what you can expect in your unique situation.
What If One Breast Implant Isn’t Dropping?
Breasts aren’t perfectly symmetrical. Because of this, it’s common for one implant to drop faster. Usually, the implant in the breast with more space between the nipple and the breast crease will drop first. Soon after, the other implant will follow.
Some things can be done to speed up this process. Our plastic surgeons may give you a breast band or a similar garment to wear to help guide the implants down. Massage can also help soften and relax breast tightness. Consult our team before you attempt any of these techniques, as they can be patient-specific.
During this time, keep an eye on the progress of your implants. If anything seems unusual, especially after six weeks, consult our surgeons. In rare circumstances, a hard capsule of scar tissue can form around an implant and require intervention. However, most women find that their implants settle into an attractive, beautiful position shortly after augmentation.
