Recovery After Breast Augmentation

You should expect no significant bedrest after breast augmentation. Get up and walk.

We utilize rapid recovery methods for all our patients, and many of them do not need narcotic pain medications. In a year-long study, 70% of our breast augmentation patients did not require narcotic pain relief.  While the pain is moderate, it is typically managed effectively with arm motion, Tylenol, and ibuprofen. If narcotics are necessary, they are usually only needed for 1 to 2 days.

There will be either surgical tape or adhesive glue on the incision. You can leave it as is, and it will be removed in approximately three weeks. These materials are not meant to hold the incision together, as that is accomplished by internal sutures. Instead, the purpose of the tape or glue is to protect the scar. 

If the tape comes off early, you can either apply new tape or leave it alone. Once the tape is removed, apply scar cream to the incisions 1–2 times a day. Plan to use the scar cream for 2 to 6 months.

You can shower directly over the incision tape and breasts immediately. Any soaking should wait until  three weeks

For toddlers or children that need a lot of care, you will want assistance for a week after surgery.

You can return to light lifting with the arms and a good walk at one week. You may return to moderate lifting with the arms (10-15 lbs) and heavier lower body lifting by three weeks and full exercise at six weeks.

Office and desk work can be resumed right away. For most physical jobs you can return at 3 weeks.

It is safe to resume sexual activity by two to three weeks after breast augmentation with some caution. Caution with handling or pressure on the breasts for closer to four weeks.

Overaggressive activity can cause problems with healing. In the first week, we are primarily worried about bleeding and improper implant position.  Overdoing it could result in a hematoma and a second trip to the operating room. From weeks 1-6, we are more worried about the pectoral muscle and implant position. Overactivity of the muscle could cause muscle injury or implant displacement.

The breasts typically look good immediately after surgery but often a little "high and tight". They continue to soften and improve in feel and appearance over the next 2-3 months.

This is controversial. Those plastic surgeons who recommend massage do so to prevent capsular contracture. There is no evidence to support this claim and Dr. Yates no longer recommends it for routine cases. There are occasions where we will ask our patients to massage implants for specific indications such as capsular contracture and to help “push-down” a high implant.