While everyone's recovery is somewhat different, I will let you know what the majority of my patients experience following their procedure.
I have my patients go home and rest on the day of the procedure. As there is local freezing at the surgical site, there usually isn't a significant amount of discomfort, just pressure. Because of the freezing however, the patient could cause herself harm without knowing it if she was too active. I therefore encourage the patient to do minimal activity on the day of her procedure. The following day, the patient can stay in bed, get up and go for a walk, have a shower or even do some light socializing depending on her comfort level.
By one week, most patients are doing normal activity with some limitations depending on comfort levels. By two weeks all normal day-to-day activities are possible and typically quite comfortable. By three weeks I have my patients begin physical activity, limited only by pain and discomfort. By six weeks there should be no limitations as to what activities can be done safely.
With regards to work, many patients with sedentary, desk type jobs will be back to work by day 4 to 7. More physically active jobs will take up to 2 weeks to return to. If your job requires you to keep your arms elevated for long periods of time (hairdressers, dental hygienists, waitresses, surgeons) or perform heaving living, it might take up to 3 weeks to return safely.
I tell my patients who have young children that they will need help lifting their child into a crib or carseat for roughly 10 days. After that they can begin doing it themselves as long as it is comfortable.
With regards to the breast shape and scars, this follows a relatively standard progression. The breast implants are very tight initially, causing them to be hard and very full in the upper part of the breast. Within a few weeks the implants begin to expand the lower part of the breast, and will begin to soften and look more natural. By six weeks, most patients begin to love their new look even though the breast implants are still slightly high and firm. The final result typically takes 9 to 12 months to fully develop. The scars typically are thin and light at 2 weeks when I have my patient remove their skin tapes. The scares do become redder initially over the first 6 weeks. They should then begin to gradually lighten 6 weeks later. I recommend my patients use silicone gel sheeting to speed up this scar maturation process. The scars should improve significantly over the first year and will continue to improve for many years after that.
Once the breast augmentation is fully healed, I tell my patients that they should treat their new breast exactly as they would their old natural breasts. Any activity is fine. They can wear any bra they want or go braless. They can sleep on their back, side or stomach, whatever they find most comfortable. Finally, breast cancer surveillance (breast self exam and mammograms) should be continues according to the suggestions of your family doctor.
I do hope this help with your understating of what to expect following your breast augmentation surgery.
