If you’re considering breast augmentation, understanding the recovery process is an important part of your preparation. During your consultation, Dr. Davis will be able to answer your specific questions related to breast augmentation recovery and results, and will provide personalized guidance at each step along the way.
To get you started, however, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect in the weeks and months following your breast enhancement procedure.
Days 1 – 2
Most women find that tenderness, swelling and discomfort are the most pronounced during the first 48 hours after breast augmentation. You may feel soreness, tightness or pressure as your body adjusts to your new implants. Dr. Davis will prescribe pain medication and recommends that you focus on resting during this initial recovery period.
Wearing a special surgical bra can help to reduce swelling and can aid in the healing process. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity during this time, so we recommend that you have a family member or friend assist you with basic tasks will make the first two days easier.
The First Week
By the end of the first week, discomfort will begin to subside, though mild soreness may persist. Dr. Davis recommends that you take short, gentle walks to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications like blood clots. Most women feel well enough to stop taking prescription pain medication within a few days, transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
While you may be eager to resume your normal activities, it’s important to continue avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise.
The First Month
As you approach the one-month mark, swelling will continue to decrease and your implants will start to settle into a more natural position. Many of Dr. Davis’s patients are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, but you will still need to limit physical activity. Dr. Davis will work closely with you to help you gradually resume some normal activities, such as going back to work and doing small tasks around the house.
Months 2 – 3
By the second and third months, most of the initial swelling should be resolved, and your breasts will begin to look and feel more natural. By the three-month mark, the “drop and fluff” stage – when your implants settle into a more natural position on your chest wall – should be complete or nearly complete.
At this point, Dr. Davis will likely give you the go-ahead to start doing more moderate physical activities, though you will still need to avoid strenuous upper-body exercises.
Months 4 – 6
In these final months of breast augmentation recovery, your results should be very close to their final appearance. Swelling should be minimal, and your implants should feel fully integrated into your body. You should also be able to resume all normal physical activities at this point, as soon as Dr. Davis clears it. Scars will continue to fade, though they can take a year or more to fully mature.
Breast augmentation recovery is a journey, but with the right guidance from an experienced surgeon like Dr. Davis, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable healing process. For more information about breast augmentation or your recovery process, or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davis, please call our Nashville office at 615-327-7407 or easily contact us online.
Author: Dr. Stephen M. Davis
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen M. Davis and his experienced team are committed to total patient satisfaction and excellent results. Green Hills Plastic Surgery first opened its doors in Nashville, TN in 1998 and continues to provide patients with time-honored plastic surgery procedures at TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
