Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline: What To Expect

Breast augmentation is one of the most common operations I perform at my Columbus, Ohio, plastic surgery practice. It’s also one that leaves patients the happiest afterward. While the weeks leading up to surgery are important as we guide you through the consultation and preoperative phase, many patients also have questions about the recovery process.

In this blog post, I’ll cover what to expect from the day of surgery through the final results around 6 months later. I’ll touch on important milestones along the way, as well as the special instructions we provide at Aesthetica Surgery & Spa for the best possible outcome and recovery.

Day of Surgery

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous (and excited!) on the day of surgery. You’ll be asked to arrive about an hour before your scheduled surgery time. After checking in at the front desk, you’ll be taken to the pre-op area to change into your hospital gown and get your IV started.

Feeling anxious is understandable—after all, the operating room is outside your comfort zone. But it’s my happy place! I’ll meet with you before surgery to ease your nerves, complete the final paperwork, and make sure you’re comfortable. The anesthesia team will give you medicine to help you relax if needed, and you likely won’t remember much after you start heading to the operating room.

The surgery itself takes about an hour. You’ll wake up gradually in the recovery area, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. During this time, it’s normal to feel mild discomfort and tightness. This is partly due to the 2 Ace wraps and surgery bra you’ll be wearing. Your ride will take you home to rest once you’re discharged from the surgery center. Most patients sleep for the entire afternoon, then wake up for a light dinner before going back to sleep for the night.

That evening, I’ll call to check in with you, answer any questions, and confirm the time of your office visit the next day.

Post-Op Day 1

The first morning after surgery is often the most uncomfortable, so I recommend taking ibuprofen as instructed in your post-op handbook as soon as you get up. We also encourage you to get moving a little and eat something, which will help ease the tightness.

You’ll come into the office for your first post-op visit that day. Don’t forget to bring your blue lunchbox/swag bag, which includes your post-op sports bras and handbook. At this visit, we’ll unwrap you for the first big reveal. It’s always exciting to get a glimpse of “the girls,” but remember, you’ll still be a little swollen.

We use some funny terms at this stage—like “torpedo tits!” We’ll give you instructions on how to wrap yourself for the next week, and then you’ll go home to rest. While at home, you can do activities that don’t involve moving your arms too much—what we call “dinosaur arms,” like a T-Rex! Typing on your computer or using the remote to change TV channels is fine.

During the first week, the tight feeling will ease, and any discomfort should be manageable with ibuprofen or a small amount of Percocet. Every day will get a little better.

Week 1: First Follow-Up Visit

At your 1-week follow-up, we’ll go over the instructions in your handbook and give you personalized guidance on which bra to wear and how much activity you can do. The best news? The dinosaur arms phase is over, and you can raise your arms over your head. It’s SO much easier to wash your hair now!

Remember that restrictions on high-impact cardio are still in place for the entire 3 weeks, but you can start doing light cardio on a spin bike.

Week 2: Feeling Like Yourself Again

During the second week, you’ll likely feel almost back to normal. Sleeping on your back or side will become more comfortable (still no stomach sleeping just yet!). At this visit, we’ll also discuss a perk you’re eligible for—the gel reward: either BOTOX® Cosmetic or JUVÉDERM®. Our expert, Monica, will walk you through the process.

Week 6: Major Milestones

The 6-week mark is a big milestone. We’ll go over long-term care for your implants, including wearing a supportive bra most of the time—even to bed. Gravity is our enemy, and wearing a bra helps keep your implants in place. You’ll also have your first post-op photos taken at this visit. It’s so fun to see the difference!

While most of the swelling (about 90%) will be gone by now, it can take a few more months for the implants to settle fully. During this time, you’ll also feel more confident doing all types of activities, even activities like mountain biking or water sports.

6 Months: Final Follow-Up

At your 6-month follow-up, you should be fully healed. We’ll check your scars, answer any final questions, and discuss how your implants are settling. It’s important to keep wearing a supportive bra for the long term to help maintain your results. Of course, it’s fine to go without one when wearing a swimsuit or a sundress. But most of the time, wearing a bra will help keep everything in the right place.

Breast Wishes: Ready To Take the Next Step?

I hope this blog helps you feel more prepared for your breast augmentation journey. The guidelines I’ve shared have been fine-tuned over my 28 years of practice and even tweaked after my own experience with 3 breast augmentations—a story for another blog! If you have any questions or are ready to explore your options, I invite you to call our office today at (614) 569-2649 or request a consultation.