Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to enhance your breast shape, and the recovery process is just as important as the surgery itself in achieving the desired results. Proper healing is essential for your best outcome, and Dr. Scott J Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, offers personalized guidance throughout recovery to ensure that patients heal effectively and reach their goals safely.
This guide outlines what to expect during each phase of recovery after breast augmentation surgery, from the immediate post-operative period to the final results a year later.
Tips for a Better Recovery After Breast Implant Surgery
- Prepare Your Recovery Space
Before surgery, set up a comfortable area at home with essentials like medications, water, snacks, and entertainment within easy reach. This will minimize movement and allow you to rest as much as possible during the first week.
- Sleep Comfortably
Sleep on your back with your upper body and breasts elevated to reduce swelling. Use pillows to keep your body supported if you don’t have a recliner. Elevation promotes healing and helps implants settle properly.
- Arrange Help for the First Few Days
After surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home and assist with daily tasks for a few days. Avoid lifting or reaching overhead to protect your incisions and implants.
- Eat Healthy Meals
A balanced diet will speed up your recovery. Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, seafood, and eggs, along with fruits and whole grains. Avoid salty foods, as they can increase swelling.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help your body heal. Adding lemon or orange slices can boost your vitamin C intake, which aids in tissue repair. Avoid alcohol, as it can interfere with your recovery.
- Avoid Smoking or Vaping
Smoking and vaping can delay healing and increase complications. Nicotine restricts blood flow, so it’s best to quit 6-8 weeks before and after surgery for optimal results.
- Get Plenty of Rest
Take at least two weeks off from work to let your body recover. Gentle walking is encouraged but avoid strenuous activity. Listen to your body and rest if you feel discomfort.
- Follow Post-Op Care Guidelines
Dr. Turner will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage pain. Following these guidelines will help you recover faster and avoid complications.
- Wear Your Compression Bra
A compression bra supports your breasts, reduces swelling, and helps with healing. Wear it full-time for 4-6 weeks, then switch to a sports bra during the day while continuing the compression garment at night.
Week 1: Immediate Post-Operative Recovery
The first week of recovery is critical as your body adjusts after surgery. After your breast augmentation, you’ll be monitored until the anesthesia wears off, and most patients go home the same day. It’s important to have someone drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You can expect mild to moderate pain, especially in the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are normal and will subside over the coming weeks. You’ll wear a surgical bra to support your breasts, and bandages will cover your incisions. Rest is crucial, so avoid heavy lifting and keep your upper body elevated to reduce swelling.
Week 2: Settling into Recovery
By the second week, most patients feel more comfortable, but it’s still important to follow Dr. Turner’s post-operative instructions. You’ll likely have a follow-up appointment to check your healing and change your surgical dressings. Pain should be much less by now, but you can continue taking medication if needed. Light walking is recommended to improve circulation but avoid strenuous exercise. Dr. Turner will guide you on caring for your incisions. Even if you feel ready, don’t rush back to work or other activities too soon.
Weeks 3-4: Resuming Normal Routine
By the third and fourth weeks, most patients can return to normal daily activities, including work. However, you should still avoid strenuous exercise and activities like lifting, pulling, or pushing. Your implants will start to settle, and swelling will reduce, though final results may take a few more weeks. As swelling decreases, you’ll see more of your breast shape. Light activities like walking are fine, but avoid exercises that engage chest muscles, like weightlifting or push-ups. Dr. Turner may suggest using silicone sheets or creams to help reduce scarring. Be patient, as your implants will continue to settle into a more natural shape.
Month 3: Adjusting to Your New Shape
Most of the swelling will have subsided, and your breast implants will start to feel softer and more natural. The results of your breast augmentation will be much more apparent. During this phase, you may resume regular exercise and physical activities, but it’s always best to consult Dr. Turner before engaging in anything too strenuous. Your implants should be settling into their final position, although subtle changes may still occur as your body continues to heal. Continue to monitor your incision sites and follow Dr. Turner’s advice for scar care and overall breast health.
Month 6: Mid-Term Healing
By the six-month mark, most patients feel fully recovered from their breast augmentation surgery. Most of the swelling will be gone, and your breasts will look and feel much more natural. Attend regular check-ups with Dr. Turner to ensure everything is progressing as expected. It’s important to monitor your breasts for any unusual changes in appearance, size, or texture. Your scars should continue to fade, though they may still be slightly visible. Dr. Turner will provide advice on ongoing scar management to help minimize their appearance further.
Month 12: Final Results
The implants will have fully settled, and any remaining swelling will have resolved, leaving you with your final results. At this stage, your breasts should feel soft. While scars may never completely disappear, they will have faded significantly and should continue to do so over time. Continue monitoring your breasts for any changes and keep up with annual follow-up appointments with Dr. Turner to ensure everything remains in good condition. Your breast augmentation results should be long-lasting, but it’s important to stay vigilant about your breast health.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
While complications after breast augmentation surgery are rare, it’s important to know when to contact Dr. Turner if you experience any of the following:
- Severe Pain: If your pain is unmanageable with prescribed medication or gets worse over time, contact your surgeon.
- Excessive Swelling or Bruising: While some swelling and bruising are normal, excessive swelling or uneven swelling may indicate a problem.
- Fever or Signs of Infection: Redness, warmth, or discharge around the incision sites could indicate an infection and should be addressed promptly.
- Sudden Changes in Breast Appearance: If you notice sudden changes in the size, shape, or position of your breasts, or if one breast feels significantly different from the other, contact your surgeon.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
- Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.
Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?
- A medical referral is now required for all medical and cosmetic surgery consultations with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia due to regulations set out by AHPRA
- Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.
Making The Most of Your Consultation
- Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
- You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.
How to Book Your Consultation
- You can book your initial consultation by paying the $450 consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
- Contact us or call 1300 437 758 or email us at enquiries@drturner.com.au to arrange your consultation in Sydney with Dr Turner.
