Many patients arrive at their breast augmentation consultation appointment excited about the prospect of getting new breasts. However, the one thing they are often concerned about is breast augmentation recovery. Understandably, they want to know how difficult it is, how long it will take, and whether it will be painful.

Let’s take a look at what you should expect during your breast augmentation recovery.

Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Experience

Breast Augmentation Recovery

One of the biggest tips we can offer in terms of your recovery is to prepare ahead of time as much as possible. Your mobility will be limited after your breast augmentation surgery. Therefore, whatever you can do now while you have full mobility will help you later on.

This means preparing your home by creating a space where you feel comfortable and where you have everything you need. It also means picking up your surgery prescriptions ahead of time, when this is an option. In this way, you won’t have to run to the pharmacy right after your procedure when all you want to do is get home and rest. And finally, it means asking friends or family for help. Especially if you have children, you will certainly need assistance over the first few days of your recovery.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Altogether, breast augmentation recovery (also known as “boob job recovery”) usually takes around six to eight weeks. With that said, everyone is different, and all surgeries are unique. However your body recovers is okay as long as you are staying in tune with your health and not concerned about meeting “recovery deadlines”.

During the first few days of your recovery, you will experience the most soreness. Pain management options will be provided to help reduce any pain and keep you comfortable. You will notice a significant amount of swelling and bruising over these first few days as well, and this will gradually decrease. If you required drains after your procedure, these will usually be removed within 24 to 48 hours. You will, however, need to continue wearing your compression garments for several weeks.

Swelling and Soreness

Swelling and soreness will slowly diminish over the following three weeks. At around the two-month mark, you will be nearly fully recovered. Most of the swelling will be gone, and you’ll be able to begin seeing your true results from surgery. Around this time, you’ll probably also be able to go back to all of your normal activities, including exercise.

Dos and Don’ts After Breast Surgery

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind for your recovery.

Do wear your breast augmentation recovery bra. This is a critical element of your recovery.
Don’t strain or stretch too much, especially around your chest area or with your upper arms and shoulders.
Do use a wedge pillow to sleep with, which can help support and raise your upper body.
Don’t submerge your upper body (chest and breasts) in water until Dr. Steinberg says it’s okay. This means do not take baths, get into hot tubs, or go swimming until you are fully healed.
Do drink plenty of water during your breast augmentation recovery. Hydration helps with healing and will also help reduce swelling faster.
Don’t exercise vigorously or strength train, especially when it comes to your upper body and chest area. Wait until Dr. Steinberg says it’s okay to return to exercise.
Do ask for help when you need it. You’ll likely need assistance at home when it comes to getting around the house over the first few days, running errands (getting groceries, picking up prescriptions, etc.), preparing meals, and/or caring for children.
Don’t be afraid to reach out with questions. If something doesn’t seem right to you or you have questions about what you should or shouldn’t do while recovering from breast augmentation, please contact us.

FAQ: Breast Augmentation Recovery

What is the fastest way to recover from breast augmentation?

Many patients want a faster breast augmentation recovery. However, you must let your body heal at its own pace. You can’t rush things, or you will risk compromising your results and your health.

With that said, there certainly are things you can do to ensure that you consistently see progress with your breast augmentation recovery week by week. Namely, make sure you follow Dr. Steinberg’s postoperative instructions exactly. Don’t overexert yourself too soon. Get help at home when you need it. And take care of your body. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, and don’t stress too much about recovering fast.

Can I return to work 3 days after breast augmentation?

This depends, but don’t plan on it. Every patient is different, and every breast augmentation recovery is different. You have to give your body ample time to heal before heading back to work, returning to your exercise regimen, etc. After three days, you should see a notable improvement in how you feel and the appearance of your breasts, but you will probably not be ready to return to work just yet.

The initial period of breast augmentation recovery takes around one to two weeks, and after this point, you will be able to go back to work (as long as you don’t have a physically demanding job). As with all stages of your recovery, always check with Dr. Steinberg to know for sure.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

Soreness and some discomfort are normal after breast augmentation surgery. During your recovery, this soreness will be worse over the first few days. After this time, you’ll notice a gradual improvement in how you feel.

During the procedure itself, you of course will not feel anything because you’ll be under general anesthesia.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg

Recovering from breast augmentation requires time and patience, but it is overwhelmingly worth it for the vast majority of individuals. Whether you’ve always wanted new breasts or you’ve recently decided to take the plunge and learn more about this surgery, we’re here to guide you.

Call today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Steinberg. We can discuss breast augmentation, breast lift, or whatever breast surgery you are interested in. We look forward to hearing from you!