Breast Augmentation and Lift Recovery

As with any surgical procedure, it is vital for patients to know what to expect when recovering from breast augmentation with lift surgery. Patients sometimes feel overwhelmed with regard to the recovery process and how long it will take. Others may not be aware of what it entails at all. 

Because of this, it is highly recommended that patients learn about breast augmentation and lift recovery week by week and the various stages so that they know what to expect and are prepared. Taking this approach allows patients to properly plan for the days ahead and ensure that there are no surprises down the line. 

BREAST IMPLANT WITH LIFT RECOVERY TIMELINE

While general information regarding a breast augmentation and lift recovery week by week can be easily found, many patients want to have a more concrete understanding of the recovery timeline and what each week will look like. This allows patients to take proper measures ahead of time to ensure that they have the smoothest recovery possible.

THE FIRST DAY AFTER SURGERY 

• Implants appear slightly high and compressed
• The breasts are incredibly firm
• Patients must wear an athletic bra at all times, except when taking a shower 
• Patients will receive pain medication to help them deal with any discomfort during this period 
• At this point, the nipples sit low on the breasts and point downward
• There is very minimal rounding at the sides or bottom of the breasts
• During this phase, breasts can resemble pecs. They usually have a squared look at the top, lack outward projection, and are lacking in fullness toward the bottom
• The breast bones may be swollen 
• There may be some moderate bruising

1 WEEK FOLLOWING THE SURGERY

• Swelling of the breast bone dissipates to the point that it’s almost nonexistent
• Bruising will go down
• At this point, the breasts still resemble pecks 
• Patients can sleep flat on their backs but must avoid lying on their sides 
• Implants are still high at this point but will start to project outward more 
• Breast tissue is still relatively tight 
• Nipples will still be in a low position 
• There will be some rounding on the bottom of the breasts but none on the sides
• Patients may notice an itching or burning sensation in their breasts, which is totally normal at this point in the healing process 
• After the first few days of recovery, patients can start taking walks. If they notice any discomfort they should stop right away and contact our office. 

2-3 WEEKS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH LIFT 

• While the nipples still hang low, they may begin to point upwards
• Bottom rounding increases, but the breasts are still much more rounded at the top
• There is little to no rounding at the sides 
• The implants will still sit high on the chest, but they will be more relaxed at this point (less compressed)
• Breasts are still firm but less tight. They will start to feel more comfortable 
• By this point, scar tissue will have formed around the implant capsule 
• Bruising is usually gone by this point 
• Patients may experience some shooting pain and irritation 
• Patients may notice some asymmetry in their breasts, but this will correct itself later on 
• Some patients may notice their implants dropping at this point 
• Patients will come in for an evaluation regarding bra guidelines  
• Patients can start engaging in more physical activities, such as light cardiovascular (walking, biking) and lower-body workouts. Anything that induces bouncing must be avoided during this time.

6-7 WEEKS FOLLOWING A BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH LIFT 

• The newly enlarged breasts start to look natural and sit in an aesthetically pleasing position 
• Breasts will start to feel softer, although the sides may still feel firm 
• Nipples slowly rise up to a better position at the center of the breasts 
• Breast rounding at the sides begins to develop 
• Patients may still notice some shooting pains, but they become less and less frequent over time 
• Patients may experience some soreness in their muscles as they start to use their chest and shoulder muscles more 
• One breast may still sit higher than the other, resulting in noticeable asymmetry 
• Patients will be assessed again for bra management 
• Patients can begin sleeping on their sides but must continue to avoid sleeping on their stomachs 
• Patients can start wearing bathing suits and other previously-forbidden articles of clothing 
• Incisions are usually fully healed by this point, meaning that patients can take a dip in a pool or a bath. That said, they should wait until the incisions have been fully closed for a week to ensure there is no risk of them reopening. 

8-9 WEEKS AFTER THE SURGERY 

• By this point, patients notice perceivable aesthetic improvements in their breasts
• Breasts feel much softer but are still not 100% settled
• Side rounding continues to improve 
• Bottom rounding becomes more noticeable 
• Nipples are in an improved position but will probably still be lower than their final placement 
• Bra management continues to be checked at every appointment 
• There may still be some slight asymmetry 
• If the healing process is going well, patients may be permitted to incorporate more vigorous exercises (running, jumping, etc) at this juncture

10-12 WEEKS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION

• By this point, patients are usually very happy with the way their breasts are looking. They may even be completely healed
• Swelling is almost completely dissipated, and breasts begin to get softer
• Nipples should be almost entirely centered
• Side rounding will be better but may take as long as 6 months to fully develop
• Bottom rounding is more perceivable at this point 
• Surgical tape can be removed from the incisions and scar gel treatment can be applied 
• Upper body exercises and even some heavy lifting will be acceptable at this point 

6 MONTHS AFTER THE PROCEDURE

• Breasts will be in their final position 
• Breasts are much softer to the touch 
• The rounding process has been completed, giving the breasts better definition all around 
• Scar gel should continue to be applied to the treatment areas if needed 
• Patients are recommended to start wearing underwire bras 
• Patients must continue to wear a sports bra when exercising 

WHY CHOOSE NEAMAN PLASTIC SURGERY?

Our team at Neaman Plastic Surgery includes some of the highest-rated surgeons in the country. They always take the proper time to ensure that patients are well-educated on the procedures they receive and what the recovery period will be like. At Neaman Plastic Surgery, we believe that keeping our patients informed is the best way to help them feel confident with the treatment process and achieve their desired look. Therefore, it’s important for us to make sure that our patients fully understand the different stages of breast augmentation and lift recovery week by week. And make sure to always listen to their individual concerns and curate treatment plans that will meet their cosmetic goals.