Breast augmentation is the most sought-after cosmetic procedure all over the world. Women have their breasts augmented for various reasons such as confidence boosts, correcting uneven breasts, or breast reduction.

Breast augmentation is a surgery performed to enlarge breast size by placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscle. The implant comprises a soft silicone shell filled with saline water solution or a gel. After the procedure, many patients do not know what happens after a breast augmentation procedure. Read on to find out more about the recovery process.

Recovery Time

Generally, recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks for most patients. Every woman’s body is unique, and the healing timeline varies from one person to another. The time it takes to recover from the procedure is influenced by:

• Your tolerance to pain
• The size of the implant
• The technique used
• Overall health and well being
• Aftercare
• Age
• Lifestyle factors
• Pre-existing medical condition(s)
• Tissue elasticity
• Whether there was an additional procedure performed alongside the surgery like a breast lift

Recovery Process

Post-Operation
After waking up from surgery, you may feel weak, groggy, and sore. These effects wear off in a few hours. Your breasts may feel firm and tight with mild swelling and bruising. To ease pain and discomfort, you will be given prescription medication.

Your surgeon may recommend a compression bandage or a sports bra to position and provide additional support for the implants as you heal. You will be given instructions on how to take care of the incision sites that day and in the coming days.

Doctors recommended waiting for 48 hours before taking a shower and 24 hours before consuming a large meal. Get adequate rest to help your body recover quickly.

The First Week
You will be the most uncomfortable for the first 3 to 5 days. For pain relief, you will need prescription medication or an injection.

After one week, you may be able to manage the pain and discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.

Avoid any strenuous activities like lifting, pulling, or pushing. You may resume light activities like walking, showering, and driving in 2 to 3 days. Do not soak in a hot tub for about four weeks until your incisions are fully healed.

Most patients can return to work after the first week, depending on their job type. Swelling and bruising should be mild. If you feel itchy or have a burning sensation, don’t panic as it is normal. Continue taking care of your incision scars as directed by your doctor. Scars fade with time but won’t disappear entirely.

Keep in touch with your doctor and report anything unusual. Inform your doctor if you are suddenly experiencing the following:

• The constant pressure that is worsening
• Softening or hardening of the implant
• Severe, persistent pain
• Prolonged bloating, constipation, and excess fatigue
• Fever
• Shortness of breath or chest pain

During the first week, you may feel a squishing sensation or a squeaking sound coming from your breast. This is entirely normal. It happens because a small amount of liquid surrounds the implant and is usually absorbed by the body within a few days after surgery. You must sleep on your back or side during recovery.

Next Few Weeks
Swelling and soreness will dissipate in the coming few weeks (3 to 5 weeks). Your breasts will appear fuller and more pronounced over the weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities or exercises such as horseback riding, bouncing, or running.

After eight weeks, your body will be near full recovery, depending on your recovery process.

Full Recovery After a breast augmentation procedure

Full recovery takes between 6 months to 1 year. You may feel an occasional burning sensation and swell for up to 6 months. The pain stops within a few months for most patients. However, some patients’ pain may persist throughout the first year.

Your breasts will begin to settle and assume their permanent position within the first year. Your breasts may feel unfamiliar and foreign at first, but you will get used to your new boobs after a few months.

Ensure you don’t miss any follow-up appointments so that your doctor can assess your recovery progress.

How Long Do Results Last?

Breast augmentation implants are designed to last 10 and 20 years, with most patients requiring 1 to 2 replacements in their lifetime. The technique used by your surgeon, the type of procedure used, a successful recovery process, and how you take care of your implants influence how long your breast augmentation will last.

To extend the longevity of your breast augmentation, avoid smoking and prolonged sun exposure. Consuming a healthy diet and always wearing a good bra helps keep your new breasts in good condition.

Hiring the services of Eastlake Cosmetic Surgery will give you the best results if you are considering a breast augmentation procedure.