Breast augmentations become more and more popular every year. In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that cosmetic surgeons performed close to 194,000 breast augmentation procedures. But breast augmentation is more than just the actual surgery. It’s important to consider the recovery process as well. By following Dr. Howland’s aftercare instructions, resting, and taking care of your incisions, you ensure you heal properly and receive the results you’re looking for. But what is the breast augmentation recovery experience like? Let’s take a look.

The Path to Perfection: What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery

There are typically five different stages of recovery when it comes to breast augmentation. It all begins on the day of surgery and continues in the days and weeks afterward as you begin to feel more like yourself and your incisions heal. The stages include the following:

The Day of the Surgery

Generally speaking, breast augmentation is an outpatient surgical procedure, meaning most women immediately return home following the 1- to 2-hour-long surgery. The day you go home after surgery is considered stage one. During this stage, you should avoid driving or making important decisions because you will most likely still be under the effects of anesthesia.  Make sure to have a friend or family member available to drive you home from our office. To help speed up recovery,  drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, consume nutritious meals, and get plenty of rest.

The First 5 to 7 Days Following Surgery

The first 5 to 7 days after surgery are considered stage two.  This stage is often the most uncomfortable.  Most women experience bruising and swelling around their breasts.  Some also experience mild to moderate discomfort, which may require prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Howland.

1 to 3 Weeks Post-surgery

The first 1 to 3 weeks after undergoing breast augmentation surgery is considered stage three of the healing process, and it is during this time that most patients report feeling a little more like themselves again.  That’s because stage three is when swelling and discomfort subsides, and you can return to work as long as you are not required to lift heavy objects or overly exert yourself in any way.  During stage three, you can also engage in light aerobic exercise to help promote healing.

4 to 6 Weeks Post-surgery

After 4 to 6 weeks following breast augmentation surgery, you will likely be able to handle slightly more strenuous activities, including vigorous workouts.  At this stage, you will get a pretty good idea of what your breasts will look like since most of the bruising and swelling has gone down.

12 to 13 Weeks Post-surgery

The final weeks are when you can finally appreciate the long recovery journey following the breast augmentation procedure.  During this final stage, you get an even better sense of what your new breasts look like since there will be little to no bruising, swelling, or discoloration left.  It is, however, worth noting that some women continue to experience slight changes in breast size and appearance for several months after reaching stage five.  For this reason, women should hold off on investing in new bras, bikinis, and tight-fitting tops until the final results are fully visible. Dr. Howland will be able to give you an accurate estimate of when you can start buying new clothes again.

Schedule a Consultation

Breast augmentation can improve the appearance of your breasts and boost your self-esteem. With the help of Dr. Howland at Howland Plastic Surgery, you can achieve the results you’re looking for and have a successful recovery period. To learn more about breast augmentation and the recovery process, consider scheduling a consultation with Howland Plastic Surgery today! Call our Draper, UT office at (385) 313-8590 or use our online contact form.