Breast Implant Surgery Recovery Guide and Timeline

Weeks 2 – 8

By week two, you should feel much more like yourself. Discomfort and soreness should be substantially reduced, and your surgeon may clear you to resume a more active schedule.

You may sleep on your side with your arm resting on a pillow in front of you, but do not allow your arm to put pressure on the side of the breasts. After six weeks you may resume sleep in any position that is comfortable.

NO exercise (both upper and lower body) for six weeks, unless otherwise advised by your surgeon.  Additionally, if you have children, ask your surgeon if it’s okay to pick them up before doing so.

For several weeks after surgery, your implants will seem to “ride high.”  As the pectoral muscle stretches out, the implants will settle, and the breast will assume a more natural shape.

Even though you’re feeling better and slowly returning to a normal schedule, it’s important to keep wearing your support bra or a sports bra to give your breasts extra support during this time.

At a Glance:

• Breasts will begin to soften.
• Chest aches may occur; this is normal after a few weeks of disuse.
• Patients can become more active but are still advised to avoid high-impact movements.

Two Months After Surgery

Within the first two months or so, your surgeon will let you know at what point it’s okay to stop wearing your support garment. In addition, once you have reached this point in your recovery, most surgeons will give you the green light to resume all of your normal activities, including having a full bath.

Make sure to get explicit permission from your surgeon before you resume vigorous workouts and strenuous activities. Doing these too soon can set back your recovery.

At a Glance:

• Your breasts will look more “normal,” but still not completely healed or settled.
• Breasts may look uneven, and nipples may still look uneven.
• Your surgeon will clear you to resume vigorous activity.

FAQs for Breast Implant Surgery Recovery

How long overall does it take to recover from breast augmentation?

Recovery differs from one patient to the next. However, in terms of resuming normal physical activity, most patients are able to go back to their normal lives within 6 weeks or so of surgery.

The breasts often take much longer than two months to look normal and feel natural, however. In many cases, it can take at least six months or more to have fully softened, natural-looking breasts. Your surgeon will tell you exactly what to expect during a consultation.

How long is bed rest after breast implants?

Total bed rest is NOT recommended— we want our patients to get up and walk throughout the day for a few minutes at a time while awake, but take lots of breaks, rest up and listen to your body.  It is strongly recommended to take at least one week off from work, even if you have a desk job. Usually, after a full week of rest, patients feel some of their energy return and can perform light activities.

What should you not do after breast augmentation?

First, you should refrain from entering any kind of still water, such as baths or swimming pools for at least 8 weeks post-surgery. This water can get into your incisions and cause problems or infections.

Second, you should not lift anything heavy or raise your arms above shoulder level during the early stages of recovery. This means no lifting grocery bags, heavy purses or children. Ask your surgeon before you attempt any kind of upper body activity. Generally, we recommend refraining from exerting any physical activity during the first six weeks of recovery.

Third, you should not worry about how your breasts look in the weeks following surgery. Trust the process and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. It takes several weeks at minimum for breasts to start to settle and start to look natural.

How do I take care of myself after breast augmentation?

The best thing you can do for yourself is have a support person staying with you during the early phases of recovery. You will feel some pain and discomfort during this time, and you will be limited in what you can and cannot do. Having a loved one there to help will make this time much easier.

Another important thing to do for yourself is to follow all of your aftercare instructions closely. Your surgeon knows exactly what you must do to recover well and achieve the best results possible, so listen to their expertise, and don’t push yourself to recover “ahead of schedule.”

What is the fastest way to recover from breast augmentation?

The fastest way to recover from breast augmentation is to give your body the rest and nourishment it needs. Surgery is an invasive procedure, and this means that your body needs ample time to recover completely. This is not the time to “tough it out.” Take your pain medications as prescribed, rest as much as you need to and eat nourishing, healthy foods as often as you are hungry for them. All of these things will help you recover well and stay on track to feeling great faster.

When can you return to normal activity?

Typically, surgeons will clear their patients to resume very light activity after a couple of weeks, as long as their recovery is progressing well. For normal or more strenuous activity, the time limit is usually around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Your surgeon will assess your progress during follow-up visits and let you know exactly when you are able to resume normal activities.

What are some do’s and don’ts after breast augmentation?

Do:

• Rest a lot.
• Eat well.
• Shower only, no baths or immersing the breasts under water.
• Rely on your support person.
• Wear your support garment all the time.
• Ask for help.

Don’t:

• Do too much too soon
• Worry that your breasts look “weird”
• Lift anything heavy
• Go back to work before at least a week of recovery
• Submerge in bath or pool water

When should my results settle/stabilize? When can I see the results of the breast augmentation?

Every patient’s case is unique. However, for most patients, results should start to look more natural after about two to three months, and they will feel soft, settled and normal by the six-month mark. It can take a bit longer for the final results to show, so be sure to ask your surgeon when you can expect to see the end result based on your recovery.

When will patients return to their normal lifestyle? How long does it take to feel normal after breast surgery?

Most patients start to feel normal after a week or two following surgery. By the end of the first month, most pain and discomfort should be gone. In many cases, surgeons will clear patients to return to their normal lives after about two months or so.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Can be Worth the Extra Care

Rushing through the healing process may seem hard to resist, but in this case, you’ll want to take your time and let your body heal at a safe pace during the recovery period.

Finally, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation will give you peace of mind and ensure you have the best possible care during your surgery and recovery. They will give you a breast augmentation recovery timeline that is tailored to you so that you know exactly what to expect.

More Resources:

• VIDEO: I Want New Breasts — What Will My Recovery Be Like?
• VIDEO: Swelling After Breast Augmentation: How Long Will It Last?