Breast Augmentation Recovery Time Explained

Breast augmentation surgery is now the leading cosmetic plastic surgery performed in the world today. The procedure is comparatively simple for an invasive operation. Recovery from the surgery, though it takes some time, is less incapacitating than with some other surgeries. Be prepared for the recovery time it takes after your surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery is the most common of all cosmetic procedures. How long is the recovery time for this popular procedure? With modern advancements, Saline breast implants, of course, had been the only choice for breast augmentation surgery in the United States from 1992 to 2006.

Silicone Gel implants are the most controversial of implants. Women have made claims of connective tissue disorders (CTD) and silicone implants are believed by some to be the cause. However, the actual causes of CTD are yet unknown. In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration placed a moratorium on silicone-filled implants. However, in 2006, the FDA approved the use of silicone gel implants.

Now in its fifth generation, the silicone gel breast implant has a thicker, stronger out shell which helps reduce the possibility of rupture. Additionally, the silicone gel is thicker, more viscous and holds itself even upon rupture. This type of implant is in wide usage in the world today.

Silicone gel implants arrive to the surgical center pre-filled, unlike the saline implant. The newly approved silicone gel implants have three layers of coating to protect the body from silicone gel bleed and prevent ruptures. Due to the pre-filling of the implants, the incision required to insert the device must be larger than with saline implants. Like saline implants, the texture of the surface of saline gel implants may be textured or smooth and are available in different profiles.

Recovery Time

Recovery time after breast augmentation surgery is different for everyone due to the differences of our bodies. However, you may expect to experience quite a bit of discomfort for a few days to a few weeks after the procedure. Size and placement of the breast implants will determine level of discomfort. For example, larger implants will cause more discomfort. The most important thing is that you continue to take prescribed medications, particularly antibiotics, to ward off infection which can be serious. One of the leading causes of death in hospital is from infection. Be sure to keep your body strong after the procedures with plenty of rest, plenty of water and taking all of your prescribed medication. Exercise only as prescribed your surgeon.

Immediately after your surgery your breasts will appear swollen, misshapen, and high on your chest wall. The process of the breast tissue completely healing and the breasts taking on their permanent shape will take approximately six to eight weeks. Stitches will generally dissolve in about one week. However, swelling and bruising may continue for several weeks.

Your doctor will prescribe a compression bra or bandage. Immediately after surgery, compression bandages prevent the build up of fluids. The compression bandage / bra used over the first few weeks after surgery helps to keep the implants in place and helps speed recovery after breast augmentation surgery. These are critical to wear for the prescribed period of time to prevent the effect of rapid descent.

Tips to Reduce Pain

Your physician will prescribe pain medication for the days following the breast augmentation surgery. Use as prescribed. When the pain has subsided, you may wish to use ibupropin or another over the counter pain reliever. Warm showers will sometimes relieve mild pain. Ask your plastic surgeon when they would recommend that you can safely shower and bathe after surgery.

Recommended Exercises After Surgery

Very mild exercises are recommended for the weeks following breast augmentation surgery. As to be expected, the muscles of the upper torso will be swollen, sore and bruised. For exercise during these times, try a low impact leg workout or a sitting workout. It is important that you do not stretch the surgical area until proper healing has occurred. After about a month, you should be able to resume your normal exercise routine. Be sure to get clearance from your doctor prior to returning to exercise.

Returning to Regular Activities

Full breast augmentation surgery recovery will take at least a few months and will vary with each individual. It can be tempting to speed the process but if you do not follow directions you may interrupt the process and reduce the life expectancy of your new implants. You may return to regular activities, including your job, after about two weeks recovery time. Some women have reported a far quicker return to work, but again this varies greatly from one individual to another. Your plastic surgeon will provide details regarding using the muscles around your implants and how to minimize the chance of complications from returning to activities too soon.

With proper care and plenty of rest, your recovery time from breast augmentation surgery can be reduced. Yes, there is a very real temptation to rush the process, to wear the new exciting bras too soon. Be patient and be aware of the procedures. Rushing the process can delay healing and even damage the results. If you respect the process during this time you will increase your satisfaction with the procedure over a longer period of time.