Do you necessarily have to stay at a recovery house? If so, for how long?

Thank you for your question.
Each surgeon has their own unique and specific post-operative protocol concerning patient recovery, but in my practice I do not require that patients stay at a recovery house for any period of time.  In general, my patients are released to a family member or close friend who will stay with them for at least the first 24 hours.  In some cases (generally procedure specific), I will send patients home with a nurse to help monitor a patient for the first night.  
If you are uncomfortable with your operating surgeon's recommendation that you stay in a recovery house, I would strongly recommend following up with your chosen plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and your desire to stay elsewhere.  I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best of luck.

It is usually not necessary to stay at a recovery facility after a breast augmentation. Patients are able to safely recover at home as long as they have someone to help them at least the first day post surgery. The recovery process is much easier than most people expect. My patients tell me that they were able to spend time and enjoy their evening at home the very first night after surgery. They felt some discomfort and pressure over the chest, but this was easily improved with medications.
My patients are able to shower the first day after surgery. They felt tired and required rest for the first two days. Most people tell me they wake up on the third day with much more energy, less pain and are able to participate in much more activity. Many patients go out to eat, meet up with friends or go shopping by the third day. 
The recovery rapidly improves each day. You will have more energy and less discomfort as each day goes by. Most patients are off all medications by the fourth or fifth day. Many patients return to work, school and driving by the fifth day. Everyone is different. During your consultation, I will discuss what your specific recovery process will be like.
To learn more about breast augmentation, you can read "A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation.

If you have somebody with you, a recovery house should not be necessary.  Oral pain medications are more than adequate for the vast majority of patients, and there is really no special care needed.Best of luck!

Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

In our practice we don't require people to stay in a recovery room unless the nature of the procedure require nursing care.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 

I do not recommend traveling long distances to have surgery.  I have seen many patients who have had issues after their procedures but no one follow up with.  If you decide to travel for your surgery I would ask the surgeon performing the procedure how long you need to stay locally. A routine breast augmentation does not need a recovery house.

This is not required - although some might find it helpful, others prefer to return to the comforts of their own home.  It is important to have help with you after surgery, and be in a setting where you can receive the necessary pain medication.

Thanks for the great question! I send all of my patients home with a friend of family member. The majority of people go back to their own house. Some prefer to stay with a friend. Out of town patients will often times stay in a friends house or in a local hotel. I know that some cities have recovery centers like you're describing, but there's no need to stay there unless you want to. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Congratulations on your planned breast augmentation. In my practice I allow my patients to recover at home as long as they have someone with them. However if patients are alone I would recommend a recovery house or overnight admission.  Generally speaking under normal circumstances recovery following breast augmentation can take 2 weeks.  It is important not to fly on an airplane until at least 10 days after surgery. You should be fine with her fiancé accompanying you.