Breast augmentation... Which approach is less painful with quicker recovery?

Silicone gel implants do not appear to have any aesthetic distinction above or below the pectoralis muscle. Because of that I preferentially placed them in a sub glandular position where the convalescence is significantly easier for the patient.

Hi Eileen,Yes you can expect a quick recovery. The main concerns aren't the incision or the pocket placement, but what maneuvers are done during the procedure and how fast you start your postop exercises.  It is like a marathoner.  The worst thing a marathoner can do is to lie down and rest at the finish.  You would be the same, where by you would want to keep moving, keep loose and do your stretching exercises. Much has been published on the quick recovery approach in recent years in our journals. A recent study followed over 2,800 BA patients for this recovery program showing over 90% returned to normal daily activities within 24 hours.  Some even went out the evening of their surgery.  If you want to look at the web reference below, you can see this recovery method outlines.  The website below also has videos showing patients with various incisions demonstrating this program postoperatively.  All the best in your upcoming procedure and recovery, "Dr. Joe"

The first couple of days after the breast augmentation are the most uncomfortable but most patients by day 2-3 are getting off their pain medication and being a little more active.  If your job is a sedentary job without too much lifting you should be able to get back to it after 4 days but you will still be a little sore and tired.I find that a nerve block during surgery along the ribs helps with post op pain and allows patients to be more active faster.  I find the inframammary incision a lot quicker recovery than around the areolar and axillary approach.  Under the muscle does have more pressure sensation but is still preferable for a better result than above the muscle in most cases.Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.