When considering breast augmentation, people usually have their results in mind, not their recovery. If you decide to get a breast augmentation, make sure to discuss all aspects of your recovery during your consultation, so you know what to expect.
How Does Breast Augmentation Work?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, places an implant into the breasts to make them larger, more symmetrical, or more shapely. While most women probably go for the procedure for larger breasts, asymmetry isn’t uncommon, and breast augmentation can correct it without losing any breast volume.
Breast implants come in saline and silicone forms. Both give people excellent results, although silicone implants often provide a more natural appearance, while saline implants look more bold and defined. Implants come in a range of shapes as well as sizes. Some people prefer softer implants with a more natural feel, while others would like their implants to make their breasts project out more noticeably. Whatever you would like your breasts to look like, your surgeon probably has an implant that can help achieve it.
How Long is Recovery from Breast Augmentation?
As a surgical procedure, breast augmentation will have recovery time. You will want someone to stay with you for the first day or two after surgery since you will probably feel very sore during those few days. You can expect to spend at least a week recovering before you can return to any of your usual activities. You will have some pain and swelling after surgery that may take a few weeks to go away completely. You’ll be given a special recovery bra and instructions for how to keep your breasts bandaged while they heal.
After surgery, your doctor will instruct you to inform them if you see any of these unusual but possible side effects:
- Excessive bleeding
- An unusual amount of pain
- A lot of drainage from the incision
- Any sign of a fever or increasing swelling
Most people will recover and return to their regular routine within a few weeks, and your breast implants shouldn’t need a replacement for at least ten to fifteen years.
Is Recovery Longer if You Have a Breast Lift?
If you have sagging or loose breasts, an augmentation alone will not give you the results you want. Implants can’t correct loose skin or lift breasts that have sagged. A breast lift uses an incision around the areola and under the breast to remove excess skin and lift the breast tissue. If placing implants, the surgeon will also take this opportunity to create a pocket for the implant to rest in.
Because this surgery involves larger incisions, you may feel more soreness after surgery and may need more time to heal. You will have more stitches with a breast lift, and the surgeon will have to remove loose skin, making this a more intensive procedure. Expect to spend a few extra days recovering before resuming any of your usual activities.
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