10 Best Tips for Breast Augmentation Recovery

We are constantly exposed to media that features large, perfectly shaped breasts. If you are already self-conscious about small or asymmetrical breasts, this can make you even more aware of them. Breast augmentation gives you fuller, more shapely breasts that increase your confidence. Recovery from this procedure may not take as long as you think, but planning can make it go faster. 

*Individual Results May Vary

What is Breast Augmentation?

When most people think of breast augmentation, they think of breast implants. While most augmentation procedures use breast implants, a natural breast augmentation uses your own fat. With this method, fat is transferred from another area of your body, such as your abdomen, hips, or thighs. Using your own fat is a natural way to enhance your breasts without breast implant surgery. Whether you choose breast implants or fat transfer, both of these breast augmentation procedures can improve your breasts’ shape, appearance, and volume. Your plastic surgeon can recommend what’s best for you based on your needs and goals. A breast augmentation can be performed alone or with other procedures such as a breast lift. 

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast augmentation surgery can be performed in many ways. Two common forms are periareolar and inframammary procedures. A periareolar procedure uses an incision along the edge of the areola to place an implant. The inframammary procedure uses an incision in the crease under the breast. Your surgeon can also place the implant through incision sites in your underarm (transaxillary) or belly button (transumbilical). We offer all of these options at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA.

The California Breast Lift® is a form of natural breast augmentation that uses your fat to enhance your breasts. Fat is collected using liposuction, then purified and strategically injected into the breasts to increase shape, lift, and symmetry. This body contouring option offers more than one benefit, as it removes fat from an unwanted area and places it where you would rather have it!

10 Tips for a Quick Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation recovery tips require you to rest and take care of yourself. One of the best ways to avoid complications during post-op recovery is to avoid overdoing it after surgery. Additionally, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding aftercare closely. With that in mind, these helpful tips can make your breast augmentation recovery as comfortable and easy as possible: 

1. Healthy Food Prep

Your body needs nutrition to heal after your procedure, but you may not feel much like cooking a healthy meal. Preparing and freezing nutritious meals to last you for several days ahead of your surgery can help the healing process and ensure your body gets the fuel it needs without you having to cook. 

2. Choose Your Clothes Wisely

After surgery, during the recovery process, you may be unable to raise your arms high enough to pull tops over your head. Tops that button or zip in the front will be easier to put on and take off. Choose clothing that fits comfortably but not tightly. After all, you’ll want to be comfortable while you rest. 

3. Arrange For Help At Home

It can be easy to assume you will be able to handle your regular responsibilities after your breast augmentation. However, pushing yourself too hard can affect your incision care, keep your body from healing properly, and cause complications. Arrange for help, especially with physical tasks like heavy lifting and household chores like laundry, until you have recovered. 

4. Rest Through Recovery

If you feel exhausted during your recovery, you may be pushing yourself too hard. You should expect to spend a lot of your time resting during the first few days after your breast augmentation recovery timeline. Choose a few movies, TV shows, or books that you can enjoy during recovery. And don’t worry, the time goes by quickly for most patients! You can typically expect to get your energy back and feel like yourself again within a week of the healing process. 

5. Keep Moving

Your plastic surgeon will likely instruct you to start getting up and walking around soon after your procedure as part of your recovery process. Moving around will promote good circulation and keep your muscles from getting stiff. Make sure to walk around several times each day if instructed by your surgeon.  

6. Sleep on Your Back

Sleeping on your back is important for post-op recovery and stability. Sleeping in this position helps prevent pressure on your chest, which reduces swelling and discomfort. Moreover, it also protects the incisions from strain and irritation after surgery.

When sleeping on your back, try to keep your body slightly elevated to improve blood circulation and promote faster breast augmentation recovery. 

7. Reduce Swelling Naturally

To reduce swelling after breast augmentation, apply cold compression during the first few days after surgery. This will reduce inflammation and also support faster healing. Additionally, staying well-hydrated and consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and turmeric, also aids in a faster breast implant recovery process. You should also avoid consuming salty foods to prevent excess fluid retention and promote better blood circulation. 

8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

If you want a quick recovery, you must avoid smoking and alcohol at all costs. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen supply throughout the body. This slows down the healing process and also increases the chances of infections. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a blood thinner, which increases bruising and swelling. It may also interact negatively with the prescribed pain medication. 

9. Keep Incisions Clean and Dry

Keeping your incisions clean and dry after breast augmentation surgery will help prevent infection and promote proper healing. If moisture or bacteria are trapped in the area, there is a high risk of delayed healing, as well as other complications. To keep the area clean and dry, follow your surgeon’s post-operation instructions and use the prescribed cleaning solutions. 

10. Attend Follow-Up Visits

Attending follow-up appointments after the breast augmentation surgery is important. In these follow-ups, the surgeon and other caregivers monitor your healing progress to ensure the best results. During these visits, your surgeon will assess the healing of your incision and the overall recovery. They will also guide you through any additional care instructions and advise you when it is the right time to resume a normal life.

Which Type of Breast Augmentation Should I Get?

Only a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine which type of breast augmentation is right for you. Choosing between a procedure with saline or silicone breast implants and a California Breast Lift® depends on several factors, including:

• The amount of volume you want to add
• The location of the incision
• Your preference for or against implants
• Your goals and expectations

A California Breast Lift® is an excellent option for those seeking results that look and feel natural. You never have to worry about a rupture or other implant problem with no implants. However, a breast augmentation with implants may be better if you would like a more significant volume increase. There are pros and cons to every option, and discussing those during a consultation can help you feel confident about the right decision for you. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you are a healthy adult with realistic goals. Good candidates want to achieve shapely, symmetrical breasts. Candidates for a California Breast Lift® must have enough body fat for their surgeon to use liposuction. You should not have breast augmentation if you have certain health problems or are pregnant. Your surgeon will review your health history and let you know if you are a good candidate and which procedure is best for you.

Start Your Breast Augmentation Journey

As soon as you step into our Newport Beach office, our welcoming staff will carefully listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment journey. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery will be happy to discuss your cosmetic goals, review the pros and cons of the treatment you are considering, and create a personalized treatment plan that will deliver the best outcome for you. 

To learn more about the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 617-1168 or by filling out the consultation request form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It typically takes around six to eight weeks to recover from breast augmentation surgery. For a quicker and complication-free recovery, follow the post-surgery advice given by your surgeon and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Also, before you resume your normal activities or start working out again, you must seek the advice of your surgeon. Doing so will help you avoid strain and infection-related complications. 

What are the best bras to wear after breast augmentation?

As a general rule, it is essential to wear a supportive and comfortable bra made from breathable fabric. Moreover, you should avoid bras, such as push-up bras, that are uncomfortable to wear. If you have doubts, you can also seek advice from your caregiver on the type of surgical bra that you must wear after the breast augmentation surgery. 

How can I reduce swelling after breast augmentation?

If you are experiencing swelling after breast augmentation surgery, apply cold compression to the affected areas to find relief. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce swelling. Moreover, stay away from alcohol and smoking to avoid any complications post-surgery. Following these points will help you heal faster. 

What should I avoid during breast augmentation recovery?

For a quicker recovery, you must avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and running, during your post-op recovery. Also, you must stay away from alcohol and smoking and keep the incision clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, sleeping on your back and getting ample rest will also help with a faster recovery. 

When can I return to work after breast augmentation surgery?

If you have a desk job, you can return to work after a few days post-surgery. But if your job requires a lot of physical activity and is labor-intensive, you may have to rest longer. The more you rest, the faster recovery after breast augmentation will be. Also, before you start work, it is best to seek advice from your plastic surgeon about the dos and don’ts to ensure safety and avoid unwanted complications.