How Soon Can Life Get Back To Normal After Breast Augmentation?

Many people think of breast augmentation as a routine, in-and-out procedure. While getting breast implants has certainly become more commonplace and even convenient in recent years, it is important for patients to keep in mind that breast augmentation is still major surgery and does require a recovery period. However, you may be surprised to learn just how quickly you can expect to feel like yourself again after breast surgery.

Award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef and the caring team at Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Orange County, CA understand the importance of resuming your daily routines after breast augmentation as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. Read on to learn more about breast augmentation recovery here, and find out how long you’ll need to wait before exercising and participating in your other favorite activities.

How does breast augmentation work?

Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia and may take 2 – 3 hours to complete. To begin, Dr. Motakef will place an incision on the breast, through which the implant will be inserted. In most cases, breast augmentation incisions are located in the crease just beneath the breast, though there are alternative options as well. Once the implants are in place, and Dr. Motakef is satisfied with their size, position, and symmetry, the incisions will be closed with sutures. A few important decisions you’ll need to make regarding your breast augmentation include:

• Implant type: saline, silicone gel, or fat transfer to the breast
• Implant size: refers to the volume of the implant and is measured in cc’s
• Implant profile: a measurement of how far the implant projects outward from the body
• Lift or no lift: breast lift (mastopexy) is often combined with breast augmentation for patients who have droopy, saggy, or downward-pointing breasts

What to expect during breast augmentation recovery

The majority of women tolerate recovery after breast augmentation very well with few, if any, complications. In the first several days after surgery, patients can expect to have a mild to moderate amount of fatigue, discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Motakef will provide prescription medications, breast augmentation aftercare guidelines, and other instructions to help relieve these symptoms and promote proper healing. These may include:

• Wear a compressive medical bra
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and exercise
• Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol
• Stay hydrated
• Take medications and supplements as directed
• Practice proper incision and scar care
• Attend all breast augmentation follow-up appointments

When will I feel back to normal after breast augmentation?

It is completely understandable for patients to be anxious to return to work, exercise, and other routines after breast augmentation. Additionally, many women are anxious to show off their newly enhanced physique at the beach or by the pool. However, resuming certain activities too soon can delay healing and even compromise your results or lead to complications.

On average, patients can return to light desk work about 1 – 2 weeks after breast augmentation. By 3 – 4 weeks, the majority of breast augmentation swelling should have resolved, and patients will begin to notice their breasts starting to get softer and more natural-looking. However, postoperative swelling can take up to six months or longer to fully subside. In most cases, patients can begin light exercise about six weeks after breast augmentation. Heavier lifting, upper body exercise, high-impact training, and more strenuous routines should be slowly resumed, however. During your consultation, preoperative appointments, and follow-up appointments, Dr. Motakef will answer any questions you have about returning to the gym after breast augmentation.

Don’t rush breast augmentation recovery! Your sexy new figure will be worth the wait.

Allowing your body plenty of time to rest and heal after breast augmentation is essential for a successful outcome, speedy recovery, and beautiful, long-lasting results. To discover the astounding transformations that are possible with breast augmentation in the Anaheim Hills/Orange County area, call Motakef Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members and to schedule your private consultation with sought-after plastic surgeon Dr. Saba Motakef today!