Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase the size of the breasts. While it is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in Australia, anyone considering it must understand that it is a significant operation performed under general anaesthesia. And, it requires patience to follow after-care instructions carefully. Knowledge of the recovery timeline is also essential, as being well-informed supports a smooth recovery and helps avoid post-operative complications.
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, it pays to be prepared. While the most difficult part of recovery is over within a week or two, most people take six weeks to return to most of their activities. It’s important that you be patient and don’t rush things, as it may take up to 3 months for you to recuperate fully, and it may take even longer before your breasts settle in their final position.
Below is a timeline to help you understand what you can expect at each stage of your recovery.
Week one: (immediate post-operative period)
Our clinic will provide you with after-care instructions, along with other essentials such as pain medication, antibiotics, waterproof dressing and a surgical bra. It’s important that you only take the medication prescribed and avoid other medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Your first week will be the least mobile and will likely be the most uncomfortable. You must arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 hours. It is also highly recommended that you have someone at home with you to help with daily activities during the first week.
You may still feel sleepy from the anaesthetic and may need to take pain medication for the first few days. Avoid lifting your arms above your head and try to keep your elbows close to your sides. Also, avoid all activities that strain the chest wall, such as carrying or lifting items.
Be prepared for the surgical area to be swollen, bruised and tight. There may be drains in place to remove excess fluid. Your breasts may feel unnaturally firm at first, but this sensation will slowly change as swelling subsides and the body heals. Your nipples may feel numb or be unusually sensitive. These effects vary between patients and typically lessen over time.
When in bed, elevate your upper body by placing a wedge-shaped pillow under your back. This provides a steady incline that helps reduce swelling while also supporting your back and neck.
Rest often and give your body a chance to heal, but take short walks around the house to encourage circulation.
Make sure you wear your compression garment at all times for at least the first two weeks. (After this time, you can move to a comfortable sports bra, but avoid any underwire bras as this can disrupt healing). Your compression garment will improve blood circulation, help prevent swelling and encourage healing.
You can consider recommencing driving after one week, but only if you feel confident. Keep in mind that you will have to open and close the car door, turn the steering wheel, and look behind your shoulder.
You may shower at home, but avoid wetting the surgical area, which will still be covered with dressings. (These will be removed after your first post-operative appointment). Ideally, use a removable showerhead to bathe the lower half of your body for the first week. Use a sponge or face washer to clean the top half of your body, avoiding the dressing area.
You will be required to return to the clinic on days 5 to 7 so that Dr Attalla can inspect the surgical site to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
Week 2 – 3 (early recovery period)
During the second and third week, you’ll start to feel more comfortable and may be able to return to daily activities. You’ll still need to wear your compression garment, and you may need to take pain medication from time to time.
There will still be some pain and discomfort, but this should be less severe than during the first week. Swelling and bruising will also start to subside.
Remember that week 2 is still early days, so rest often and strictly avoid any lifting or straining.
You can gradually increase your walking time. If desired, you may take short treadmill walks, but gym workouts should be avoided. Avoid housekeeping chores such as vacuuming, making beds, packing the dishwasher, gardening, etc until three weeks have passed.
Weeks 4-6 (mid-recovery period)
You should start to feel more like yourself at this stage, while also seeing significant improvements in your healing. Although there may be some mild discomfort, most of the bruising and swelling should have passed. Your breasts will start to feel and look a little softer, and your scars will begin to fade and flatten.
By this stage, you will likely be able to return to work (depending on your profession and assuming it does not involve high-impact activities). You may be able to do light exercise activities such as walking on a treadmill or gentle cycling.
Weeks 7 – 12 (late recovery period)
After six weeks, you should be able to perform daily activities. Most of the swelling and bruising should have passed, your scars will continue to fade, and your breasts will settle more closely into their final position.
Important considerations
How to care for breast augmentation scars
It’s essential that you take good care of your scars to promote healing and minimise their appearance. While you will never be able to limit scars, it is possible to minimise their appearance in the following ways:
- Avoid smoking, as this impairs healing
- Avoid sun exposure as UV rays can intensify the appearance of scars
- Massage the scar regularly with vitamin E oil or a moisturiser
- Apply scar treatments such as silicone sheets
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
The importance of your compression garment
After your procedure, you’ll be given a surgical bra to wear, which will act as a compression garment. This plays a vital role in the healing process, helping in the following ways:
Reduce swelling: Your surgical bra will help reduce post-operative swelling and fluid accumulation. The gentle, uniform pressure provided will encourage the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid efficiently, preventing uncomfortable swelling and speeding healing.
Improve comfort: Your surgical bra is designed to be gentle on your incision sites, making your recovery more comfortable in the early stages.
Minimise bruising: Surgery can disrupt small blood vessels beneath the skin and within the breast tissue, often leading to bruising in the surrounding tissues. The consistent pressure provided by your surgical bra helps reduce blood accumulation and limit bruising, contributing to a more efficient recovery.
Stabilising the implant: Your surgical bra will support the breast and keep your implants securely in place while your body heals. Over time, your body forms a protective fibrous capsule, which can help secure the implant in place.
Encourage healing: By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, your surgical bra supports a faster recovery following breast augmentation. The gentle pressure will also help guide the surrounding tissues into their optimal position around the implants.
Prevent sagging (ptosis): During the early phases of healing, dissolvable sutures hold the breast tissue in its new shape. This is gradually replaced by the body’s own tissue. Therefore, having additional support from the surgical bra is vital in attaining a stable and optimal breast shape.
Returning to work
As an approximate guide, women with sedentary jobs can usually return to work after 2 weeks. Women who work in hospitality or are on their feet most of the time, may resume work after approximate 4 weeks, provided they feel comfortable doing so. Those with active jobs involving heavy lifting must wait 6 weeks before returning to work.
Staying healthy
It’s important to give your body the best chance of optimal recovery by adhering to a healthy diet, staying hydrated and avoiding smoking.
Eating nutritious foods can help promote your body’s healing process. Try to include healthy fats, lean proteins and fruit and vegetables to get a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients daily.
Water helps your body flush out toxins, keep your skin healthy and reduce swelling. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Keep in mind that alcohol can dehydrate your body, interfere with medications and even cause other healing complications, so avoid alcohol as much as possible during this time.
Smoking can significantly delay your healing process, as it restricts blood flow and reduces the body’s ability to heal wounds. If you are a smoker, you must quit for several weeks before surgery and continue avoiding smoking throughout your recovery period. If you’re finding it difficult to quit, please talk honestly to Dr Attalla about this.
Flying after breast augmentation surgery
Flying immediately after breast augmentation surgery is not recommended, mainly due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis and complications from cabin pressure. It is recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks for short-haul flights and 4 to 6 weeks for long-haul flights. Importantly, if you’ve recently had surgery, only fly if you have received clearance from Dr Attalla.
Long periods of immobility increase the risk of blood clots. To counteract this while flying, take short walks around the cabin every hour, move your legs and ankles when possible, and stay hydrated.
Do not lift or pull heavy bags as this can strain incisions and compromise surgical results. You should wear your postsurgical bra or compression garment while flying for support and comfort.
Warning signs to watch for after surgery
If you experience any of the following signs after surgery, please get in touch with the clinic immediately.
Signs of infection: Fever (over 38 degrees C), chills, widespread redness, skin that is hot to the touch, severe or worsening pain or foul-smelling discharge from the incision site.
Haematoma (sudden bleeding): Sudden, significant swelling of one breast that becomes hard, tense and painful, often accompanied by severe bruising
Serious systemic symptoms: Lightheadedness, dizziness, trouble breathing, nausea/vomiting or pain in the legs
Skin changes/necrosis: Areas of the skin on the breast turning dark blue or black, or the development of open wounds or scabs.
Persistent or one-sided pain: Pain that does not improve with medication, or intense, lasting pain in only one breast.
