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.

Hi, this is such an important question and I want to thank you for asking it here. 
In general, most women will feel well enough to get back to most normal daily activities 4 days after surgery and get back to work by post-operative day (POD) 7. 

Here’s what patients usually experience and what you should expect to feel:

POD # 1-3: You will feel sore – sometimes more so if the implant was placed under your muscle. During this period, you should expect swelling, pressure, bruising, possible muscle spasms and sometimes bleeding from the incision onto the dressings. You will need pain medication during this period. You should be in close communication with your doctor if you notice anything unusual. You should have someone stay with you to help you with your daily tasks. If you have young children, you will not be able to care for them during this time. You will be encouraged to get up and walk frequently to prevent blood clots. 

POD # 4-7: You will feel like you have more energy and less pain. You may notice swelling in other parts of your chest or abdomen. You may feel constipation due to the use of pain medication. Use Colace to help with this.  Your surgeon may have you monitor for signs of infection or bleeding. By day 7, most patients feel well enough to go back to work. 

POD # 8-14: Your reliance on pain medication and on the help of others will be significantly less. The swelling will begin to improve, but you may notice some “pins and needles” throughout the areas that were cut or used to access the breast pocket. It is normal to discover small areas of numbness on or near your breast, but this is expected to recover fully by 6 weeks. Your surgeon may clear you for light exercise/gym activity. 

POD # 15-30: You will start to feel like yourself again. With the guidance of your surgeon you will begin a breast massage routine and you will likely get clearance to perform most exercise regimens except upper body strengthening. The soreness, bruising and muscle spasms should have resolved by now. 

POD # 31-90: Your breasts will start to feel more natural as the firmness from the scar tissues begins to resolve. By this time period you should not feel much pain or discomfort at all. You will transition to full gym/sports activities including upper body strengthening. Your surgeon will also encourage a more aggressive breast massage routine. 

POD # 91-180: You will notice that the external scars have faded well and should almost be imperceptible. All swelling has resolved. You should discuss further follow-up and MRI screening to evaluate the silicone implants if you had those placed. 

I hope this answers your question. Wishing you luck in achieving your aesthetic goals.  

Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgical procedure in the United States.  For the majority of patient the surgery and recovery is very straight forward and they are extremely happy with the results.
The surgery is a day procedure, which means that patients go home the same day.  They are then seen the next day or two after their surgery by their physician.  For the first couple of days patients will feel pressure on their chest.  This typically comes from the muscle being stretched by the implant underneath it.  Occasionally patients will feel some burning at the incision, however this is usually minimal.  It also takes patients a day or two to get all of the anesthesia out of their system so that they start feeling more like their normal self.
The tendency is for patients to do to much as they start to feel pretty good after a couple days.  It is important for patients to take it easy for a couple weeks.  They can resume all of their normal daily activities after a week.  And most patients are back to work after several days depending on their specific occupation. 
The breast implants themselves tend to sit a little high the first couple weeks and then settle as the skin and muscle relax and the implants fall into position.  It takes several months for all of the swelling to resolve and the implants to completely settle, however patients already look great after a couple weeks. 
I hope this gives you at least an idea of the general recovery and process of a breast augmentation.  Please consult with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Breast augmentation is a short surgery which is typically performed as an outpatient.  I prefer the patients take a week off from work.  At that point they can return to work or school, but should refrain from all vigorous physical activity.  At 1 month, they can resume cardio typo exercises.  At 2 months they can lift weights.  

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

Breast augmentation recovery varies, but here are the essentials:
Initial Recovery: Expect soreness and swelling for a few days post-surgery. Most patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work within 5 to 7 days.
Physical Activity: You should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow proper healing.
Scar Maturation: Scars typically start to fade around 3 months post-operation and continue to improve over the next year or two. Their appearance depends on factors like genetics, surgical technique, and post-operative care.
Every patient's recovery process is unique, so follow your surgeon's personalized advice for the best outcome.