Recovering From Your Breast Augmentation

Dr. David Sieber Plastic Surgeon San Francisco, CA

Dr. David Sieber specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast, body, and offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures in his San Francisco California practice at Sieber Plastic Surgery. Dedicated to fostering a patient-centered experience, Dr. Sieber delivers the kind of specialized... more

Many patients who get breast augmentation surgery are worried about pain and discomfort after their procedure. While it is certainly expected that you will have some level of pain and discomfort after breast augmentation surgery, this shouldn't deter you from getting the procedure.

Ahead, we’ll discuss what you should expect during your recovery, including some tips and advice for reducing discomfort and getting back to your normal routine as soon as possible. First, let's go over some of the basics of breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation Basics

Breast augmentation (also called mammoplasty) is essentially the same procedure as breast implant surgery. These are outpatient procedures that allow patients to go home fairly shortly after their surgery is complete. Although some surgeons do offer the option of staying the night at their facility, the majority of patients opt to go home right away after breast augmentation.

During breast augmentation, anesthetics are administered to keep you comfortable. General anesthesia or intravenous sedation will be used. Small incisions are made, usually along the edge of the areolas or sometimes beneath the breasts or in the armpits. Finally, the implants are placed beneath the pectoral muscles, and the incisions are closed up with sutures.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Pain and Discomfort

It is normal to experience at least some level of pain and discomfort after breast augmentation. The worst of the discomfort usually lasts for about three days, but everyone is different. Fortunately, with the advancement of surgical technologies, today, surgeons can help their patients reduce pain and discomfort by a large margin.

One way is through the use of anti-inflammatories before surgery even starts. When your doctor can slow down or stop inflammation before it even begins, the pain will be greatly reduced. Your surgeon may also opt to use pain pumps, which are devices that bathe the affected areas with pain medication after your surgery ends.

Swelling

Swelling is also normal after breast augmentation surgery. Anti-inflammatories will help reduce swelling, as will compression garments and ice used post-surgery. It’s important to follow the directions of your surgeon when using both.

Compression garments may be medical-grade, specialized wraps for the chest area, or they might be a simple sports bra with an opening in the front. Ice can be used as a pack, placed within the compression garment. You can also create your own ice packs by separating a bag of frozen peas into smaller plastic zip bags and periodically placing one next to each breast. Be sure to always wrap whatever ice you are using so that it is never placed directly on your skin. Ice can burn and scar the skin.

Going Home After Surgery

Whether you decide to go home directly after surgery or stay the night, someone close to you will need to drive you. Ask a friend, relative, or someone else you trust. You should not drive for at least three to five days after your surgery, so be sure to ask for help if you need to fill prescriptions or run other errands during this time. In general, you can drive again after you are off of pain medication and would feel ready and able to perform an emergency maneuver if necessary.

It’s critical to closely follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon when you get home. Everyone experiences recovery differently, but your surgeon will remain your best resource for pain-reduction and ensuring optimal results from your procedure.

Here are some things that your surgeon will likely have you do while you are in recovery at home:

Keep Track of Your Fluid Intake

It’s crucial to keep your fluids up during recovery. Make it a point to keep a water bottle with you at all times, and try to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.

Walk and Get Moving

You should not perform any serious exercises or strenuous activities for the first few weeks after your surgery. Whenever you move, do so slowly. Don’t exert yourself to the point of strain or heavy breathing.

At the same time, don’t spend all of your time sitting or laying down. You should be walking, starting right away.

After the first week, you should be able to walk hills. After the second week, you should be able to start sweating as you walk or do other light exercises. Just be sure to avoid any movements that are strenuous or use your chest muscles. You should be able to return to regular workouts after about six weeks but always consult with your surgeon first.

Take Your Pain Medications

You will be prescribed pain medications and anti-inflammatories. Make sure to get these prescriptions filled right away so that you can begin taking them when you need to. Immediately after your surgery, you should not feel much pain because of the local anesthetic. This should wear off within about 12 hours.

Plan for your Return to Work.

Again, everyone will experience recovery differently. Moreover, the bigger your implants, the more your muscles and nerves will be stretched over the top of the implants, and this may cause more inflammation and discomfort.

When you are ready — usually after about 4 to 7 days — you should be able to return to work if your work is not too strenuous. Observe your body, and know your limits.

Be Prepared for Your Recovery

Preparing for your recovery before your surgery is one of the best ways to alleviate unnecessary aggravation and discomfort as your body heals. Moreover, when you return home from your procedure, you don’t want to come home to a disorderly environment. Anticipate your needs, and plan accordingly.

Here are some final tips for preparing for your breast augmentation recovery:

Fill any prior prescriptions before heading into surgery.
Reschedule any events or activities that might conflict with a peaceful recovery period.
If you’re comfortable, tell friends and family that you’ll be resting up for a while after your surgery and may not be readily available.
Do your laundry. Make sure you have at least a few outfits of clean, comfortable clothing to wear when you get home.
Get a walking buddy, and plan a time to walk together every day.
Stock your fridge. Have readymade and/or easy-to-make meals ready to go. Healthy snacks are good to have on-hand as well. (Be sure to follow food and drink instructions from your surgeon.)
Assemble a basket of books, magazines, activities, or hobbies that can help entertain you during your downtime.
Make a list of movies or TV shows you might like to watch during your downtime.

Keep these points in mind leading up to your breast augmentation surgery. If you have any questions about recovery, be sure to ask your surgeon at your consultation appointment.