Breast Augmentation Recovery: Week-By-Week Guide

Week 1: Immediate Post-Operative Care

The first week after breast surgery is critical, and you’ll need to take the week off work (at least).

For the first day or two, you’ll likely feel groggy from the anesthesia. At the same time, you’ll experience soreness and swelling around the surgery area. It is quite common to experience moderate discomfort after the procedure. Some women will generally feel pressure or some sort of firm strain across their chest.

You will be given a prescription for painkillers to help manage the discomfort, so make certain that you have these medications at hand and near your bed for easy accessibility. You may also be given a compression bra to support the breasts.

Rest is your top priority. Although this may seem obvious, not everyone takes the time to do it. Make sure that in the first few days after surgery, you have a comfortable bed to rest on, a quiet home, and (ideally) someone to assist you. Having some books, magazines or Netflix will help pass the time, and make it more enjoyable.

• Rest and recuperation: Focus on resting. Get plenty of sleep, water, and good food to aid the body’s healing process.

• Pain management: Follow your surgeon’s advice for pain medication.

• Mobility: Your movement will be limited. Avoid any strenuous activities or lifting.

Week 2: Early Recovery Phase

In the second week post-surgery, you will notice a gradual reduction in pain and discomfort. The surgical site will still be swollen and bruising will form, but it will start to improve as the days pass.

You may be able to return to work but you’ll need to be careful with the activities you perform.

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled either at the very end of week one or sometime in week two. In the appointment, your surgeon will remove any sutures, check on healing progress and discuss returning to normal activities.

• Light activity: You can usually resume light activities but continue to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise.

• Follow-up appointment: Attend your follow-up appointment to discuss progress with your surgeon.

Weeks 3-4: Mid Recovery Phase

In weeks 3-4, you’ll start feeling more like yourself.

The majority of swelling will subside and you can return to normal activities, although it’s still best to avoid anything too strenuous or high-impact until the end of week four.

• Support Garments: Continue wearing any compression garments as advised by your surgeon.

• Exercise: Gentle walks are beneficial, but avoid any rigorous activities.

Weeks 5-6: Later Recovery Phase

After the first six weeks, most patients will return to all normal activities, including more strenuous exercise. However, it’s wise to still be cautious with high-impact sports and exercise.

It’s unlikely you’ll still need the compression bra after this point, but it can depend on your circumstances. Even so, it’s worth continuing to wear bras that offer full support and are easy to put on and remove. Sports bras are generally a good choice, especially if they clip at the front.

At this stage, you might start to notice results, but patience is key. The early recovery phases are typically about pain management and gradually returning to work and exercise. While that stage of the breast augmentation recovery process is behind you, it will still take a while for the skin and muscles around the surgical site to adjust.

• Shape and contour: The implants begin the settling process, and you’ll start to see the first signs of long-term results.

• Exercise: You will return to normal activity.