The recovery after a Breast Augmentation is usually
considered relatively easy. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis. We allow
our patients to shower starting the day after surgery. We recommend that they
do not have the water spray directly on any incisions but rather let soapy
water gently run over their incisions. There are no drains left in after a
breast augmentation. Most patients are able to return to work in 2-3 days. The
patient starts implant massages typically three or four days post op. These
massages are done several times per day for several weeks.
Patients are asked to restrain from a lot of physical
activity for the first couple of weeks. Then very gradually increased their
level of physical activity from week 2 to week 6 at which point they have no
restrictions. There is an upper extremity ten pound lifting restriction for six
weeks. Certainly at all times during the recovery it is reminded to patients that
if an activity hurts then to please not do it. Also, it is not uncommon to have
transient changes in nipple sensation where there is either hypersensitivity or
decreased sensitivity in the first few weeks after surgery. Should either case
arise it usually resolves on its own. Some ladies after surgery even notice
some swelling around their abdomen. This is most likely fluid from irrigation
at the time of surgery. This resolves in a few days.
Ladies generally inquire about what they can wear soon after
Breast Augmentation Surgery. It is recommend to wear a comfortable loose fitting shirt that buttons or
zips up the front on the day of surgery. This is also a comfortable item to
wear over a cami which we recommend after surgery until the first office visit.
We transition ladies to sports bras after that and then over time they are back
to wearing underwire bras. Many women choose a less structured bra with no wire
during this period due to sports bras limiting clothing options.
