Breast Augmentation Q&A
92%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
Breast Augmentationbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Augmentation Cost: $6,200

Learn about Breast Augmentation

3,419 people and 890 doctors are talking about Breast Augmentation

Get Free Email Updates

What is Expected After Breast Augmentation?

asked 9 months ago by Mika Tanaka in San Diego, CA
Latest answer by Robert N. Young, MD
Question viewed 322 times
Tags: aftercare

What helps to reduce pain and swelling and complications? Do many patients complain of severe pain? Do I have obvious scars? Thank you for your time and advices.

14 answers to What is Expected After Breast Augmentation?

+2

Breast Augmentation Usual Recovery Process

You have asked very important questions. First of all, make sure you thoroughly research your surgeon and ask him/her a lot of questions during your consultation. He should at the least be board certified and have performed a lot of breast augmentations. Having said that........there is a technique out there that gets most patients back to their daily life and work and routine in about 24 hours post augmentation! While many Plastic Surgeons are even sceptic, it is worth it for your to at... more
+1

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Hello and thank you for the question ~ Recovery from breast augmentation will vary from person to person, but in general, it is a very well tolerated procedure, requiring orally prescribed pain medication for a few days at max. Severe pain is a rare finding following breast augmentation and may indicate an underlying process which requires evaluation by the surgeon. Swelling will be most pronounced in the first 2 weeks, with a majority of the swelling having subsided by the 6... more
+2

How will I feel after breast augmentation?

Recovery from any surgery varies significantly from patient to patient. I try to ask my patients how they have responded to previous surgical procedures or illness. I believe that previous experiences provide good information about the future. I am sure that you have seen some people who are very sensitive to pain and discomfort, while others just seem to keep going-- no matter what. Try to honestly assess what kind of person you are. Most patients will have... more
+1

Recovery after Breast Augmentation

The recovery process is very different from patient to patient. Typically you will find that the pain is moderate and will feel like a sore muscle as well as some tightness. Depending on where the incision point is the scars should be small and less than 1 inch. I usually recommend about a week off of work with no exercising or lifting over 10 pounds for 1 month.
+1

Breast Augmentation Recovery

The best way to reduce pain, swelling or complications after breast augmentation is to choose a highly qualified surgeon and follow his/her advice about what you should or shouldn't do after surgery. The pain and discomfort varies from patient to patient but in general most of the pain will be gone in 2-3 days. I encourage my patients to be up and about doing normal activities on the day of surgery while still getting plenty of rest. Most patients go back to work within... more
+1

Breast augmentation expectations

On average most of my patients require 2 to 4 days of rest and use of pain medications/muscle relaxants. Most patients are able to return to work (desk job) at one week. I asked my patients to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks. Regardless of the patient or surgeon the scar will always be visible (some more than others). My favorite incision site is below the areolas followed by the breast fold areas. in regards to... more
+1

Maximizing your breast augmentation result

The best advice is to seek out an experienced surgeon who can show you many pictures of before and afters that are similar to your situation. The operation is not without risks but should take an hour, more or less , and a smooth recovery. Some surgeons prefer ice packs. I do not. I prefer a small incision ( 2 to 3 inches) under the breast with two layers of internal suture closure. There are no external sutures, just glue and tape. We feel massage... more
+1

Pain and swelling after breast augmentation

The most important factor responsible for pain after augmentations is the position of the implant - over the muscle results in mild to moderate discomfort for a couple of days, under the muscle results in more pain secondary to muscle spasm for two to three days. The larger the implant, the greater the pain after surgery. Early mobilization usually decreases the duration of swelling and pain after surgery. The good news is that after three to four days, most patients are... more
+1

Pain after breast augmentation

The answers to Your questions about pain, swelling, and scars after augmentation Are patient dependent, surgeon dependent, and technique dependent. Because nobody here online knows you as well as your surgeon, nobody here knows the technique that was incorporated or the general experience of his or her patients, you should address these specific inquiries to your doctor.
+1

What to expect after breast augmentation.

Recovery after breast augmentation can range from one to two weeks, depending on implant placement above or below the muscle. Implant placement below the muscle usually results in a slightly longer recovery. Swelling is very common after surgery and resolves over time. Most people can return to regular activity in two weeks.
+1

What to expect after breast augmentation

Most will recover in about one week, with pain and soreness subsiding after the first three days. Pain medication, and ice over the top of the breast can help in the early days. Severe pain is not common and a simple routine of rest and support bra and upper band wrap keeps the breast still and reasonably comfortable for the majority. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
+1

Full recovery after breast augmentation can be expected in 3 weeks

The initial pain and swelling after breast augmentation surgery is usually minimal, depending on the patient. Generally you might need pain medications for two or three days after surgery. There usually is a little more pain with submuscular placement of the implants than with subglandular. There are usually no sutures to be removed. You can start walking around at home with the first day. You can drive a car after three to four days. Normal activities... more
+1

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Full recovery for breast augmentation is about 6 weeks. This varies from patient to patient but 6 weeks is pretty standard. Most of the time, patients can return to work after 1 week as long as their job doesn't require any pushing, pulling or lifting. On average, patients take pain medication for just a couple days following surgery. Patients who are younger and healthier tend to recover faster. If a patient is active and exercises on a regular basis, then the recovery is easier as well... more
+1

Pain after breast augmentation

Most patients will experience pain and pressure after breast augmentation. Vicodin is typically taken for about three days afterward. A muscle relaxant (valium, flexeril) will help with the tightness and pressure sensation. Most patients can transition to Tylenol after about three days. It may take a few months before you are fully comfortable using your arms; lifting, strenuous exercise. The scars are generally well tolerated and are not very noticeable at all. There are several types... more

Ask a question