Will I recover from a breast augmentation in time for a wedding 18 days later?

Thank you for your question.
With a breast augmentation, you will take about 7-10 days of recovery and then about three months of a supportive bra to decrease any post-operative swelling. You should be fine to go without a bra for six hours; however, you may experience some discomfort. Plan to wear the bra as soon as you leave the wedding. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

It will be almost 3 weeks after your surgery, and you’ll most likely still be a bit swollen and possibly bruised. Your breasts will also not have fully “dropped and fluffed”. It is not advisable, but you should ask your surgeon for their advice as they’re more familiar with the specifics of your surgery.

Thanks for your question! You will still be high and tight for the wedding, but you won't have any flying restrictions. I do like my patients to be in a compression bra 24/7 for the first 3 weeks, but every doctor has different recommendations. Check with your surgeon to find out his/her opinion. Good luck!

I have had a patient fly to Utah from Philadelphia the day after an Augmentation/ Lift procedure with no problem. In general I advise at least a week. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for your question. You will be wearing a medical bra for 4 weeks after your surgery. Taking it off longer than 30 minutes a day is not recommended. I would advise you to keep your bra on during the wedding because this will directly affect your healing process. Good luck and I wish your brother all the best.

Hello, thank you for your question. It will physically ok to fly two weeks after surgery for a short flight less than 2 hours. Of course we never advise it due to the unpredictable risks which can happen to you even at home. The unpredictable risks that complicate the process is if the post op surgical site becomes infected, wound healing issues, risks of DVT (blood clots) and post operative pain, scars incisions stretching. These are rare situations but always a possibility. Stay hydrated and no dancing for the wedding. The best advice is to post pone your surgery until after the wedding when you have a more controlled and predictable surrounding and period to recover. Plus you can dance and enjoy yourself more, you wont experience soreness and aching pains without wearing a bra. It would be unfortunate to have a poor outcome when you are paying so much money to have a nice result. Congratulations on your brother wedding occasion.

At 2 weeks postoperatively, you would still have swelling, and the implants would still be relatively high in the pocket. For your specific questions, it would be safe to fly at that time, provided that you are not carrying your own luggage and are mindful of the lifting/activity restrictions of your surgeon. You can go without the bra for a few hours but may have soreness afterwards from the swelling. One last thing to consider is that (although rare) you can still have a problem after breast augmentation and may miss the wedding because of it. Each surgeon has their own protocol after surgery to get you the best results. I would recommend talking to your surgeon to get their thoughts.

Dear Compassionate428277,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Chances are you would be okay but why you even take the risk if you have to fly across the country. I would have you wait until you return and have more time for recovery and follow up

Thank you for your question. Each Surgeon will have their own protocol they wish their patients to follow after having a surgical procedure done. Typically flying 18 days after a Breast Augmentation is fine. In regards to being out of sports bra for a few hours should be okay as well. I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon and following their recommendations. Best of luck to you.