Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
If you're considering breast implants, you might be asking yourself, "What is the recovery process like after breast augmentation?" You're smart to want all the facts on this surgery, including the healing process. Although individual patient results vary, our Fort Worth plastic surgeon has put together this recovery timeline as a guide.
Immediately After the Surgery
Breast augmentation is usually performed in our outpatient surgery center in Southlake under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about an hour and most women will be ready to go home an hour later. When you wake up after the surgery, your breasts will be covered with gauze. You may have drainage tubes, which will be removed in a few days. You may be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical bra to wear as you heal.
The First Few Days
The first 24 to 48 hours are called the "post-surgical recovery period." You will probably feel tired and sore, and you should rest as much as needed. You may feel a tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to the implants. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve discomfort. It's also common to have diminished feeling or sensation in your breasts and nipples during this early recovery period. To help reduce swelling and provide gentle support as you heal, you may be instructed to wear a surgical bra or compression bandage. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days after the surgery.
The Next Few Weeks
You can expect soreness and swelling for a few weeks and your breasts may be sensitive to the touch for a month or longer. You should avoid heavy lifting or other strenuous activities that require extensive use of your arms and chest for up to six weeks. You should also avoid activities or exercises that could raise your pulse and blood pressure. Over time, the swelling will subside and the scars will fade.
Possible Complications
Like all surgical procedures, breast augmentation carries risks and can result in complications, such as bleeding and infection. Problems with the size or shape of the implants could also arise. Implants can also rupture and leak. We will discuss all possible surgical outcomes and answer all your questions before you undergo surgery.
If you develop a fever, notice a significant change in the shape or size of your implants, or notice significant swelling or redness, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
High Satisfaction Rate
A recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that 98 percent of women who underwent a breast augmentation were happy with the results. This high satisfaction rate is one of the reasons it remains the most popular types of plastic surgery in the United States. Although breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, breast augmentation can give you a more feminine, shapely figure that will improve your self-confidence for years to come.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
Our philosophy on breast augmentation includes the concept of bio-dimensional analysis - implanting the right size and shape that will best suit your body. Our job is to make you feel happy and confident when you look in the mirror. If you would like to know more about breast augmentation, we invite you schedule a consultation today.
