Breast Augmentation Recovery: What Can I Expect?

* Video for post-op breast implant displacement exercises (also called breast massage)
These are general observations and by no means exhaustive nor completely exclusive.
Days 1-4: Inflammatory period: Swelling, pain, discomfort. Early risk for bleeding in first 24 hours.This is the period that requires the vast majority of medication. Move arms (if allowed by surgeon to minimize spasm pain). Bruising may appear. Fluid retention is common as is weight gain.
Days 4-10: Generally OK to shower and get wounds briefly wet if permitted by surgeon. Belly may be swollen as the swellng moves down your body. Possible constipation due to pain meds. Pain tends to diminish during the day with less need for meds. However, pain tends to occur at night from 3-6am and is worse with submusclular placement. Bruising stable. Begin implant displacement exercises if permited by surgeon* (see video link below). Between 7-10 days be aware of signs of bleeding or infection
Days 10-21: lowered risk of infection and bleeding. Increased physcial activity such as low impact exercises avoiding upper extremity resistance excersises. Vast majority of initial capsule formation occurs during this period. Vast majority of swelling begins to subside. Occasional pain at night.
Nerves begin to wake up (resolving dysesthesias) and may cause "pins and needles" sensation to nipple area. Normal to have some areas of skin numbness. More aggressive implant displacement exercises are begun.
Days 21-42: Generally a plateau period in terms of wound healing. Not alot of changes as the remaining 20% of the capsule tends to be formed during this period. Rare to require any pain meds. Generally ok to switch to ibuprofen or tylenol but consult with your physician first.
May begin transition from low implact activities to higher impact aerobic activites and begin a slow but gradually progressive course of upper extremity resistance exercises. Many surgeons disagree at which point you may be unrestricted *(anywhere from 6 wks to 3 months).
Days 42-9 months: Progressive relaxation of scar tissues and softening of the initially firm result with descent of the implant and resolution of the remaining 5-10% of swelling. It is at this points that the breasts generally become softer and develop a jiggle.
During this time most patients take "ownership" of the implants and they become part of their body image but this varies tremendously among patients. This is also a common time period where patients may feel that they didn't go big enough.
Although the breasts become stable in their appearance, it is important to realize that they are never stable and always changing with the greatest amount of change occuring with pregnancy, weight gain, and menopause.
PS: Everyone heals differently and not all surgeons would agree with this summary.
I hope this helps.

Many advances have been made in breast augmentation surgery over the past several years. Post operative guidelines vary greatly among surgeons, primarily based on their training and type of breast augmentation.  Most patients do extremely well with a "rapid recovery" technique. This involves early mobility following surgery, muscle stretching, and early activity with anti-inflammatory pain medication only.  Most of my patients have been able to resume normal daily activities except for aerobic exercise within 2-3 days following surgery.  Depending on the nature of your work, you should be able to return to work within 5-7 days and should be able to care for your children within two days following surgery with this recovery approach. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in rapid recovery techniques if recovery time is important to you.  Scars vary depending on the location.  By using an under armpit approach, scars are not noticeable and disappear  fairly rapidly.  Good luck, I hope this is helpful.

Breast augmentation recovery can vary, but there are some common stages and expectations. Immediately after surgery, you may experience soreness, swelling, and bruising.
In the first few days, pain medication and rest are essential. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous work after 5 to 7 days, though physical activity should be limited for 4 to 6 weeks to allow proper healing. The first few days are often the most uncomfortable, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle. Following these initial days, pain usually diminishes, though there may still be occasional discomfort.
During the first few weeks, you will be instructed to wear a recovery bra or sports bra to support the implants. Light activities, like walking and desk jobs, can usually be resumed within the first week, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks. By 6 weeks, many patients can slowly reintroduce more vigorous activities, but you should always follow your surgeon's advice. Over the next few months, the implants will settle into their final position, and the breasts may feel softer as the tissue and muscles adjust.
Scarring is a common concern for many patients, and while the scars will initially appear red or dark, they will gradually fade and improve over the next 6 to 12 months. Silicone gel sheets or creams may be recommended to help improve the appearance of scars. Every recovery is unique, and some patients may experience a longer or shorter healing period. Your breasts will continue to change, soften and settle into a more natural position over several months. Always consult with your surgeon if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as infection signs or significant changes in pain or swelling.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York