Recovery is an essential part of any surgical procedure, and breast augmentation is no exception. This blog discusses breast augmentation recovery in detail, covering taking time off work, expected pain levels, and when the breasts feel normal.
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Recovering From Breast Augmentation
If you have a breast augmentation procedure planned on the horizon, it can be exciting to look forward to your new enhanced breasts. However, before you can enjoy showing off your fuller chest by wearing a bikini on the beach, you’ll need to finish recovering from breast augmentation. For some patients, the idea of recovering from surgery can be nerve-wracking. However, it is important to provide yourself with as much information as possible about the healing process to ensure that you are well prepared and have a smooth recovery.
How Long Do You Need to Take Off Work for Breast Augmentation Recovery?
When discussing recovery, it is important to understand that everyone’s body is unique and will heal at a different rate. That being said, there are general guidelines of what to expect during each stage of the recovery process. Many patients with desk jobs or similar work can go back to work after staying home for one to two weeks. Patients with more physically intense jobs will likely need to take off work longer to ensure their bodies are ready for more strenuous movements. It is typically best to take more days off work and other daily responsibilities than you anticipate so you don’t push yourself too fast too soon after surgery.
Most patients are instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy items for four to six weeks. This is essential, as you don’t want to re-open your incision sites or shift your implants. Your surgeon will let you know how much downtime is necessary for your particular procedure and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
Since every breast augmentation procedure is tailored to the individual, it is essential to always refer back to your surgeon’s instructions on your recovery timeline and activity restrictions. The amount of time you’ll need to take off work will depend on the nature of your job, the specific details of your breast augmentation surgery, implant placement, and your body’s healing process.
How Painful Is Breast Augmentation Recovery?
A common concern for breast augmentation patients is managing pain during recovery. Patients can expect to start to feel some pain and discomfort once their anesthesia wears off after surgery. The height of the discomfort is usually experienced within the first few days of recovery, after which the pain will subside. Your surgeon may prescribe you pain medications to manage discomfort during this initial recovery stage.
Swelling and bruising can also be expected during recovery. Much of the swelling will begin to subside after the first week and continue to decrease throughout the healing process. However, patients may experience some residual swelling for a few months after surgery.
When Will Breasts Feel Normal After Breast Augmentation?
It will take some time before your newly augmented breasts feel normal again. Immediately after surgery and throughout most of the recovery, your breasts will rest at a higher position on the chest because the implants need time to fully settle into their position. Breast implants need to complete the “drop and fluff” process, which refers to the implants dropping into a natural-looking position and fluffing out to make the breasts appear fuller. The implants typically “drop and fluff” around three to six months after the procedure.
Want to Know More About Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CA?
The Coastal Plastic Surgeons team is ready to help answer your breast augmentation recovery questions and provide more information about the procedure. If you’re looking to schedule a consultation, call (858) 365-3558 or fill out our online contact form today.