The Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline By Anya Kishinevsky, M.D. on April 09, 2016

At the plastic surgery practice of Dr. Anya Kishinevsky, breast augmentation patients can expect care of exceptional quality, from their initial consultation to their post-surgical follow-up appointments. They can also expect to be treated with respect, courtesy, and honesty during all phases of their treatment. An essential part of establishing an open, honest relationship with each breast augmentation patient is to provide her with all of the information she needs to know precisely what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

For example, while breast augmentation is a generally safe surgery with minimal risk of complications, it does entail a fairly substantial recovery period. Dr. Kishinevsky wants her patients to be fully aware of this fact before they commit to undergoing surgery. Therefore, she details the breast augmentation recovery timeline during consultations at her Fairfield, CT and Darien, CT plastic surgery offices. She wants each of her patients to be able to make the most assured decisions possible about whether to proceed with breast augmentation surgery.

What will your breast augmentation recovery timeline be like? To find out, we invite you to meet with plastic surgeon Anya Kishinevsky at your earliest convenience for a one-on-one consultation. Until then, please read the following general information about breast augmentation recovery.

What Is the Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline Like?

First, it is important to remember that every patient heals differently, and that various factors, including the incision technique used and whether the breast implant was placed above or beneath the pectoralis muscle, can influence the recovery timeline. However, the general breast augmentation recovery timeline goes something like this:

One to three days after surgery: During this time, patients will feel sore and groggy. Common surgical side effects such as swelling and bruising will begin to emerge. It is important during these crucial first days after surgery to get plenty of rest, so most patients find it useful to have a friend or family member stay with them to help out around the house. Compression garments should be worn to control swelling, while prescription medications should be taken as prescribed to manage discomfort and help prevent infection.
End of week one: By the end of the first week, most patients start to feel much better, with bruising and pain subsiding for the most part, and swelling beginning to decrease. After an evaluation by Dr. Kishinevsky, most patients are cleared to return to work and non-strenuous activities. Although vigorous activity is still out of the question at this point, light walking is encouraged.
Weeks two through six: During this time, swelling goes down substantially, and patients begin to see their new figures emerge. Minor soreness may still be present by the end of the second or third week, but should subside after that. By the end of week six, Dr. Kishinevsky is able to clear patients for most, and possibly all, activities.
Nine months to a year: Around this time, swelling should fully subside, and scars should begin to fade. The full results of breast augmentation should become apparent for most patients.