How Long Should Recovery Be After Getting Breast Implants?

Among the most popular breast implant FAQs is how long it will take to heal and recover following surgery. While the answer may vary slightly based on individual patient and case factors — like the patient’s age, what type of incision is used, and whether a breast lift is performed as well — the general breast augmentation recovery timeline provided here can help women better understand what to expect after the procedure and plan ahead accordingly. At Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, board-certified Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef understands the importance and desire to resume work and other daily activities as soon as possible and balances those priorities with patient safety and a successful outcome.

What is the process of getting breast implants?

Breast augmentation with implants is a very common cosmetic body contouring procedure that is chosen by women of virtually all ages, body types, and walks of life who are interested in enhancing their bustline. Whether a woman has naturally small breasts or has lost breast volume or shape due to various life events — like pregnancy or breastfeeding — breast augmentation may help to create a more feminine and desirable new physique. Following your consultation for Anaheim Hills, CA breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Motakef will recommend the most appropriate type of surgery for you. When breast augmentation is performed using synthetic implants — whether saline, silicone gel, or form-stable “gummy bear” in nature — Dr. Motakef will create an incision on or near the breast through which the implant is placed. Once proper symmetry and position have been achieved, Dr. Motakef will close the incisions with sutures, and the patient will begin their recovery.

How long does breast augmentation recovery take?

Compared with breast augmentation using a fat transfer only, recovery after an implant-based breast augmentation is typically somewhat longer. However, many women find breast augmentation recovery to be smooth and relatively comfortable. A general timeline for breast implant recovery may look something like the following:

• Day 0 – 2: The first few days after breast augmentation surgery should be devoted to rest and relaxation, with the exception of light walks around the house — like to and from the restroom. During this time, patients can expect a feeling of tightness, pressure, and discomfort in the chest area, along with swelling and bruising.
• Day 3 — 7: About a week after surgery, most patients will begin to notice some of their swelling and discomfort dissipating, and many women are able to return to light work and other routines around this time. You may also have a follow-up appointment scheduled about one week after surgery to evaluate your progress and remove any sutures necessary.
• Week 2 – 4: Most patients are back to work (with the exception of those whose work involves heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity) after about 1 – 2 weeks. After this, breast augmentation swelling and bruising will continue to resolve, and patients will begin to notice their breasts feeling softer and more natural as they settle into their final position.
• Week 4 – 6: Throughout your recovery period, Dr. Motakef will monitor your healing and recovery progress and let you know when it is safe to resume your normal activity level, including any exercise routines. For many women, this happens around weeks 4 – 6, though some women may require additional recovery time before returning to strenuous physical activity.

After about 6 – 8 weeks, patients are typically able to wear their desired styles of clothing, participate in any physical activity they’ve been cleared for, and generally resume their normal activities without restriction while enjoying their newly enhanced look, though some very minor residual swelling may linger for several more weeks or months. If you have questions about your breast augmentation recovery, don’t hesitate to ask our knowledgeable team for more information!

Treat yourself to the feminine figure you’ve always wanted with breast augmentation surgery in Orange County, CA

Whether you’ve always considered breast implants or have only recently decided that you’d like to give your bustline a boost, we are here to help you understand all of your available options for Orange County breast augmentation surgery. Start your journey toward a beautiful new look and improved self-confidence today by calling Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule your breast augmentation consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef, and join the many women who have chosen breast implants in Orange County to achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals.