There's not much info on subglandular breast augmentation recovery. Curious how soon most patients get back to normal? (photos)

Dear kyamh555,The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. Congratulations on your augmentation. You appear to be recovering well and as expected. The recovery time in terms of discomfort is significantly less. If you were my patient I would let you lift above your head now, but in terms of exercise I still suggest 3 weeks. This is because we don't want any bleeding to start which will extend your recovery. In terms of swelling, you really don't have much from what I can see in the photos. Take it easy for at least a few more days and then I would think an EASY bike ride would be okay. You should really ask your surgeon as each of us have different protocols. Best of luck with your recovery.

Its best to ask your surgeon as we each have our own protocols, but typically there are no restrictions with respect to lifting when it comes to a subglandular augmentation. Running you'll want to wait a bit longer. I typically have my patients wait 6 weeks until they run to avoid inferior malposition, but your surgeon will be able to advise you better. Hope that helps! 

Subglandular augmentation certainly has a faster recovery in most instances due to the lack of muscle pain. However, it's important to let the incisions heal well so there is no exposure of the implant, which has less coverage than in a submuscular position. I'm not sure the edge you are suggesting in the photo is actually your implant; it may be a skin roll, but it's hard to tell and you'd need to be examined to know for sure. Swelling might account for a half cup size but probably not a full cup size for the implant size range you have.

Congratulations on your recent breast augmentation.   Every surgeon has different post operative managment suggestions.  I generally have my patients avoid any strenuous upper body activity for a month.   Lower body (walking, jogging with sports bra) can begin at 3 weeks.   Regular workouts can begin at 4-6 weeks depending on how well everything has healed.  Swelling after the procedure will take several weeks and up to a couple of months to completely resolve.   

You need to give yourself time to heal before doing vigorous activities. whether your implants are under or over the muscle, you still need to heal. Your surgeon will be the best one to guide you. Usually, most women can resume full activities by six weeks.

The recuperation from subglandular and submuscular is really the same.  There may be a little less pain post operatively from subglandular but this is minimal with careful technique.  You should be able to raise your arms for example to wash your hair, within a day or two after surgery.  Most surgeons would recommend that you do NOT lift  weights, engage in any cardio activities (even walking on a treadmill), or doing things which may raise you heart rate or blood pressure for about 3 weeks.  Doing so could cause a hematoma, a seroma, or a dehiscence of the wound which could cause you to lose your implant or require a secondary surgery to correct.  It can also lead to an undesirable outcome even if surgery is not required.  Before you return to any activity, consult with the surgeon who did your surgery.