Usha Rajagopal, MD

After your breast implant surgery you're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by prescribed medication.

You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.

Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

You should be able to return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually five to six weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they remain the same size for several months or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.