Recovering From Breast Augmentation: What to Expect

There are several types of breast surgery, including implants for larger breasts and a lift or reduction. No matter what type of breast surgery you’re looking for, there’s a lot that goes into the procedure and your recovery.

Recovering after your surgery can be the most difficult part of breast augmentation surgery. But if you take your recovery seriously, the results are astounding.

At Meridian Plastic Surgery, our team is ready to give you the breasts you’ve been hoping for. If you’re ready to take the next step, Dr. Lee Thornton and Dr. Mark Elliott are our two expert plastic surgeons. 

What is breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size of your breasts, usually with implants. These implants are placed under your existing breast tissue or chest muscles to provide a fuller look.

This form of surgery is done for various reasons. If you have small breasts, you may want to feel more confident in yourself by having a breast augmentation. It’s also done to reconstruct your breasts after breast cancer or other conditions that affect your breast tissue.

A breast augmentation is usually done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. This means you’ll be asleep for the surgery. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few days while you recover.

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Thornton or Dr. Elliott to discuss the details. This includes how big you want the implants to be, what type of implants you would like, and what to expect after surgery.

What to expect after your procedure

Right after your breast augmentation, you’ll be taken to the recovery area where you’ll remain until you wake up from anesthesia. Once you’re fully awake, our team reviews your discharge instructions and your ride may take you home.

In the first few hours when you get home, you’ll likely experience intense pain and swelling in your chest and breasts. This is normal, and our team directs you to take your prescribed pain medications along with over-the-counter pain medications as directed.

You’ll also likely be very tired in the first 24 hours following surgery as the anesthesia works its way out of your system. 

During the first week of recovery, you may still experience pain, but it should get a little better every day. The swelling and bruising should begin to fade, and by the end of the first week, you may be able to go back to some activities. However, you should avoid anything strenuous or lifting over your head.

In the next several weeks, your pain should continue to get better and the swelling and bruising should subside. You’ll need to continue wearing the post-op bra to encourage healing. You may begin light exercise, but don’t strain yourself.

How long is the recovery?

The recovery from a breast augmentation varies greatly from person to person. It depends on your overall health before the procedure, and what type of implants and surgical technique are used.

Typically, recovery from this type of surgery is anywhere from four to six weeks. At six weeks after surgery, many people are able to return to their normal activities, as long as Dr. Thornton and Dr. Elliott approve.

However, if you have any complications after surgery, it may prolong your recovery. It’s very important to keep all of your follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.

At any point during your recovery, contact our team if your pain doesn’t seem to be getting better or you have any questions about your procedure. You should also report any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or foul drainage from your incisions.

If you’re looking into breast augmentation, call our office today at 601-693-7742 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thornton or Dr. Elliott. You can also book an appointment on the website using the convenient scheduling tool.