Getting breast implants/a breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. The risk of complication is low and the recovery period is typically straightforward.
If you’re considering a breast augmentation, what can you expect from recovery? Here is what the typical recovery period is like for patients that get breast implants.
Recovering From a Breast Augmentation
Recovering from a breast augmentation is relatively easy, there are just a few things to keep in mind.
Immediately Following Surgery
Since you’ll be coming out of anesthesia and will be on pain medication, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours. We cannot let patients drive themselves home following surgery.
Regarding medication, you will be on narcotic pain medicine for around 2 days following the surgery and NSAIDs (Motrin, Advil) are recommended for any pain after this time. You will be able to drive once you have stopped taking narcotics. Plan to take 2-3 days off of work and other responsibilities after your surgery. You will need this time to rest and recover.
Dr. Ortiz will send you home with instructions for changing bandages, cleaning incision sites, showering, and other post-op activities. He will also send you home with a prescription for pain medicine. Pain medication is not dispensed or held by North Raleigh Plastic Surgery.
Complications from breast augmentations are extremely rare, with the most common being infection of the incision site. Dr. Ortiz will discuss how to minimize the risk of infection during your consultations but if you think your incisions may be infected, call us immediately.
To lower your risk of infection, avoid taking baths, swimming, or using hot tubs for the first two weeks post surgery. You’ll be able to shower the day after your surgery.
You’ll have a post-op appointment with Dr. Ortiz approximately one week after surgery.
Up to Six Weeks After Surgery
Expect soreness, tenderness, and sensitivity during recovery, especially during the first six weeks post-op.
For six weeks following your breast augmentation, you will wear a compression garment (included in the cost of breast augmentation surgery). This helps hold the implants in place while you heal. At your pre-op consultation, Dr. Ortiz will discuss the type of bra that will be best for you to wear during your recovery.
You will not be able to exercise or do any heavy lifting and should sleep on your back or side during this time.
You’ll have a post-op appointment with Dr. Ortiz approximately two months after surgery. At this appointment, he will give you clearance to begin exercising again, if you are ready.
2+ Months Following Surgery
Around the six week/two month mark, the pain and tenderness should be gone. If your implants are still “riding high” on your chest at this time, it is completely normal. Around three months post-op, your breast implants should “drop” and settle into place.
You’ll have your final post-op appointment at the six month mark.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today!
If you’re ready to take the next step toward getting the figure you’ve always wanted, call us at (919) 532-2270 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your breast augmentation consultation today!
